Martial Arts Crossover: My Wife is the Top Scholar

Chapter 488 Goddess Dragon: Please Call Me "Lord of the City"

Shangguan Yan's swordsmanship became increasingly exquisite and fluid.

The sword strike possessed only the "spirit" of the Snowflake Sword Technique, but lacked its "form".

She has now truly broken free from constraints, using the Snowflake Sword Technique as a starting point to create her own Phoenix Blood Sword Technique, with Ouyang Feiying as her catalyst.

The fiercer Ouyang Feiying's attacks, the stronger Shangguan Yan's potential was unleashed. Amidst the layers of claw shadows, she moved freely like a fairy on the water, leaving no trace on the snow.

Sometimes, the sword dances and whirls, deflecting the opponent's vicious claws;
At times, it "froze a thousand miles," its sword intent chilling, slowing down Ouyang Feiying's offensive;

Sometimes he would "search for plum blossoms in the snow," his figure and sword shadows flickering unpredictably, like snowflakes falling from the sky;

The sword tip always pierced from unexpected angles and in unexpected places, leaving wounds on Ouyang Feiying's body like blooming plum blossoms and red plum blossoms defying the snow.

As Shangguan Yan unleashed her full power, the Phoenix Blood Sword emitted a series of resounding phoenix cries, and a colorful phoenix soared into the sky, continuously eroding Ouyang Feiying's frenzied arrogance.

A dragon that soars too high will regret it; fullness cannot last.

Ouyang Feiying's skill has its limits.

As he sustained more and more injuries and his inner energy became increasingly weak, Ouyang Feiying's madness, arrogance, anger, and resentment were gradually replaced by weakness and a deep-seated fear, and he subconsciously wanted to run away.

This is the moment Shangguan Yan has been waiting for!
When a person switches from offense to defense, they will inevitably reveal a tiny, fleeting flaw.

Shangguan Yan's eyes flashed with cold light, and all her energy and spirit were concentrated on the Phoenix Blood Sword. She transformed into a purple streak that pierced through the heavens and earth. The purple light on the sword was more intense than ever before. The phoenix formed by the sword energy let out a clear cry that could shatter gold and split rocks, and thrust out along with the sword's edge.

This sword strike was as fast as lightning and as light as a feather. It contained Shangguan Yan's resolute killing intent, passed through the gap between Ouyang Feiying's claws, avoided all possible interceptions, and stabbed with perfect precision at the exposed and defenseless heart. A flash of cold light, and blood spurted out.

"Uh……"

Ouyang Feiying's roar came to an abrupt halt.

The madness, anger, fear, and treachery on his face froze in an instant as he stared in disbelief at the purple longsword piercing his chest, its cold blade emerging from his body, taking away all his power, ambition, sin, and stubborn obsession with ruling the world.

The madness in his eyes receded like the tide, leaving only endless emptiness and incredulous bewilderment.

Ouyang Feiying staggered back a step, raised his hand as if to grab something, but ultimately let it fall limply.

"Pfft!"

Shangguan Yan drew the Phoenix Blood Sword.

Her face was frosty, her eyes filled with the sorrow of revenge: "Father! I have avenged you!"

"You...how dare you..."

"I am the city lord! I am the lord of all four cities!"

Ouyang Feiying's body crashed to the ground, his eyes fixed on the throne that symbolized the city's ruler's power, and he made an unintelligible "hohoho" sound from his throat.

When a person is about to die, his words are also good.

When a bird is about to die, its cry is mournful.

However, the cunning, ruthless, and treacherous lord of the four cities, who wanted to "rule the world," showed no remorse for his wife or thought about his daughter's future before his death; all he cared about was the throne.

The hall was deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop. The air was thick with the stench of blood and an indescribable sense of oppression, making one want to vomit for three days straight.

"A man who chases power his whole life will eventually fall because of the hatred he sowed with his own hands, because of the swords of the juniors he never really took seriously, and because of the altar of power he pursued all his life but ended up with nothing."

Li Zhaoting stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze calm, and delivered Ouyang Feiying's final verdict in the tone of a news anchor. Before he could finish speaking, the throne had already shattered into pieces.

Ding Xuelian, Abbess Yuzhu, Sima Lingfeng, Sima Chengfeng, and the others stared at Ouyang Feiying's corpse with complex and indescribable expressions, not knowing what to do.

Ding Xuelian was relatively relaxed. Having avenged her great enemy, she only wanted to return to the desert hills and never come out again. The only thing that worried her was Shangguan Yan's marriage.

Li Zhaoting is certainly a good match, but he seems to be a master key and a cabinet air conditioner, with far too many beauties around him. Even the current emperor probably doesn't have that many concubines. Can he manage to keep up?
Master Yuzhu and Ouyang Feiying had a falling out, so she shaved her head and became a nun. She can now take her daughter to Shuiyue Nunnery.

The two brothers of the Sima family...

Sima Lingfeng was confident in his intelligence and wanted to find his father's killer and take revenge himself. However, before he could take action, one enemy died and another escaped, leaving him with no one to turn to for revenge.

Sima Chengfeng was conflicted. Bantianyue was his adoptive father, master, and godfather, but also the enemy who killed his father and mother. Bantianyue was seriously injured, which was the best opportunity for revenge. Could he bring himself to do it?

The "civil and military officials" of Sifang City were wondering if it was too late to switch jobs and find a new boss!

To be honest, the chances are slim!
The new boss might not even look at them.

It's not a matter of ability or loyalty, but rather that these people have too high a vision. Ouyang Feiying treats Sifang City as a kingdom, considers himself the emperor, and assigns official positions to his subordinates according to the system of the Three Departments and Six Ministries.

These guys who have served as Minister of Rites and Minister of War for several years, when they look for a new boss, if they are given a regular manager position, can they handle it?
Although these official positions were all nonsense, he had actually served as a "high-ranking official" for several years and had been spoiled into arrogance. How could he possibly start over?

To put it bluntly, this is a group of good-for-nothings who are all talk and no action, arrogant and conceited. They will be turned away from anywhere else except to stay in Sifang City.

The problem is coming!

One emperor and one courtier!

The new city lord will definitely need to cultivate a talent pool and appoint his trusted subordinates to manage the city. At most, he will use the money to appease the people and recruit some of the old officials. Even those who surrender will need to compete for their positions.

These people looked around.

Li Zhaoting could not remain in the Western Regions;
I don't know Sima Lingfeng, and I'm not familiar with him.
Sima Chengfeng, a high-ranking member of the Divine Moon Sect, has been fighting with the other side for several years and is likely to face retribution later.

Master Yuzhu was the widow of Ouyang Feiying. Ouyang Feiying's reputation was notorious. If Master Yuzhu hadn't become a nun long ago, she would have inevitably been caught in the crossfire.

Ding Xuelian, Shangguan Yun's widow, is skilled in farming;
After careful consideration, the one who best fits the rules of the Western Regions and is most suitable to be the city lord is actually Shangguan Yan.

According to the rules of the martial arts world in the Western Regions, gangs do not need to fight fiercely to seize territory; they only need their leaders to duel. Shangguan Yan defeated Ouyang Feiying, and according to the rules of the Western Regions, she became the new lord of the Four Directions City. In addition, Shangguan Yan is the daughter of Shangguan Yun and has a 25% inheritance right.

That being the case...

All the civil and military officials knelt down swiftly: "Welcome the Goddess Dragon to become the city lord! Long live the city lord!"

Shangguan Yan was shocked and thought to herself, "I just want to go back to the countryside to live in seclusion, take care of my mother, and study swordsmanship."

What does it mean to "become the city lord"?
When did I ever say I wanted to be the city lord?

Looking at the sea of ​​kneeling officials shouting "Long live the Emperor!", Shangguan Yan felt a wave of absurdity and exhaustion wash over her, her face filled with resistance.

"Everyone, please get up!"

Shangguan Yan's voice was cold and clear, carrying an undeniable sense of rejection. Although the Phoenix Blood Sword had been sheathed, her hand holding the sword trembled slightly, not out of fear, but because she felt uncomfortable with the sudden "support".

“I never said I wanted to be the lord of Sifang City. Once this matter is settled, I will take my mother and leave. You can find someone else to be the lord of Sifang City.”

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Rites kowtowed repeatedly, his voice trembling with sobs, and cried out urgently, "Goddess Dragon! Ouyang Feiying has been executed, Bantianyue has fled with serious injuries, and all the experts of Sifang City have perished. This is the weakest moment for us!"
Surrounded by powerful enemies, without a peerless expert like yourself to guard the city, Sifang City would instantly become prey for wolves and tigers!

What have the people of the city done wrong?

Are you going to let them be trapped in war, displaced and at the mercy of others? Can you just stand by and watch the foundation built by Mr. Shangguan be destroyed by war?

If you simply leave, who will protect the people of this city? Who will deal with the lurking wolves and tigers?
Please, Goddess Dragon, think it over!

The Minister of War followed up, saying, "In the martial arts world of the Western Regions, strength has always been paramount. The rule for seizing territory is to have the leaders fight to the death, with the winner becoming king."

You defeated the former city lord Ouyang Feiying with the Snowflake Sword Technique in a fair and square manner, making you the rightful new city lord of Sifang City! No matter what, you are still the city lord!

Furthermore, your father, Shangguan Yun, was one of the founders of Sifang City, and you have a 25% inheritance right!
We recognize no one but you!

If you want to become the city lord, you'll have to defeat the Goddess Dragon first!
"Ghost's Bane, do you want to challenge the Goddess Dragon?"

Gui Jianchou, who had been inexplicably dragged into this, took two steps back upon hearing this, indicating that he would not participate.

The officials pleaded in unison, "Please, Goddess Dragon, for the sake of all the people of the city and the foundation of Sifang City, ascend to the position of Lord of Sifang City! We are willing to serve you like dogs and horses!"

Shangguan Yan frowned. Faced with overwhelming moral blackmail and heavy responsibilities, she felt a suffocating pressure and instinctively took two or three steps back.

Shangguan Yan looked to her mother for help.

Ding Xuelian said softly, "Yan'er! I know you are of noble character, do not covet power or position, and love mountains and rivers."

Although their words were driven by self-interest, they also revealed some truth: the Four Directions City was leaderless, like a fat sheep surrounded by tigers and wolves, and its downfall was imminent.

You defeated Ouyang Feiying.

From a public perspective, according to the customs of the Western Regions, you are already a legitimate successor, which is the rule of the Western Regions.
Personally, this city is the culmination of your father's life's work. If it were destroyed by war, it would be... somewhat...

The position of city lord is not about indulging in power, but about gaining experience—experience in the mortal world.

With your abilities and your heart, you will surely restore order to Sifang City. Once the situation stabilizes and a suitable successor is cultivated, it will not be too late for you to retire.

"Yan'er, Mother will do everything she can to help you."

Master Yuzhu echoed, "Yan'er, I shouldn't speak at this moment, but laying down the butcher's knife doesn't necessarily mean becoming a Buddha on the spot. Taking on responsibility is also a form of compassion."

With the sword in your hand, protect the peace of this region and spare the people of Sifang City the pain you suffered in your childhood.

Isn't this a kind of fulfillment?
"The burden is heavy, but I believe you can shoulder it and bravely move forward." Shangguan Yan looked at Li Zhaoting.

Li Zhaoting said gently, "Yan'er, whatever choice you make, I will support you. If you want to become the city lord, I will help you stabilize the situation. If you don't want to be the city lord, no one can make you compromise."

Shangguan Yan was in a state of utter confusion. Looking left and right, she suddenly saw Mei Zhu writing in a booklet.

With her chaotic thoughts finding an outlet, and the emotions hidden in her heart about to be released, Shangguan Yan calmly looked at Li Zhaoting: "What did you just call me?"

"Yan'er, my Yan'er!"

"I am not your Yan'er."

Shangguan Yan slowly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again, the hesitation and struggle in her eyes, which were like cold stars, were replaced by a calm and firm determination like an iceberg.

"Please call me—Lord of the Four Directions!"

Shangguan Yan did not walk to the throne, nor did she enjoy the kneeling worship of the crowd. Instead, she respectfully kowtowed three times to her father's memorial tablet to show her determination.

The civil and military officials felt as if they had been granted a pardon, and their cries for help rang out again, this time filled with genuine emotion.

"The city lord is wise! Long live the city lord!"

"The city lord is wise! Long live the city lord!"

"The city lord is wise! Long live the city lord!"

Shangguan Yan ignored their cheers. She stood silently, upright as a pine tree, with a deep gaze.

Li Zhaoting stood beside Shangguan Yan and gently took her hand: "I've said it before, whatever choice you make, I will fully support you."

"reason."

"love at first sight."

"You can only fool my master with that."

"Yan'er, you're wrong. Senior Gu wouldn't believe such a thing. He's an old bachelor who's been hurt in love. What does he know about love at first sight? His so-called love is all imagined during his seclusion, full of poetic and picturesque ideas."

"Poetic and picturesque?"

"False! Superficial! Unrealistic!"

"What about Brother Li's love life?"

"Love and cherish flowers with all our heart."

"I remember you just said you would fully support my decision, but it seems you objected right after I offered my opinion?"

"so what?"

"This city lord will throw you in jail!"

A fierce glint flashed between Shangguan Yan's brows.

Li Zhaoting sighed, "Please don't! My imprisonment will trigger several 'special destinies,' which is extremely dangerous. Yan'er, please don't be naughty."

"You contradicted me again!"

"Ah...this..."

"Throw Li Zhaoting into jail!"

Shangguan Yan issued the first "City Lord's Order".

Throwing him into prison was out of the question. Several guards escorted Li Zhaoting to the backyard of the city lord's mansion. Just as Li Zhaoting was about to take a sip of tea, he saw Gu Mutian's sour face.

Gu Mutian glared fiercely at Li Zhaoting.

"You brat, you've really got me into trouble!"

"When have I ever wronged a senior?"

"Have you forgotten what you said?"

"I was just curious... I'm sure I'm not being sophistical. Tell me honestly, was my question just something I asked randomly, or is there a solid theory behind it?"

"Honestly! Honestly! You little bastard, you say you're honest and conscientious, but you kicked me out of the house with all sorts of nonsense, and then you're busy chasing after my apprentice. Do you have any conscience at all?"

"Senior, honestly... cough cough! Judging by your standards of beauty, how do you think of my appearance?"

"Handsome and dashing, debonair and charming."

"How good are my martial arts skills?"

"Exceptionally gifted, the supreme Heavenly Sword."

What is my character like?

"He is lecherous by nature and talks nonsense, but he still has a bit of chivalry, so he can barely be considered a chivalrous knight-errant."

Gu Mutian harbored resentment towards Li Zhaoting, but as a senior figure in the martial arts world, he couldn't lie through his teeth.

I wanted to belittle him as much as possible, but Gu Mutian gets annoyed by books, doesn't understand subtle writing techniques, and his words are dry and not smooth at all.

Having received a proper formal school education, Li Zhaoting could immediately identify the key points of a conversation and automatically filter out the nonsense and slander.

"You have seen my appearance, martial arts skills, and character. Now let me tell you about my family background. My father is the Vice Minister of War of the Song Dynasty, with outstanding military achievements. He will be promoted to Minister of War in a few years. I have made meritorious contributions on the Song-Liao battlefield and also killed the famous Manchu general Fukang'an at the Guandong Martial Arts Conference. I was then enfeoffed as the Marquis of Xiaoyun."

"so what?"

"His knowledge, martial arts skills, character, and family background are all top-notch. In addition, he has saved a life and helped find his mother, so it is easy for him to win the favor of young girls."

"Hehehehehehe..."

Gu Mutian let out a chilling laugh.

Li Zhaoting chuckled awkwardly, wishing he could disappear into the ground to avoid being chased and beaten by Gu Mutian.

It's not that we can't beat him, but rather that we respect the elderly and care for the young.

Li Zhaoting was a humble, polite, respectful, and caring young man in the martial arts world. He couldn't let Gu Mutian ruin his image, so he casually changed the subject: "Senior, what did you research after you retrieved the Dragon Soul Blade?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Mutian's expression turned somewhat dejected.

The Dragon Soul and Phoenix Blood were his lifelong pride, but he was not a swordsmith and did not understand forging techniques. He used his unparalleled martial arts to nurture a pair of divine weapons.

Both the Dragon Soul Blade and the Phoenix Blood Sword bear the imprint of Gu Mutian's spirit and his obsession with love. Young people wielding these swords are inevitably influenced by them and may even fall in love.

It's hard to say whether this is good or bad.

However, from Gu Mutian's perspective, he hoped that humans would control the weapons, and that no matter how powerful the Dragon Soul and Phoenix Blood were, they would always belong to the "weapons".

Even if a person and a sword become one, it is still a person wielding a sword.

Gu Mutian is trying to modify and remove the spiritual imprints from the swords, so that the Dragon Soul Blade and Phoenix Blood Sword can be used as weapons again. With Li Zhaoting's guidance, Shangguan Yan is forging his own path. Next, Gu Mutian will guide Gui Jianchou to find his own way in martial arts.

"Senior, where is Half Moon?"

What are you looking for Bantianyue for?

"A new broom sweeps clean, and Yan'er has just become the lord of the four cities. She needs to kill to establish her authority. Yan'er is unwilling to engage in large-scale killing, but she definitely wants to avenge her father."

"I originally planned to spend half a day training the Dragon Soul and Phoenix Blood War Lord, but I didn't expect this to happen. Go find him yourself! I don't know where he is!"

"Can Bantianyue's martial arts skills be restored?"

"Recover my ass! I shattered his indestructible golden Buddha body with one palm and broke half of his meridians. Even if he ate ten thousand-year-old ginseng roots, he still wouldn't be able to heal his injuries."

"The Secret Manual of the Golden Buddha's Indestructible Body..."

"You want to practice? Impossible! Don't dream about it! The Golden Buddha's Indestructible Body requires a virgin's body to practice, and your virginity is probably refreshed every day. Get out of my way!"

"This junior will leave now..."

"Wait a minute?"

"What else do you want, Senior?"

"Come here and play a few rounds with me!"

"Can we not resort to violence?"

"I can't let you underestimate Yan'er!"

(End of this chapter)