Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Chapter 184 Foreign Figures and a Secret Maneuver (Part 2)

Before making his move, Li Fu had a calm and peaceful demeanor, like a gentle breeze and a bright moon. Apart from making people feel close to him unconsciously, he was unremarkable and completely unlike those great figures in the martial arts world.

But once these three moves were unleashed, especially the last one that seemed like a sword immortal descending to earth, all their superficial imaginations and doubts were instantly shattered!

That was a realm they could not comprehend at all, nor could they even look up to!

The lofty sword intent made them suddenly realize their own insignificance, like ants gazing at the sky, or a grain of sand in the vast ocean facing the boundless natural world.

The intense shock and feelings of shame made them almost unable to stand.

I was so blind to his greatness before.

This person, who can unleash a divine dragon with his palm, is beyond the comprehension of ordinary reasoning. Beneath his calm and composed demeanor lies an astonishing and almost mythical martial art.

Looking at Li Fu's calm profile again, they felt a completely different feeling. They felt that his calmness was like sitting at the top of the martial arts world, watching the rise and fall of the martial arts world.

Even those powerful figures in the martial arts world seemed insignificant and arrogant in his presence.

"I lost!" Wang Woyun finally spoke after losing, saying bitterly, "I never expected that your martial arts would have reached such a level."

Today I have overestimated my abilities and brought shame upon myself.

You won!

He shook his head dejectedly, bent down to pick up the two packages on the ground, and prepared to leave this place that had made him lose face.

Li Fu spoke calmly, without the arrogance of a victor.

"No fight, no friendship."

"Great Hero Woyun, there's no need for this. I think there might be some misunderstanding between us, which will be cleared up when you meet Zheng Shaoqing in the future."

Wang Woyun originally wanted to say "there's some misunderstanding," but before he could finish speaking, he suddenly remembered something.

His friend Zheng Shaoqing's martial arts skills were actually slightly inferior to his own.

Li Fu's martial arts skills—those three moves just now, especially the last one, which was formless, pure, and lofty, had already exceeded his understanding of martial arts and vaguely touched the realm of those legendary martial arts myths.

With Li Fu's unpredictable martial arts skills, how could Zheng Shaoqing have escaped with only serious injuries right under his nose?

unless----

Wang Woyun's heart skipped a beat, his movements froze, and he suddenly realized that he might have been reckless.

Would someone with such martial arts skills lie to him so easily?

There's probably something I don't know about that allowed Zheng Shaoqing to escape with serious injuries.

Perhaps I misjudged the subject of this lesson, and it has become a laughing stock.

Seeing Wang Woyun's defeat and the faint hint of embarrassment on his face, Yun Qizi quickly stepped forward to change the subject and smooth things over.

"Where is Master Wang heading?"

If it's on your way, why don't you join us?

Wang Woyun said, "I received an invitation from the Quanzhen Sect, inviting me to Chongyang Palace in Zhongnan Mountain to participate in that public trial."

Yun Qizi said, "We are also heading to Zhongnan Mountain."

Since we're traveling together, we can get to know each other better along the way. Let's just let the little misunderstanding from earlier be forgotten.

Although Wang Woyun still felt a little embarrassed, he sincerely admired Li Fu's martial arts skills and felt that he was in the wrong first, so he nodded and said in a muffled voice, "That's fine then."

Wang Woyun said "That's fine," which was a tacit acceptance of his colleague's suggestion, and Yun Qizi was delighted.

Wang Woyun paused, as if remembering something. He, who was usually not talkative, glanced at Li Fu, straightened his clothes, and coughed.

"My reason for agreeing to go to that damn public trial was not only because I had an invitation and wanted to see the spectacle, but also because of another reason."

"Some time ago, Jinmao, another notorious bandit in the martial arts world, also fell into my hands."

As is customary, I gave him a month to rob the rich and help the poor, and to raise treasures in exchange for his freedom.

The young man was quick; before long, he presented an ancient jade cup from a previous dynasty. It was of decent quality and worth some silver, but it wasn't anything extraordinary.

I gave him a month to get something decent.

His tone turned somber as he continued.

"The thief with the white hair told me that he had some news that he wanted to offset some days."

He said that a few days ago, while he was active near the border, he accidentally discovered a group of people. Judging from their attire, they seemed to be lamas from the grasslands, as well as a group of skilled grassland warriors. They were acting mysteriously and had actually infiltrated our Great Zhao territory.

He secretly followed them for a while and discovered that they seemed to be heading towards the Zhongnan Mountains.

Upon hearing this, Li Fu's gaze suddenly sharpened.

Master Yunqi, Daoist Chongling, and the other members of the Laoshan Sect were also shocked, their faces showing surprise and doubt.

Wang Woyun continued.

"Although I am a free man, I have long heard that the Quanzhen Sect of Zhongnan Mountain has recently been making a great fuss because of the Kongtong Sect's alleged annihilation of the Taishan Sect. They are going to hold a public trial in the martial arts world, at which time many famous figures from various sects of the Northern Daoist School and even the Jianghu will be present."

The fact that this group of grassland experts chose this particular time and direction to secretly infiltrate is hardly indicative of anything bad.

Could it be that they're trying to take advantage of this opportunity to cause trouble at the conference, stir up chaos, and profit from it?

That's why I decided to come and take a look.

"A powerful expert from a nomadic tribe?"

Li Fu slowly uttered these words, a multitude of thoughts flashing through his mind in an instant.

Could it be that the mastermind behind the massacre of the entire Taishan family and the framing of the Kongtong Sect is not someone from the Central Plains martial arts world, but a foreign tribe from the grasslands?

The aim is to take this opportunity to disrupt the martial arts world in the north and weaken the power of the Zhao martial arts community?

Yun Qizi stroked his beard and pondered, his expression solemn.

"Amitabha Buddha—if this is true, then this matter is of utmost importance."

Foreigners, with their wolfish ambitions, have long coveted our fertile land.

They would never send elite troops deep into our Central Plains without a reason; they must have some ulterior motive!

Could there be something fishy going on behind the rumor that the Kongtong Sect wiped out the Taishan Sect?

He didn't finish speaking, but his meaning was clear: he had begun to have some doubts.

The other elders from Laoshan looked at each other, and doubts and worries arose in their hearts.

Although these people from the Laoshan Sect are all Taoists, it is impossible for them to completely renounce worldly affairs, especially since they are people of the Great Zhao. If the skin is gone, where will the hair attach?

Master Chongling was even more worried and replied.

"People of other races are known for their cunning and cruelty."

If they really want to cause trouble at the public trial, or use this opportunity to incite internal strife within the Taoist community, the consequences will be unimaginable!

We must hurry to Zhongnan Mountain to inform the Quanzhen Sect and all its members about this matter, so that everyone can take precautions!

Mentioning the Mongolian grasslands weighed heavily on everyone's minds, their faces revealing deep apprehension and worry.

An elderly elder from Laoshan sighed.

"Alas, many years ago, the imperial court launched a military campaign against the Mongol steppes and suffered a crushing defeat. It was forced to sign a treaty of surrender, paying tribute every year and bowing its head year after year in exchange for temporary peace on the border."

The country's strength has not yet recovered.

In recent years, the Mongol Yuan dynasty swept across the land, destroying countless countries and growing increasingly powerful. The ferocity of its cavalry was truly terrifying.

In contrast, our dynasty—alas, beset by internal and external troubles, is as precarious as a pile of eggs.

Who knows when the Mongol Yuan dynasty might break the alliance and bare its fangs again? How will my Great Zhao dynasty resist them?

These words revealed the hidden worries of many people present, and the atmosphere became somewhat oppressive for a moment.

Some young disciples of the Laoshan School hesitated and said, "Our Great Zhao has signed a fifty-year alliance with the grasslands, paying tribute every year to ensure peace between the two countries, and that neither side will invade the other, not even provoking each other."

"Peace----"

Li Fu spoke up.

"What cannot be obtained on the battlefield, it is even less likely to be truly obtained by sitting down and negotiating peace."

Even if peace is achieved temporarily, it is nothing more than a mirage bestowed by the strong, and the initiative always remains in the hands of the strong.

When the strong feel the need, an alliance becomes nothing more than a worthless piece of paper, torn up without a second thought. What can the Great Zhao do about it?

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines. These words were so harsh, showing utter contempt for the solemn treaty signed by the two countries, comparing it to a piece of waste paper.

But upon closer reflection, it is probably true.

If the Great Zhao had the ability to do something to the steppe cavalry that had reached the city walls, why would it have signed an alliance and paid tribute every year?

These words, though brief, are profound and thought-provoking.

Master Yunqi stroked his beard and sighed deeply.

"Officer Li's words can be described as insightful and to the point."

Unfortunately, the officials in the court may not share our concerns.

As for the current officials—alas!

His final sigh was filled with helplessness and unspeakable disappointment. Although he didn't say it outright, everyone present understood the unspoken meaning. Recalling the official's various actions in recent years, they could only look at each other in silence, their hearts heavy.

The topic of whether the Mongol Yuan dynasty would break the alliance and trample the land of China with its iron hooves was too heavy for the group to discuss further. After a short rest, they composed themselves and continued their journey toward Zhongnan Mountain.

The following afternoon, they came to a desolate crossroads in the middle of nowhere.

There was a simple tea stall by the roadside with a few thatched sheds, selling simple tea and meals.

Everyone was feeling thirsty and hungry, so they decided to go and rest for a while.

Before we even got close, we saw a group of customers sitting in the tea stall, about six or seven people, some old and some young, all dressed in simple coarse linen clothes, looking unremarkable, like porters or merchants on a long journey.

But when the group saw Li Fu and Yun Qizi's impressive and large entourage approaching, several of the older members of the group changed their expressions. They seemed to exchange glances, then stood up, left some copper coins on the table, and hurriedly left the tea stall, walking quickly down another path, seemingly to avoid them.

One of the young men, who appeared to be in his early twenties, was being urged to leave by his companions after he had only eaten half of his noodles. He was very reluctant, muttering to himself and dragging his feet.

An elderly man with gray hair next to him whispered a few words and then pulled him up.

The young man followed reluctantly, looking somewhat lazy and disgruntled, with the air of a spoiled rich kid.

"what?"

An elder from the Laoshan Sect with sharp eyes suddenly let out a soft exclamation and whispered.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, look at those people who just left—the white-haired old man walking in front, his back and gait, doesn't he look like Elder Songxi of the Kongtong Sect?"

And that short, chubby guy next to him, he looks a bit like the Stone Taoist?

Upon hearing this, the other elders also turned their gazes in that direction.

The Laoshan School and the Kongtong School both belong to the Taoist sect. Although one is in the east and the other in the west, they do not usually have close contact. However, they are both ancient sects with a history of thousands of years, and most of their high-ranking members know each other.

Upon closer inspection, it was indeed discovered that several of the figures among those who hurriedly left bore a striking resemblance to some of the elders and disciples of the Dong Sect from memory.

Yun Qizi frowned slightly and slowly said, "Judging from their backs and gaits, they are indeed seven or eight parts similar."

If one person can happen to look so alike, and two or three people can look so alike, then it must be them.

But why aren't they wearing the robes of the Kongtong Sect?

Wearing such coarse linen clothes, deliberately concealing his identity, what is he planning to do?

Another elder from Laoshan hesitated at this moment.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, if I'm not mistaken, among that group of people just now, besides Songxi and Daoist Shi, the young man lagging behind and being urged to leave—it seems, it seems to be He Yisheng, the most beloved youngest disciple of the old Daoist Chunyangzi!"

Upon hearing this, several elders nearby also showed expressions of surprise and doubt.

Another elder said, "He Yisheng, I heard that this boy is extremely talented and is the best among the younger generation of the Kongtong Sect. He has excellent comprehension and has mastered the Kongtong Sect's Flying Rainbow Sword Technique and Heaven-Turning Palm, especially the Heaven-Turning Palm. He has already mastered the essence of it at a young age."

As for his temperament, he is quite easygoing and doesn't act like a disciple of the sect leader. He gets along easily with his fellow disciples. However, he also has the lazy temperament of a rich young master. He is unhurried in everything he does, likes to enjoy life, and hates being constrained.

In the Kongtong Sect, he could barely listen to the words of his master Chunyangzi. He usually let the words of the other elders and even his senior brothers go in one ear and out the other, doing whatever he pleased.

The sect members were both amused and annoyed by this, but there was nothing they could do because his talent was indeed exceptional, and the sect leader, Chunyangzi, doted on this young disciple he had taken in late in life.

Within the Kongtong Sect, he is considered one of the future leaders, and even though his influence is not as high as Huo Shuyan's, he may still become the next sect leader.

Master Yunqi stroked his beard and pondered.

"If it really is He Yisheng—then this matter is even more unusual."

Given his temperament and status, it's astonishing that he would accompany several elders in such disguise and haste, even abandoning his usual lazy and leisurely lifestyle.

Aside from his master Chunyangzi personally issuing the order, probably no one else could command him.

Daoist Chongling nodded and said, "It seems that these people are not ordinary disciples or any elders who instructed them. They must have been directly assigned by the sect leader Chunyangzi to do something."

They seemed to be in a great hurry; were they also rushing to Zhongnan Mountain?

Another elder asked in confusion.

"Isn't it said that the Lingdong Sect's leader, Chunyangzi, was furious that Kongtong had been framed by someone with ulterior motives. In addition to leaving some disciples to guard the mountain gate, he personally led the rest of the sect to Zhongnan Mountain to clear their name to all fellow practitioners, claiming that the Taishan massacre was not their doing, and demanding an explanation from the accusers?"

Even the Kongtong Sect members guarding the mountain gate have arrived here.

"At this moment, the Kongtong Sect mobilized its entire force, disregarding even its own sect."

Wang Woyun crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

"What play are you performing?"

It seems that the old Daoist Chunyangzi has some other plans in mind.

Li Fu watched the group of people quickly disappear at the end of the path in the distance.

"The Kongtong Sect made a big show of it, with the sect leader personally leading his disciples to Zhongnan Mountain to defend themselves. This behavior was indeed like the reaction of someone who had been truly wronged and aggrieved, full of grief and indignation, wanting to seek justice."

But—what happened to that group of elders and disciples from the Kongtong Sect who just left? They were concealing their tracks and hurrying on their way.

He narrowed his eyes.

"One group is openly targeting, while another is operating covertly. What are they planning?"

Master Chongling suggested, "Officer Li, Senior Brother Sect Leader, Hero Wang, should we secretly follow them and take a look?"

I have a feeling that something's not quite right about this.

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