Martial Arts Crossover: My Wife is the Top Scholar

Chapter 525 The Inheritance of the "King of Qi" - The Old Thief is Fishing!
As imperial merchants, they all possessed considerable skills, not only adept at making money but also adept at navigating complex social situations.

Deng Ren may seem like a playboy, but he is actually quite wise. He uses his carefree and jovial appearance as a weapon, and while it may seem like anyone can take advantage of him, he is actually quite shrewd.

Every effort will yield a corresponding profit.

The Deng family's banquet shouldn't be eaten for free. Those who eat out should remember the Deng family's kindness and speak well of Deng Ren. As for those eating in the inner hall...

They were either high-ranking officials or martial arts masters.

The biggest taboo in doing business is to try to take all the profits for yourself.

"Make many friends" is the Deng family motto.

When it comes to the super-rich in ancient China, the most famous are Shen Wansan, Heshen, and Shi Chong, but thanks to Wang Gan Niang's teachings, the Deng family is also on the list!
When Wang Gan Niang was instructing Ximen Da Guanren, she mentioned five key elements for picking up girls, one of which was "Deng," referring to Deng Tong, a wealthy man from the Western Han Dynasty, and symbolizing wealth.

Deng Tong was a favorite minister during the reign of Emperor Wen of Han. He had no special talents, but he was good at pleasing the emperor.

It is said that someone read Deng Tong's fortune and predicted that he would die of hunger and cold. Emperor Wen of Han was furious and granted Deng Tong a copper mine, allowing him to mint copper coins.

Deng Tong became an extremely wealthy man from then on.

The good times didn't last long. Emperor Wen of Han died, and Emperor Jing of Han ascended the throne. The two had a grudge from their past, and Emperor Jing of Han immediately dealt with Deng Tong after ascending the throne, confiscating all of his family property.

In the end, Deng Tong's prediction came true!
Deng Ren's ancestors were relatives of Deng Tong beyond the fifth degree of kinship, relatives so close that even the execution of nine generations of a family would not touch them. Their relationship was roughly equivalent to that of fellow villagers, and they were fortunate enough to escape Emperor Jing's purge.

Deng Tong knew the principle of having multiple burrows, and knew that his main lineage was too conspicuous. So he secretly gave some of his treasures to relatives with whom he had a less close blood relationship. Deng Ren's ancestors received a share of the wealth, which provided them with capital for business.

Passed down through generations, with both profits and losses, when they made money they were on par with Deng Tong, and when they lost money they had to beg on the streets. Over a thousand years, they not only continued their lineage but also amassed a vast fortune and became imperial merchants.

It was a combination of luck and upbringing.

The most important one in the Deng family precepts is:

—Learn from the past to guide the future!

Each generation of family heads kept a diary, recording their business philosophy, how they made money, how they lost money, and summarizing their experiences and lessons learned.

It's no exaggeration to say that sending the Deng family genealogy to the Hanlin Academy would make those old men who compile history books so happy they'd faint. That would be the most authentic historical material!

The auction of jade dolls illustrates this point.

The jade doll was too precious, and even with the help of Ong Taibei, it couldn't stop outsiders from coveting it.

Rather than waiting to be stolen from, robbed, or wiped out, it's better to hold a fair and square auction. This would not only showcase the Deng family's vast collection of treasures and substantial assets, but also allow them to make connections with experts.

Feng Shaoqing thought Deng Ren was making a fool of himself, but from Deng Ren's perspective, this deal was a sure thing and a hot potato, so it was best to get rid of it as soon as possible.

"Minister Feng, the Vice Minister of Revenue, has arrived!"

"Lord Xiaoyun has arrived!"

Upon hearing the first sentence, Deng Ren was overjoyed; upon hearing the second sentence, Deng Ren felt a chill run down his spine, as if death was imminent and he was about to return to the underworld.

Deng Ren's friend Guo Xu comforted him, saying, "Marquis Xiaoyun is clear about his gratitude and grudges, and he is upright and honorable. You can't believe all the rumors in the martial arts world; most of them are fabricated by the Azure Dragon Society!"

Green Dragon Society Spy: You may not know this, but we dare not say a single word to criticize Li Zhaoting, yet we pay to spread praise for him throughout the city!

Guo Xu has little experience in the underworld and doesn't understand the "Li Zhaoting Paradox." After he gains some experience in the underworld for a few years, he should realize that the one who criticizes you the most might be yourself.

Another friend of Deng Ren, "Little Prince Peng," the grandson of "King Gao Limin," chimed in: "The Li family rose to prominence because of their merit in recovering Yanyun. Your family made great contributions in Yanyun, so you can be considered his colleagues."

Who was Gao Limin, the "King of Kai"?

The prince who uses a hammer when five players are farming the dragon!
The most ferocious prince.

While others were carrying sticks and whips, at most suffering some physical pain, this group was carrying the Five Purple Thousand Gold Hundred Refined Hammer. With one blow, even if Zhao Zhen had practiced the Golden Bell Cover Iron Shirt technique, he would be blasted into dumpling filling.

The "King-Beating Whip" is one thing, as it frequently appears in historical novels, but what on earth is the "King-Beating Hammer"? Did the late emperor intend to kill Zhao Zhen?
As I said before, Zhao Zhen has a really good temper.

If it were a slightly less temperamental emperor, they should have been made aware that the late emperor had bestowed upon them the "Heart-Piercing Powder"...

Weng Xizhu smiled and said, "My lord, you should go and greet Minister Feng now. Minister Feng is coming in person, he must have important matters to instruct you on. We can't let Wan Sanqian beat us to it!"

Upon hearing this, Deng Ren straightened his clothes and went out to greet Feng Shaoqing. In just a few steps, there was already a lot of discussion outside, with some questions about the order of address.

No matter how important the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue is, he has no noble title after all, so how can he be superior to Marquis Xiaoyun?
Aren't you afraid that Marquis Xiaoyun will get angry and bring death to your whole family?

Immediately afterward, an old man from the pass explained, "Brother, you don't understand! Vice Minister Feng of the Ministry of Revenue is Marquis Xiaoyun's father-in-law, not just any father-in-law, but the father of his first wife. How could Marquis Xiaoyun dare to compete with his father-in-law? How could a noble title be greater than one's father-in-law?"

The narrator, Tianzun, added: "Marquis Xiaoyun was a womanizer with countless wives and concubines. He married the Fairy of Jingzhai, the demoness of the Demon Sect, the holy maiden of Miao territory, and the princess of the Demon Sect."

It is said that the Queen of Kucha in the Western Regions, the Lord of the Sword-Forging City, and the Lord of the Four Directions City were all Li Zhaoting's lovers.

When it comes to beauty, fairies and witches have always been ranked first and second on the list of beauties, with Fairy Jingzhai being the undisputed number one.

In terms of power, which of these beauties wasn't born into a noble family? At the very least, they were sect leaders.

In terms of wealth, Cheng Huaixiu is the leader of the Salt Gang, and just based on that identity, one can tell how much money she has.

So many beautiful women of noble birth, exceptional talent and looks, and powerful and wealthy were completely suppressed by Vice Minister Feng's daughter, who dared not provoke them in the slightest.

I've also heard that in the Li family, once the First Madam has made a decision, Li Zhaoting cannot object.

The fact that he could raise such a daughter speaks volumes about Minister Feng's abilities. No matter how strong Marquis Xiaoyun is, he will eventually be unable to escape his wife's influence or the overwhelming pressure from her.

Alas, how tragic and lamentable!

The straight man asked, "Minister Feng is indeed a bit overweight, but he doesn't know martial arts. With all that fat, what kind of 'Mount Tai pressing down' is that?"

The comedian shushed, "Idiot! Isn't the father-in-law 'Old Taishan'? If we go and flatter Minister Feng, we might be immune to the evil influence of Tai Sui."

The straight man effortlessly and naturally changed the subject: "I heard that the Little God of Wealth is going to auction a set of jade dolls that contain the principles of heaven and man. If Marquis Xiaoyun wants to compete for them, will anyone dare to bid against him?"

The clown sneered, "Fool! The news has been out for at least half a month. If Marquis Xiaoyun wants this set of jade dolls, he can just ask for them directly. Does Deng Ren dare to refuse him? Since the auction is being held as scheduled, it means that Marquis Xiaoyun doesn't even care about this set of jade dolls."

The commentator, Tianzun, added: "Li Zhaoting's martial arts have long since broken through the boundaries of heaven and man, and he is probably not far from the ultimate martial arts that can shatter the void."

When martial arts reach this level, what is needed is to comprehend the Dao and understand the world, rather than collecting secret manuals. If Li Zhaoting wants a manual, he can just write one himself.

Li Zhaoting could casually draw a sword on the stone wall and create the most exquisite sword manual. It could be sent to the seven major sword sects as their direct lineage secret. Why would he need to snatch the manual?

If Li Zhaoting needs to steal the secret manual, it means his martial arts skills are not at their peak, that he is not particularly confident in himself, and that he has weaknesses.

From the enemy's perspective, they would much rather Li Zhaoting seize the secret manual than ignore it!

The old man chuckled, "So you and Li Zhaoting are enemies. When do you want to challenge him to a duel? Let me know in advance and I'll explain it to you!"

Everyone: (!!!-ω-)-ω-)-ω-)
Commentator: I'm just a chatterbox, not because I'm bored or tired of living! Besides, I'm better at commentary. Go find Li Zhaoting for a duel, and I'll commentate on the fight!
Amidst the commotion, Feng Shaoqing skillfully displayed his shrewd and cunning nature, exuding a powerful and domineering aura. Before Feng Shaoqing, Deng Ren, the "Little God of Wealth," could only listen meekly to his admonitions, daring not to utter a single word of rebuttal.

Li Zhaoting vanished without a trace in a flash.

Go find the Stink Hero for a drink.

With the title "Little God of Wealth," one can imagine the Deng family's wealth. This banquet, ostensibly a birthday celebration, was actually a display of their financial power. Even though it was a casual feast, it was prepared by master chefs, ensuring everyone could enjoy a truly satisfying meal.

From a purely taste perspective, the flavor of a banquet may not be comparable to that of a refined and elegant dish, but when paired with the atmosphere of a lively banquet, the feeling is simply unbeatable.

Cooking should be visually appealing, fragrant, and delicious.

Eating is all about the ambiance. Some people prefer to eat quietly, while others like it to be lively. Li Zhaoting and Tianxiang both prefer a lively atmosphere.

The two concealed their aura and went to eat at a banquet.

When Deng Ren noticed that someone was missing, he mistakenly assumed that Li Zhaoting had taken a fancy to a beautiful woman and was trying to pick her up. He then instructed the butler to entertain the guests and to close his eyes if he was looking inappropriately.

After several rounds of drinks, Deng Ren invited his distinguished guest to the newly opened "Ziyunlou" in the capital. This was the Deng family's latest ultra-luxurious den of extravagance, comparable to Fanlou.

The auction was held at Tingliuge.

Tingliuge is composed of four three-story buildings in the east, west, south, and north, with a spacious auction stage in the middle.

Each floor of the Chonglou building has more than ten private rooms, and the side facing the garden has a window-separated terrace. The people in the private rooms have an unobstructed view of the auction stage, showing their extravagant style.

Compared to the refined elegance of Jiangnan, Ziyunlou fully utilizes the rugged and grand characteristics of the North, using its magnificent and resplendent pavilions to stimulate customers' desire to shop.

The intricate layout between the attics fully embodies the combination of "separation" and "transparency," bringing out the full potential of the interplay between reality and illusion.

The middle section is not just the auction stage.

Facing south and backed by north, there is a koi pond. The open space around the pond is filled with red flowers, green trees, and an artificial stream. Looking down from a high place, you can see the interlocking and pleasing patterns formed by the clear stream and green grass.

Whether it's an auction, a song and dance performance, or a martial arts duel, everyone in the four multi-story private rooms can see that there are suspended corridors connecting the four high-rise buildings from the outside in, forming a whole.

From the perspective of attic design, the designer of Ziyun Tower was undoubtedly a master architect. The Deng family's construction of such a tall building clearly indicated their ambition to make a name for themselves in the capital. Deng Ren and Feng Shaoqing were in a private room.

The two took the opportunity to discuss some business matters.

Li Zhaoting and Tianxiang were in a private room. Tianxiang was swinging her legs boredly and munching on sugarcane, while Li Zhaoting admired the beautiful view from the pavilion and praised it highly.

Tianxiang retorted, "Are you out of your mind? The Deng family was only allowed to settle in the capital this year. Ziyun Tower was not built by the Deng family, but bought by them. My father has mentioned it twice. Ziyun Tower is the property of the Heavenly Mandate Sect. It was sealed off by the Imperial City Guard as soon as it was completed."

"Is there such a thing?"

"If the Imperial City Guard hadn't sealed it off, how could such a huge den of iniquity have been sold to Deng Ren?"

"Weng Taibei has made a great deal!"

"Robbing others is an abuse of power for personal gain, but robbing the Heavenly Mandate Sect is an act of chivalry. It's a pity that the Heavenly Mandate Sect leader wasn't betrayed. That old bastard should have died long ago!"

"Have you ever encountered disciples of the Heavenly Mandate Sect?"

“My father encountered this before. Someone tried to incite him to rebel. My father had no sons. What good was becoming emperor? He still had to return power to my elder brother.”

They gained nothing, ruined their reputation, and now they have to be wary of being held accountable later.

My father cherished his reputation most.

I definitely won't do this kind of deal!

From a bloodline perspective, the Eighth Prince was the most legitimate heir. If the Eighth Prince had a son, perhaps we should really give it a try. Unfortunately, he had no son.

If the Eighth Prince rebelled, the consequences would be like those of the Gao family rebellion in Dali. He would return the throne before his death, and the Dali ruler and his ministers would live in harmony, with everything tacitly agreed upon. Given the situation of the Central Plains dynasties, he would probably be exhumed and his corpse whipped.

The Eighth Prince had long seen through this point and made it clear that he wanted fame and to be praised by future generations!
Zhao Zhen: Imperial Uncle, you are right!
After a bit of playful banter, the auction officially began.

The first thing served was a bottle of pills.

This elixir is called "Shengling Powder," and it is a medicine specifically used to eliminate impurities from elixirs.

Martial artists inevitably use elixirs to aid their training. However, every elixir has some degree of toxicity, and any elixir will leave residue. If too much medicine is taken, drug resistance will gradually develop.

"Shengling Powder" can effectively resolve impurities, but its main ingredient is "croton," which will cause diarrhea for two to three days after taking it. Diarrhea will lead to physical weakness, and the total time will be five days of weakness.

Diarrhea is one of the most terrible negative conditions.

Even someone as strong as Li Zhaoting would feel weak for two or three days if he went to the toilet eight or nine times in one night.

Li Zhaoting felt that this thing was very similar to the beauty and health products of later generations, which detoxified the intestines, cleansed the intestines, detoxified and beautified the skin, made people feel light and healthy, and nourished yin and yang.

Tianxiang asked curiously, "Li Zhaoting, your martial arts are so high, have you ever taken any elixirs?"

“After taking healing medicine, one’s internal strength is honed little by little, and martial arts are honed through life-and-death experiences. I don’t object to taking pills, but it’s best to avoid them if possible. Leaving too many impurities in the body is not good for martial arts.”

"Do you think everyone is like you? With my average martial arts talent, without consuming rare and precious herbs, I'm not even third-rate. All I have left is my strength."

"Sheng Lan is also quite strong."

"I'm not that lucky! Such an initiation and transmission of power is a rare occurrence, happening only once every few decades."

"The transmission of power through initiation is indeed quite rare, but I do know some of the methods of cleansing the tendons and marrow."

"Will there be serious damage?"

"No problem, it's nothing!"

"Come on, let me try it!"

"no!"

"You're not even willing to do something as simple as lifting a finger?"

"It has side effects."

"What side effects?"

"Have loose bowels!"

"I've heard that martial arts masters cleanse their marrow and bones by expelling impurities through their pores. Don't try to fool me!"

"You mean—you're covered in poop?"

Li Zhaoting looked at Tianxiang in surprise.

Tianxiang: (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

Tianxiang swore that if she had Wang Shenglan's strength to uproot mountains and overwhelm the world, she would definitely flip the table in the private room and smash it on Li Zhaoting's forehead!
Are you speaking human language?
Although Tianxiang's pseudonym is "Smelling Stink," she doesn't actually enjoy smelling things. Even Shen Qixuan, the "Horse-Faced Ghost" who claims to have a similar hobby, only uses it to show off her martial arts skills. Thinking of Li Zhaoting's words...

"Ugh~~"

Tianxiang ran to the corner and vomited.

"Li Zhaoting, I'll kill you... I swear, I will definitely kill you... I'll... throw you into the moat... throw you into the crater!"

Tianxiang felt dizzy and lightheaded from vomiting.

Li Zhaoting held Tianxiang in one arm and used his One-Finger Divine Skill to soothe her with the other, his eyes fixed on the auction.

In order to make a name for himself, Deng Ren brought out the treasures he had accumulated over the years, and with the generous sponsorship of Weng Taibei, it was a grand feast in every respect.

In terms of culture, there are four exquisite calligraphy scrolls, one by Yan Zhenqing, one by Zhong Yao, and the most precious is the original work of Wang Xianzhi. In addition, there is a copy of the "Wansui Tongtian Tie" from the Wu Zhou period.

In the second year of the Wansui Tongtian era of Empress Wu Zetian, Wang Fangqing, the Fengge Attendant, presented a collection of precious calligraphy works by twenty-eight members of the Wang family, his ancestors. Empress Wu Zetian ordered copies to be made, and selected the best version, which was named "Baozhang Collection".

It is also known as the "Wansui Tongtian Tie".

Although it is a copy, this set of calligraphy works includes the original works of Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi. The fine copy is indistinguishable from a reproduction or printing. The copyists were all great calligraphers of the time, so its rarity is self-evident.

Deng Ren's calligraphy scroll is a copy of a copy, which may sound worthless, but in reality, it is a top-tier treasure no matter where it is sent.

Having discussed culture, let's talk about luxury.

The auction items included luxurious pieces such as gold and silver jewelry, jade artifacts, and Suzhou embroidery, all of which were exquisite. Li Zhaoting couldn't resist his shopping desires and bought a tea set.

Finally, there is martial arts.

Miraculous elixirs, divine weapons, protective armor, fine steeds, and martial arts manuals—everything imaginable is available.

The Indian secret technique "Shakyamuni's Elephant-Throwing Skill" is a unique skill that cultivates both body and mind. Once mastered, it grants astonishing strength, enabling one to lift an elephant with the power of flesh and blood. The starting bid is 80,000 taels of silver.

The esoteric Buddhist martial art "Treasure Vase Great Qi Gong" is a supreme internal energy cultivation method of esoteric Buddhism, similar to the Golden Bell Cover, which can form a protective aura around the body. The starting bid is 60,000 taels.

The first-class martial art, "Seven Birds Palm," is a unique skill created based on the postures of seven birds: eagle, hawk, lark, ostrich, peacock, white crane, and rooster. Practitioners need to have profound lightness skills. The starting bid is eight thousand taels.

The first-class lightness skill "Fleeting Light and Shadow" is a direct descendant of the Sunflower School. It is as fast as lightning and can pass by in a flash. When mastered, it can rival the Thief Saint. The starting bid is 20,000 taels.

"Iron Fist," a top-tier grappling technique passed down through the powerful Yan family of the Northeast, boasts indestructible hands and the ability to dislocate bones with a single claw. Starting bid: 15,000 taels.

The Taoist secret art "Innate Qi Cultivation" is the mental technique and secret formula cultivated by Ling Duxu, the Taoist "Qi King" who has reached the pinnacle of internal energy cultivation. The internal energy is extremely refined and pure. Even if the five internal organs are shattered, it can be maintained by innate true energy. It has extremely strong endurance, vitality and healing ability. The starting price is 150,000 taels, and each bid will increase by at least 10,000 taels!
One after another, martial arts techniques and mental cultivation methods were auctioned off. Li Zhaoting yawned out of boredom. Just then, the auction house unexpectedly put up Ling Duxu's ultimate technique for auction.

Ling Duxu, known as the "King of Qi," possessed unparalleled mastery of internal energy, even surpassing Shui Mu Yin Ji by a margin. Years ago, when he stormed Jingyan Palace, his internal organs were ruptured by the Mongol master Si Hanfei, but he managed to heal himself by relying on his innate internal energy.

The only side effect was that he became mute.

The renowned thief of the martial arts world, Fan Liangji, known as the "Lone Thief" alongside Chu Liuxiang and Sikong Zhaixing, is his successor. He appears to be a cunning old monkey, but in reality, he is skilled in innate qigong and possesses extremely profound internal energy.

How can such a unique skill be put up for auction?
wrong!

This is not an auction item provided by Deng Ren!
This is Fan Liangji fishing.

Fan Liangji set his sights on the treasure trove of a certain powerful organization.

Li Zhaoting snorted coldly and said no more.

After relieving her nausea, Tianxiang rinsed her mouth with tea, regaining some strength. Watching the auction items being bought by other guests, she subconsciously asked, "You don't like any of these manuals? Why don't you buy a few?"

"I don't need it!"

"You don't need innate qigong?"

“I have a better option.”

(End of this chapter)