Gou Zai Wudao Shi Lian Shen

Chapter 94 Hidden True Teachings

Inside the restaurant, everyone was stunned after hearing this explanation.

No one expected that the people from Weiyuantang could be so shameless.

Originally, everyone was guessing that Zhao Xuanfeng had killed Li Huchen, who was born with tiger bones, and seized on the fact that Lu Chen knew the Iron Wire Grappling Hand. They thought he would most likely use this as an excuse to cause trouble for Wang's Yam Shop.

Even if they didn't dare to kill openly, they still had to come to his door to demand an explanation and force Lu Chen to back down.

But who would have thought that Weiyuantang not only didn't settle scores with Lu Chen, but instead took the initiative to speak up for him.

They're saying Lu Chen is a reclusive, highly accomplished disciple of the Weiyuan Hall!

"Damn it, this even works?"

"A hidden lineage of true knowledge? What genius from Weiyuan Hall came up with that term?"

Some people couldn't help but laugh in anger.

"Weiyuantang is truly shameless!"

"What reclusive disciple? They're clearly just trying to curry favor with Lu Chen after he won!"

The crowd chattered amongst themselves, their voices rising incessantly.

As they talked, they suddenly realized that Weiyuantang's move, though shameless, was quite clever.

If they insist that Lu Chen stole the Iron Wire Grappling Technique, Weiyuan Hall could certainly use this as an opportunity to punish him.

But Lu Chen is no longer the same Lu Chen he was yesterday.

He was the top student in martial arts.

They received the protection of the imperial court.

Behind him was no longer just a small yam shop, but also County Magistrate Zhou Lingfeng, and even the entire Great Zhou Dynasty.

If Weiyuantang really makes a big fuss at this point, it may not be able to gain any advantage.

Now that they've changed their tune and are saying Lu Chen is a reclusive disciple of Weiyuan Hall, that's wonderful.

Lu Chen now knows the Iron Wire Grappling Technique; he no longer learned it by stealing.

Weiyuan Hall doesn't need to cause trouble for Lu Chen because of the leak of martial arts techniques.

They could even use Lu Chen's victory to pat themselves on the back.

In this way, Weiyuantang not only avoided a deadly conflict, but also managed to gain some of Lu Chen's reputation for itself.

Inside the restaurant, someone finally realized what was happening and couldn't help but gasp.

"Thinking about it that way, Weiyuantang's move was indeed impressive."

"Yes, yesterday we might have been mortal enemies, but today we've turned into family."

"Shameless as they may be, they're really clever."

"6

"Zhao Xuanfeng probably didn't sleep a wink last night, right?"

"I estimate that as soon as the martial arts exam ended, Weiyuan Hall closed its doors to discuss their wording. As soon as it was light today, they immediately sent people to the teahouses and restaurants to keep watch."

"No wonder these people from Weiyuan Hall arrived so quickly; they were prepared in advance."

The elderly bodyguard, sipping his wine, couldn't help but sigh, "Weiyuan Hall truly possesses courage, vision, and foresight."

In the world of martial arts, being able to bow your head is a skill in itself.

"Yesterday, Li Huchen died on the stage, and Zhao Xuanfeng lost face. If it were an ordinary martial arts school, they would probably have been blinded by rage and wanted to lead their men to kill Wang's Yam Shop immediately."

"But Weiyuantang doesn't have it."

He picked up the wine bowl and slowly took a sip.

"They know that Lu Chen is currently riding high and is the top martial arts candidate. To cause trouble for Lu Chen at this time would be tantamount to slapping the county magistrate in the face."

"Since we cannot act against each other, let's turn hostility into friendship."

The old bodyguard put down his wine bowl and continued, "What could have been a life-or-death feud has, after being told this way, become a beautiful story."

Someone couldn't help but ask, "But will Lu Chen admit it?"

The old bodyguard said calmly, "Does it matter whether he admits it or not?"

Everyone was taken aback.

The old bodyguard said, "Moreover, things have come to this point, which means that Weiyuan Hall has given Lu Chen a way out in public."

"If Lu Chen were smart, he wouldn't have publicly ruined things and lost face!"

"It's a win-win situation for both!"

The restaurant gradually quieted down.

The person who had just been cursing Weiyuantang for being shameless now had a more complicated expression on their face.

In the martial arts world, fists are important.

Face is equally important.

Sometimes, if you're thick-skinned enough, you can turn a dead end into a way out.

Someone whispered, "No wonder Weiyuan Hall has grown so big, competing with Qianhe Martial Arts School for supremacy in Chixia County."

"yes."

The old bodyguard nodded and looked out onto the street.

"Zhao Xuanfeng lost his disciple yesterday and lost all face, but today he was able to swallow his anger immediately and instead use Lu Chen's name to promote Weiyuan Hall."

"Not everyone has this kind of decisiveness."

He paused slightly at this point, a hint of sarcasm on his face.

"On the other hand, let's look at the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts School—"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions immediately turned strange.

Someone chimed in, "Doesn't that show the difference?"

"One is trying to turn a bad thing into a good thing, and the other is playing a good hand terribly."

Laughter filled the restaurant again.

This time, however, the laughter contained not only mockery but also a touch of melancholy.

The five major martial arts schools in Chixia County have been competing with each other for so many years.

However, after a martial arts competition, everyone suddenly realized that the differences between these martial arts schools might not only lie in their martial arts skills.

It's still about the methods and techniques used in doing things.

Weiyuantang reacted quickly and acted decisively, making a snap decision.

However, Canglong Martial Arts School seemed stunned by the slap in the face, and is still hiding behind its door, unsure how to face the gossip outside.

The old bodyguard poured himself another bowl of wine and slowly said, "The martial world of Chixia County is getting more and more interesting—"

Two days later, the rumors in Chixia County had not subsided.

The news that Lu Chen was a hidden disciple of Weiyuan Hall spread like wildfire in teahouses, restaurants, and streets. Some even added fuel to the fire, saying that the reason Lu Chen was able to defeat Li Huchen on the stage was because they were from the same lineage of Weiyuan Hall and knew the weakness of Tiger Roar Divine Fist.

Lu Chen naturally heard these words as well.

However, he did not rush to come forward to defend himself.

These past two days, he has mostly stayed in the backyard of Wangji Yam Shop to recover from his injuries.

The injuries inflicted by Li Huchen's punches still caused him pain in his chest and abdomen. Fortunately, while Wang's Yam Shop didn't have much else, it was never short of medicine for healing injuries and tonics for replenishing qi.

Ge Ye personally delivered several doses of herbal soup to heal his injuries and regulate his qi and blood. Lu Chen also had a strong ability to recover, and after two days, he appeared to be fine.

That morning, the young waiter hurried into the backyard to report: "Master Lu, someone from Weiyuan Hall has come to visit you."

Lu Chen was meditating cross-legged when he heard this and slowly opened his eyes.

"Who?"

"Du Jincheng, the eldest disciple of Weiyuan Hall."

The young waiter paused, his expression somewhat strange.

"I also brought quite a few gifts."

Lu Chen's eyes flickered slightly.

A moment later, at the front hall of Wang's shop.

Lu Chen changed into a clean martial arts uniform and walked out slowly.

Two chests, sealed with red silk, were already placed in the front hall, with four or five disciples of Weiyuan Hall standing beside them. The leader was a man in his thirties, with a robust build and a calm demeanor, exuding a more experienced air than the ordinary disciples.

This person was none other than Du Jincheng, the senior disciple of Weiyuan Hall.

Lu Chen also recognized this person; he had seen this person make a move when hunting Crimson Blood Deer in Crimson Cloud Mountain.

As soon as he saw Lu Chen come out, a warm smile immediately appeared on his face. He quickly stepped forward and clasped his hands in a salute.

"Senior Brother Lu!"

That shout was both warm and natural.

Not only were the people from Wangji stunned, but even some of the Weiyuantang disciples who had come along had their eyelids twitch slightly.

Du Jincheng was in his thirties, more than ten years older than Lu Chen.

But at this moment, he didn't feel embarrassed at all; on the contrary, he was all smiles and extremely humble.

"I am Du Jincheng of Weiyuan Hall, and I have come today to pay my respects to Senior Brother Lu!"

Lu Chen glanced at him and returned the greeting with clasped hands.

"Brother Du, you're too kind."

"I dare not accept the title of 'Senior Brother.' Just call me Lu Chen."

Du Jincheng's smile faltered slightly.

However, as the senior disciple of Weiyuan Hall, he quickly returned to normal, though a hint of understanding appeared in the depths of his eyes.

Lu Chen did not respond to the "Senior Brother" address.

This indicates that he did not want to directly acknowledge his relationship with Weiyuantang.

Clearly, the rumors circulating outside over the past two days have reached Lu Chen's ears.

Du Jincheng sighed inwardly.

The boy was young, but quite clear-headed.

They're not easily fooled.

His smile remained unchanged as he said, "Lu Chen, I've come today on my master's orders to bring you a small token of my appreciation."

As he spoke, he raised his hand in a gesture.

The disciples of Weiyuan Hall immediately stepped forward and opened the two boxes one by one.

The first box contained neatly stacked silver ingots.

A dazzling expanse of white, shimmering brightly in the light of the front hall.

The second box contained several boxes of medicinal herbs, all packed in brocade boxes. Once the lids were opened, a rich aroma of herbs immediately filled the air.

Du Jincheng said loudly, "Here are one thousand taels of silver, three old ginseng roots, several bottles of healing and qi-replenishing pills, and several copies of martial arts manuals from my Weiyuan Hall."

"These are just a small token of my appreciation from Weiyuantang."

Lu Chen's gaze swept over the silver box.

One thousand taels of silver.

Weiyuantang is spending a thousand taels of silver right off the bat; they must be really wealthy!

Lu Chen did not speak immediately, but looked at Du Jincheng.

Du Jincheng didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "I'm sure you know about Weiyuan Hall's attitude these past two days."

"Master's meaning is very simple."

"Weiyuan Hall intends to reconcile with you."

Du Jincheng continued, "Li Huchen's death was due to a martial arts contest. On the stage, fists and feet have no eyes, and life and death are left to fate. My Weiyuan Hall will not pursue this matter."

"As for the Iron Wire Grappling Technique—"

He looked at Lu Chen, his tone softening.

"It's being said that you are a reclusive disciple of my Weiyuan Hall."

"I've come today to solidify this relationship with you."

Lu Chen's eyes flickered slightly: "Confirmed?"

Du Jincheng nodded: "Not bad."

"You don't need to formally join Weiyuan Hall, nor do you need to do anything for Weiyuan Hall."

"All you need to do is acknowledge that you are a reclusive disciple of my Weiyuan Hall."

"From now on, the doors of Weiyuan Hall will always be open to you. Whatever martial arts you wish to learn, as long as Weiyuan Hall possesses them, you are welcome to observe them."

Lu Chen naturally understood that the proposal put forward by Weiyuantang was beneficial to both parties.

He paused for a moment, then suddenly asked, "What if I don't agree?"

The atmosphere in the front hall tensed slightly.

Several disciples of Weiyuan Hall subconsciously looked at Du Jincheng.

Du Jincheng didn't change his expression; instead, he smiled.

"It doesn't matter if you disagree. Our Weiyuan Hall has decided to let bygones be bygones, and these gifts will still be kept as a congratulatory gift for your success in the martial arts examination."

Lu Chen looked at him.

Du Jincheng said calmly, "Our Weiyuan Hall is sincerely trying to mend fences with you!"

"Lu Chen, the fact that you were able to beat Li Huchen means you are stronger than him."

"We at Weiyuan Hall respect the strong."

Lu Chen thought for a moment and said, "I understand what you mean."

"But I have my principles."

I won't pay attention to the rumors circulating outside.

"But I will not personally admit that I am a disciple of Weiyuantang."

The solution they proposed would not cause Lu Chen any loss.

However, Lu Chen had some reservations about the unfounded identity of the reclusive master.

Du Jincheng's expression hardened slightly, as if he had seriously considered Lu Chen's words.

A moment later, he suddenly laughed.

"Can."

Lu Chen looked at him: "Is it okay?"

"sure."

Du Jincheng nodded, his smile even more relaxed than before: "As long as you don't deny it, that's enough."

In any case, it's only a matter of time before the rumors become reality.

Whether Lu Chen is willing to admit it himself or not is completely unimportant.

As long as he doesn't come forward to deny it, that's fine.

As he left, Du Jincheng clasped his hands in a fist salute to Lu Chen and said, "If you ever wish to visit Weiyuan Hall in the future, you are always welcome."

"Besides the Iron Wire Grappling Technique, my Weiyuan Hall also possesses many other powerful martial arts, including the Tiger Roar Divine Fist. If you are interested, you are welcome to learn them anytime!"