Martial Arts Crossover: My Wife is the Top Scholar

Chapter 440 Ambush from Ten Sides: Qianlong's Deadly Tactic!

Wu Sidao is a human, not an immortal. No matter how much he calculates the heavens and the earth, there are always things he cannot predict.

Wu Sidao's chess skills are impressive; even Chu Liuxiang couldn't help but become engrossed in them. But among all things in the world, there are some people who are born outside the game of chess.

Lu Xiaofeng is that kind of person.

It is said that there is a special kind of bird in the world that has no feet and flies all its life. Lu Xiaofeng is such a bird, and nothing can bind him.

How could a phoenix, born to soar through the heavens, be bound by a game of chess? I don't know how to play chess, and I certainly won't let other people's rules restrict my own actions.

Wanyan Honglie possessed a thousand ingenious schemes, creating countless deceptive illusions that could fool Cao Xiong and Cao Yu, lead to the death of Ao Fei, and turn Ouyang Feng into a tool.

However, no one could hide it from Lu Xiaofeng!

Just like Li Zhaoting's verbal sparring with Yang Xiao and Cao Xiong, figure out who the enemy is before you waste your time!
Lu Xiaofeng's real goal for this Guandong Martial Arts Conference is only one thing: the Sticky Pole Office.

To be precise, the enemy was a highly skilled imperial guard.

What are the many conflicts within the Wanyan clan, the many schemes of Wanyan Honglie, and what is their connection to Lu Xiaofeng?
Whether Wanyan is alive or dead, whether she wins or loses, is a question that Wanyan Honglie should consider. If Lu Xiaofeng happens to encounter her, he might take a look out of curiosity. But expecting Lu Xiaofeng to investigate in detail is wishful thinking; Lu Xiaofeng is not that idle.

Lu Xiaofeng found the "real deal".

One of the strongest counter-attacks at the stick position.

The Changbai Sect, the most powerful righteous sect in the Qing Dynasty.

As you can tell from the name, the "Changbai Sect" is located in Changbai Mountain, where ginseng and lingzhi mushrooms grow everywhere. Thanks to the abundance of natural treasures, most of its disciples live very long lives.

The longer one lives, the deeper one's skills become.

The Changbai School has two strongest masters.

One of them is the Supreme Elder, known as the "Immortal of Immortality," who is as famous as Wuxiang of Shaolin and Yinping of Wudang Iron Cavalry. He is proficient in the Divine Skill of Immortality, with white hair and a youthful face, like an immortal.

One of them is Elder Protector Fan Dengfeng. His swordsmanship is swift and ruthless. Twenty years ago, he was defeated by Ling Juebi, the master of Dragon Manor. He was determined to take revenge and spent twenty years cultivating in seclusion at Changbai Sect. His skills are profound and his swordsmanship is like a demon.

"You two, this road is blocked! Disciples of the Changbai Sect may pass, but you two are not permitted to proceed!"

I am not an unreasonable or domineering person.

You have two choices.

First, we can sit down and discuss philosophy, enjoy the beautiful scenery, eat some braised meat, and drink some wine.

Secondly, you might try to break through my defenses, but I don't recommend that you do that, especially Mr. Fan.

Lu Xiaofeng stroked his mustache lightly, holding an oil paper package in his left hand containing braised beef.

Fan Dengfeng sneered: "What a joke! How can a swordsman sit down and drink quietly when he encounters Lu Xiaofeng with four eyebrows? I can't hold back anymore!"

Lu Xiaofeng has an unparalleled and deep-rooted attraction for swordsmen. For a swordsman to meet Lu Xiaofeng is like a gambler meeting dice, or a gourmand meeting the God of Cookery.

Even if faced with hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, raging floods, upside-down worlds, or the end of the world, one must still stab with a sword and test Lu Xiaofeng's Spiritual Finger.

No swordsman or knife-wielder could resist the temptation of the Spirit Finger. Fan Dengfeng, who had a high opinion of himself and believed that his swordsmanship was unparalleled, had long been unable to restrain himself.

The only reason Fan Dengfeng was able to have a quiet conversation with Lu Xiaofeng was because the Immortal of Immortality was there. Fan Dengfeng had been living in seclusion in the Changbai Sect for twenty years and needed to give the Immortal of Immortality face, so he couldn't overstep his bounds. Otherwise, Lu Xiaofeng would have drawn his sword long ago.

If you don't have the courage to face Lu Xiaofeng directly, and you don't dare to draw your sword against Lingxi, how can you take revenge? How can you defeat Ling Juebi? Just because of twenty years of hard training?

Ascetic training is just ascetic training; it has no real-world testing!
Fan Dengfeng needs a thrilling battle to prove the results of his seclusion. Lu Xiaofeng is the opponent Fan Dengfeng has been dreaming of. As long as he breaks the Lingxi Finger and kills Lu Xiaofeng with a single sword strike, he can prove that he has mastered the art of swordsmanship.

Lu Xiaofeng said calmly, "Could you give me a moment to tell a story? I need a quarter of an hour!"

The immortal god nodded in agreement.

The martial arts tournament was shrouded in mystery.

The immortal immortal, unaware of the reason, dared not disobey the imperial court's orders, much less feign illness to deceive them. Lu Xiaofeng blocked his way, and this reason was too perfect!

No one dared to underestimate Lu Xiaofeng.

Even Jade Rakshasa did not want to be its enemy.

Lu Xiaofeng sat on a large rock, opened the oil paper package, heated the flatbread with his Fiery Palm, rolled up a few pieces of braised beef, took a big bite, drank a cup of wine, let out a satisfied burp, and began to tell a story.

"This is a conspiracy."

"What conspiracy?"

"A conspiracy targeting the martial arts world of Northeast China."

Chu Liuxiang placed a piece on the chessboard, transcending time and space to achieve synchronization of thought with Lu Xiaofeng.

Wu Sidao sighed deeply: "As expected of the famous Thief King, his reputation is well-deserved."

Chu Liuxiang lamented: "Because of Lü Siniang's assassination attempt on Yongzheng, Qianlong became extremely disgusted with martial arts sects, including those of the Manchu Qing dynasty."

Regardless of whether they were righteous or evil, Buddhist or Taoist, Emperor Qianlong disliked them all. However, the martial arts world was full of masters, and grandmasters of martial arts emerged one after another.

The imperial court needed the martial arts sects to do things, but it couldn't completely wipe them out. Emperor Qianlong had no choice but to deal with these sects by gradually reducing their influence.

This martial arts tournament in Northeast China had only one purpose from beginning to end: to annihilate all the participants. The Manchu sects, the Wanyan clan, and the Central Plains prodigies all died under the iron cavalry and from the bombardment of the divine cannons.

Cao Xiong, Cao Yu, Ao Fei, and Senggelinqin were all bait. Their mission was to buy time, create chaos, and keep all the experts occupied.

Su Penghai, Tie Haitang, and Ge Ying were not accomplices of the Qing Dynasty, but targets to be eliminated by the Sticky Rod Office. It is a pity that they were blinded by greed and were completely unaware of this, and in the end, they will probably not escape death.

In Qianlong's plan, or more precisely, in Mr. Wu's plan, everyone would die.

With the help of Li Zhaoting's confidante, along with myself, Lu Xiaofeng, and others, half of the Central Plains' most outstanding talents perished at the hands of the Manchus, causing a devastating blow to the Central Plains martial arts world.

At the same time, sects such as Tianlong Gang, Shangwan Tiangong, Yunei Shier Ling, Tianyu Palace, Tianmen, and Yaoguang Hall were all wiped out, and even grandmasters who lived in seclusion in the mountains, such as Master Damu and Master Kuzhu, had little chance of survival.

All the Wanyan clan's experts fell into the trap. Wanyan Honglie wanted to make a desperate move, so he jumped around and tried various methods to kill the Manchu experts, but he was instead used by Mr. Wu.

Wanyan Honglie felt that he had died a heroic death, managing to take someone down with him and cause Qianlong a lot of trouble. Little did he know that his actions were exactly what Qianlong wanted.

If I'm not mistaken, Mr. Wu also invited two groups of experts to provide support: one was the Changbai Sect, and the other was the Tianming Sect. They disguised themselves as the White Lotus Sect and outwardly opposed the Qing Dynasty court, but in reality, they had already reached a cooperation agreement with Mr. Wu. They were also his targets.

—The target eliminated by Mr. Wu!

The younger generation is short-sighted and lacks knowledge.

Please correct any omissions or errors, Mr. Wu.

While they were talking, Chu Liuxiang made a series of moves, engaging in a fierce battle with Wu Sidao, with neither side gaining the upper hand.

Go is a sport that tests one's brainpower, calculation ability, intelligence, and physical strength. Wu Sidao was knowledgeable and experienced over the decades. His playing style was the most steady and shrewd. However, due to old age and declining health, he could no longer withstand the high intensity of calculation.

Chu Liuxiang only needs to engage in a protracted struggle with Wu Sidao, constantly prolonging the game and using the "hawk-wearing" tactic to wear Wu Sidao down until he is exhausted. In this way, Chu Liuxiang can find a glimmer of hope amidst Wu Sidao's ambush. This is the hint given by Wu Sidao.

—If we hold firm, there will be a way!

Chu Liuxiang's goal was not to win, not to defeat Wu Sidao with a steady and methodical attack, nor to use a surprising move to strike at the heart of the enemy, but to wear down the old man.

First, ensure that you are in an invincible position.

Chu Liuxiang was young and vigorous, with plenty of energy.

Wu Sidao is old and frail, his life is nearing its end, and if he cannot win in a short time, the game will be lost. In order to win, Wu Sidao can only take risks, which could easily lead to a complete defeat.

This is not a game of chess; this is a strategic game.

A battle of wits and temperament between two wise men.

Who can sit still, who can persevere longer, who will be the victor? Cold sweat beaded on Wu Sidao's forehead.

Wu Sidao underestimated Chu Liuxiang.

Chu Liuxiang is a江湖人 (jianghu person, a person from the martial arts world), and he doesn't understand the intricacies of the imperial court. He dislikes weighing pros and cons and can analyze conspiracies from a different perspective.

Every conspiracy has its limits.

When there are more than a dozen grandmasters on the battlefield, top experts like Li Zhaoting, and large-scale group attack moves such as the Heavenly Demon Harp and the Nine Nether Sorrowful Howl, no matter how Wu Sidao plans and schemes, someone will eventually be able to escape the game.

On the chessboard, Wu Sidao's calculations were flawless.

Outside of the game of chess, he was just a grumpy old man.

Wu Sidao's excitement when he saw Chu Liuxiang was genuine. Chu Liuxiang didn't kill people; he only discussed philosophy with him. If it were Long Chengbi, Tang Zhuquan, or even Lu Xiaofeng, they would definitely have killed him with a single palm strike.

At the same moment, Lu Xiaofeng finished recounting the cause and effect of the Guandong Martial Arts Conference: "All the information revealed in this deadly scheme is true. Neither Cao Xiong nor Wanyan Honglie have obtained a part of the truth."

Cao Xiong believed that this was a trap set by the Manchu Qing court against Wanyan Honglie and the martial arts world of the Central Plains. In order to get promoted, he used all his trump cards. Because he had so many trump cards, he created an overwhelming momentum and successfully concealed the court's purpose.

Interrogating Cao Xiong is pointless.

Cao Xiong was unaware that he was merely bait.

Wanyan Honglie's plan was also meaningless.

The martial arts tournament is not a "trap".

Without Li Zhaoting's help to lift the table, and without Wanyan Honglie's embellishment, this banquet never existed from the beginning. What was served was not food, but guests coming and going. The sticky rod office was responsible for lifting the table.

Immortal Fan Dengfeng, if you two were to participate in this battle, you would certainly not escape death.

Emperor Qianlong will not give you a way out.

Emperor Qianlong was indifferent to the severe blow dealt to the Manchu martial arts world.

This was precisely Qianlong's objective. He wanted to use the Manchu martial arts world to perish together with the Wanyan clan and the Central Plains' elite; the death of any one of them would be a victory.

As long as a sect participates in the martial arts tournament.

As long as a bloody massacre occurs in the martial arts world.

As long as a master from the Wanyan clan makes a move.

This martial arts tournament is a sure win for everyone.

If we could eliminate a few grandmasters and ambitious warlords, we would make a fortune. You two are both quite old, yet you are ambitious and eager to become the leaders of the martial arts world. You think you can deceive others and gain the approval of the imperial court. This is pure fantasy.

Your priority is higher than Su Penghai's.

I have sorted the martial arts sects of the Qing Dynasty.

The highest priority groups are the Canbang, Tianyu Palace, Tianlong Gang, Changbai Sect, and the Twelve Orders of the Universe. The infamous leader of the Heavenly Mandate Sect is actually safer than you.

Are you sure you want to make a move?

After finishing his meat-filled flatbread and drinking a gourd of fine wine, Lu Xiaofeng took out some toilet paper to wipe his hands. Looking at the ashen-faced Immortal, a mocking glint flashed in his eyes.

"There are no winners in this battle!"

"Of course there are! Master Lu is the winner!"

You are insightful and eloquent, using your silver tongue to alienate me from the court and turn many martial arts sects in Guandong against it.

If I'm not mistaken, you should have a way to rescue these sects, either by bringing them to the Central Plains or by having them lie low in Guandong to launch a reprisal.

Is the Red Flower Society your way out?

"Master Lu is truly skilled! So amazing!"

The immortal gently flicked his whisk, and with a few words, he regained his composure. The Qing Dynasty had always been strict about the entry and exit of martial arts sects, and the immortal was already used to it.

Furthermore, Lu Xiaofeng did this in an attempt to turn enemies into friends. To put it another way, the enemy of my enemy is not a friend, but an enemy will always be an enemy.

Let the enemies continue to be enemies.

For immortals, anything is negotiable as long as they can survive this calamity.

Clan, ancestral home, and ancestral graves are not important.

As long as the immortal immortal lives, with his unparalleled martial arts skills that reach the heavens and the earth, he can easily rebuild the sect.

At that time, the immortal immortal will be the founder of the Changbai School, the "Liu Xiu" of the Changbai School.

No matter how you calculate it, he'll make a profit.

The immortal's composure, smugness, and calmness lasted for less than three seconds. After three seconds, Lu Xiaofeng smiled and uttered four words: "I have no choice!"

The immortal was shocked and furious: "Lu Xiaofeng! This is not how you do business! If you want to manipulate me, at least show some sincerity instead of empty threats!"

Lu Xiaofeng smiled bitterly: "I'm not lying! I really have no choice! I'm a human, not a phoenix, I don't have the ability to be reborn from the ashes! Even if I could be reborn from the ashes, this is the seaside, there's water everywhere, no firelight!"

Fan Dengfeng looked coldly at Lu Xiaofeng: "With no hope of escape, how can you be so calm?"

Lu Xiaofeng shrugged: "What else can we do? We're all going to die sooner or later. We'll die whether we're crying, laughing, starving, or full. We can't escape death!"
what can I do?
Of course, it's about indulging in some talking before you die, revealing everything you know, and enjoying your last meal before you're executed.

Fukang'an led 5,000 light cavalry and 15,000 infantry to surround the place. Not even a fly could escape, let alone a living person. I have seen the account books. There are thousands of muskets and hundreds of powerful cannons here.

There are also hundreds of archers here.

I remember these people were called 'Eagle Shooters'.

Even if they grow wings, they still can't escape death.

When the Manchus sought help from the Mongol Yuan, the Four Secret Masters were not Mongol Yuan reinforcements; these Eagle Shooters were the real reinforcements.

The Four Secret Masters are losers!
Some people wished for them to die under the Qing Dynasty!

Emperor Qianlong paid the Four Secret Masters for their lives!
Want to know why?

Lu Xiaofeng's lips curled up slightly, revealing the same wicked smile as the crooked-mouthed Dragon King. In a shift of time and space, Chu Liuxiang asked the exact same question to Princess Yongning.

Princess Yongning nodded: "You look annoying, but upon closer inspection, you're even more annoying. I really want to punch your nose and smash it."

Chu Liuxiang awkwardly rubbed his nose: "I rub my nose not to attract beauties, nor to relieve embarrassment, but because I suffer from rhinitis. In order to keep my internal and external breathing unobstructed, I must rub my nose frequently."

"Why don't you cut your nose?"

"Everyone has a love for beauty. I don't consider myself as handsome as Li Zhaoting or Hua Manlou, but I am still a good-looking man. Cutting off my nose would make me look too ugly."

"I'll cut off your nose sooner or later."

Before you cut your nose, let me finish my story.

At the time of Master Zhang's 100th birthday celebration, several top masters joined forces to launch a surprise attack on Wudang Mountain to challenge Master Zhang, partly to see if he was old and frail.

Secondly, they wanted to force Master Zhang to break through the void.

This is a common tactic for dealing with top-tier experts.

Through fierce battles, one can open the gates of heaven and earth, either shattering the void or remaining forever unable to shatter it. Most martial arts masters would choose the former, such as Sun En during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, who left without hesitation.

During the fierce battle, Yu He died, Lin Lingsu was seriously injured and was killed by Li Zhaoting. Ba Shiba's mental illusion was broken and he was imprisoned.

Tantric Buddhism needs a new leader.

Tantric Buddhism is divided into several schools, among which the Nyingma school is the strongest. It was attacked by a joint force. The four tantric masters are not top-level experts, but they are of very high seniority and have countless disciples and grand-disciples, making them a powerful force.

In other words, the seemingly aloof and detached Four Secret Venerables had long been a thorn in their side, and they were looking for an opportunity to use this opportunity to kill them.

This method achieves three goals at once.

First, eliminate internal threats;
Secondly, they earned a sum of money by risking their lives.

Third, they transferred their hatred to the martial arts world of the Central Plains;

"In this vast world, where is there any truly peaceful place?"

Chu Liuxiang looked up at the sky and sighed, feeling sorrow and pity for humanity.

Princess Yongning sneered: "Chu Liuxiang, you should worry about yourself first! With Fukang'an's army arriving, where can you escape to? Do you want to take me hostage?"
You should know my background.

Fukang'an is a seasoned veteran with a ruthless heart. He might take the opportunity to get rid of me. Even if he doesn't want to kill me, given Chu Xiangshuai's character, it would be difficult for him to pose a threat.

Chu Xiangshuai never kills anyone, so there's no need to worry about my safety. Chu Xiangshuai is a gentleman and won't lay a hand on me. Even if you're a lecher, with Chu Xiangshuai's charm and elegance, it seems like I'll be the one who benefits!

Being too kind can be harmful.

In the world of martial arts, one should have a fearsome reputation.

That would at least scare people!
Of course, don't follow Li Zhaoting's example.

If Li Zhaoting were to capture me to threaten Fukang'an, Fukang'an wouldn't even glance at me. I would simply reverse my internal energy, sever my heart meridian, and bite off my tongue.

How did you two become good friends?
Li Zhaoting, born in the year of Jiazi (624 AD), has killed countless people.

Chu Liuxiang was kind-hearted and never killed anyone.

I think you two should be enemies!

Chu Liuxiang rubbed his nose: "Men become friends because they share the same bad habits."

What common interests do you two share?

They're all very lecherous!

“Very good! Since birth, I have been learning intrigue and self-preservation under my master's tutelage, and I have never experienced the pleasures of love. Fukang'an's army has surrounded this place, and none of us can escape. Why don't you grant me your wish, Chu Xiangshuai? You are really handsome.”

Princess Yongning looked at Chu Liuxiang provocatively.

Chu Liuxiang had an urge to run away.

It is said that women are more tactful, but most of the women Chu Liuxiang has met are incredibly bold and more proactive than him when it comes to matters of love and sex. They are especially good at taking the initiative, while Chu Liuxiang is mostly passive.

Wu Sidao laughed and said, "Why be modest, Master Xiang? You and Li Zhaoting became good friends because you are both upright and kind-hearted chivalrous heroes."

"Is a dead hero still a hero?"

Princess Yongning skillfully sabotaged the situation.

"Li Zhaoting always has a backup plan."

Wu Sidao looked at Yongning with kindness: "You are exactly like your mother. You seem shrewish, but you are actually chivalrous. You are more suited to be a female knight-errant than to navigating the officialdom."

These two sentences are completely unrelated and worlds apart. Wu Sidao's words sound like those of someone who is senile.

Or there's a second half to the sentence.

Wu Sidao took out a booklet from his pocket: "This is a thank-you gift for Commander Chu. I don't know how Li Zhaoting escaped the army's encirclement, but I know that Li Zhaoting will definitely break through the encirclement. I am willing to die, but Yongning is willing to die with me. I cannot let her young life wither away. Please, Commander Chu, save her life."

Chu Liuxiang accepted the gift and nodded.

Wu Sidao's face turned deathly pale, and he coughed up blood.

(End of this chapter)