The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

Even Old Zhang felt that this move was too dangerous after seeing it, as it was entirely aimed at cutting off one's offspring and eradicating one's lineage. After hesitating for a long time, he did not strictly forbid Yu Lianzhou from passing on this martial art, but he also instructed everyone not to use this move unless absolutely necessary.

Take Zhang Zhaozhong, who defected to the Qing court, for example. He usually acted all high and mighty, but even he felt a chill run down his spine when he heard the name of his second senior uncle...

Chapter 198 Good and Bad

Yu Lianzhou was not afraid of trouble, and when he heard his second senior brother say this, the seventh brother Mo Shenggu also spoke up: "Why don't we find an opportunity to test Yuanzhen? Cheng Kun's Thunder Fist and Illusionary Yin Finger have already reached a high level. Yuanzhen is only a second-rate figure in Shaolin. If he really reveals Cheng Kun's skills, then Shaolin will have to give us an explanation!"

Although Mo Shenggu is the youngest of the Seven Heroes, he is mature beyond his years, straightforward and bold, and values ​​loyalty the most.

In the original work, someone sought revenge on Zhang Cuishan because of Yin Susu's debt. When Mo Shenggu encountered this, even without knowing the cause and effect, he directly declared, "Mo Shenggu is Zhang Cuishan," showing an attitude that no matter what, if you want to mess with my fifth brother, it's the same as messing with me.

At Bright Peak, Yin Tianzheng brought up the marriage between Zhang Wuxia and his daughter, hoping to use this as an excuse to end the war with Wudang. Mo Shenggu immediately flew into a rage and demanded that he pay for the blood debts of his third and fifth brothers.

In the end, the two fought, and Mo Shenggu stabbed Yin Tianzheng's arm, but Yin Tianzheng grabbed his shoulder firmly. The stab to the arm was just a superficial wound, but Yin Tianzheng's signature move was the Eagle Claw Technique. If this claw were to exert its full force, Mo Shenggu would be crippled.

However, Yin Tianzheng did not exert his full strength... Mo Shenggu, feeling ashamed, also generously thanked Yin Tianzheng for showing mercy.

When Song Qingshu was about to fight the exhausted Zhang Wuji, Mo Shenggu was the first to object, even though he didn't know the other's identity, saying, "I can't live with myself dealing with a seriously injured boy."

Such a temperament is hardly perfect; even if someone wants to flatter him, it's logically consistent to argue that he can't distinguish right from wrong. But it seems he can get along with Chu Luren.

“That’s right. If the feud between Fifth Senior Brother and Third Senior Brother was truly caused by Shaolin, then even if Shaolin has hundreds or thousands of monks, we will fight them to the death!” Yin Liting said, his eyes reddening, perhaps thinking of the matter concerning his two senior brothers.

Although he was the sixth child, Mo Shenggu was mature beyond his years, while Yin Liting seemed like the youngest. He was the most delicate and sentimental, and when Zhang Cuishan died, Yin Liting was the first to lie on the body and weep bitterly...

Perhaps it's because his senior brothers have taken care of him too much that he's become somewhat timid.

"What are you saying? Even if Yuanzhen is indeed the villain Cheng Kun, there may be other reasons for this. Shaolin should give us an explanation. How can you so easily harbor such violent thoughts? Moreover... if this matter is really related to Shaolin, we can go to Mount Song together. Shaolin has thousands of monks, but does Wudang have no one?"

Song Yuanqiao first reprimanded Yin Liting, after all, everyone present was one of their own... then he silently made up his mind.

The Seven Heroes of Wudang and the Seven Masters of Quanzhen may sound similar, but their meanings are definitely different.

Leaving aside the strongest Yu Lianzhou and Song Yuanqiao, even Zhang Songxi, Mo Shenggu, and Yin Liting are all among the top-tier.

In the original work, Zhang Songxi fought Yin Tianzheng, who had practiced internal energy for thirty years, and only took one step back. Mo Shenggu was also able to exchange serious injuries for minor ones when facing Yin Tianzheng.

Yin Liu may seem weak and submissive at first glance, but his swordsmanship is the most superb among the Seven Heroes…

If we consider all the options, Qiu Chuji, the strongest among the Seven Heroes of Quanzhen, is probably only at the same level as Yin Liting and Mo Shenggu. Moreover... apart from Song Yuanqiao, the Seven Heroes of Wudang are much younger than the Seven Masters of Quanzhen, and their martial arts are still improving!

Moreover, the outer sect masters and lay disciples represented by Chongxu and Shuidai, as well as a large number of Wudang sect branches led by Shangqing Temple, were not just for show.

"However, don't mention this to Third Junior Brother yet, lest... he recalls what happened back then. If the truth can really be revealed, it won't be too late to avenge Third Junior Brother later," Song Yuanqiao emphasized.

When the matter was brought up, the others fell silent.

The five heroes made up their minds, and the next morning, Zhang Songxi personally welcomed Chu Luren into the mountain gate. Some busybodies even took this as evidence that "the Wudang Sect was indeed lacking in confidence," because "even when a lone hero from the Heavenly Ranking came to the gate, the four heroes of Zhang personally came out to greet him."

However, Wudang has never paid much attention to such busybodies, just as Wudang has never thought of explaining that Master Zhang is still alive...

Anyway, I'm telling you the truth. If you don't believe me... why don't you try it? See if Yu Er will take your money or not, and that'll be the end of it.

Upon seeing Zhang Songxi, Chu Luren felt much more at ease, clearly indicating that the Wudang group cared a great deal about this matter.

People may not care about the "Shaolin Nine Yang Skill," but since it concerns the death of Zhang Wuxia and the crippling of Yu Sanxia, ​​we must investigate it thoroughly!

However, to Chu Luren's slight surprise, he did not see Song Yuanqiao, but instead met Yu Lianzhou directly at the villa.

"I had heard of Young Hero Chu's intelligence and generosity in Junior Brother Shui's letter long ago. Meeting him today, I can see that his reputation is well-deserved!" Yu Lianzhou said politely as soon as they met.

Shui Dai was actually older than Yu Lianzhou and only younger than Song Yuanqiao. However, all the outer disciples, except for Chongxu who was addressed individually, were all "junior brothers" of the Seven Heroes.

Chu Luren hadn't quite grasped the situation yet, and seeing that Song Yuanqiao wasn't there, he felt a little uneasy.

"Second Master Yu is too kind. Senior Shui was merely offering words of encouragement to a junior." Chu Luren, like Simba's father clinging to a cliff, hadn't given up on maintaining his "gentlemanly" persona one last time.

"Junior Brother Shui is a reliable person and never lies. It's a pity that Senior Brother is also in seclusion, and Young Hero Chu seems to have some matters to attend to and cannot wait for the Three Pure Ones Ceremony." Yu Lianzhou made up a lie that he was not good at.

To be precise, in order not to lie, Song Yuanqiao is indeed currently in seclusion, and not only in seclusion, but... he has just entered seclusion!

Chu Luren wasn't stupid; he immediately realized that Song Yuanqiao was intentionally avoiding seeing him, given Yuanzhen's true identity—it was just empty talk.

"I and my fellow disciples have read the letter that Young Hero Chu sent yesterday. I must ask, though I am not being polite, what is the purpose of Young Hero Chu sending this letter? Is it simply because you are inclined to support Wudang?" Yu Lianzhou asked very directly.

Chu Luren was also taken aback by his directness, but only paused for a moment before calmly saying, "It's just because of my sworn brother's recent affairs that I'm doing more research on Shaolin."

This can be seen as an indirect admission that it was for Qiao Feng's sake, and they wanted to bring Wudang into the fray.

Upon hearing this, Yu Lianzhou nodded and said, "I have also heard about Chief Qiao's matter, which is truly a pity."

There is absolutely nothing wrong with what was said. "It's a pity" could mean that Qiao Feng was wronged, or that Qiao Feng was a Manchu... or even that Qiao Feng became a traitor!

Yu Lianzhou didn't know the truth, but it wouldn't hurt to feel a little "regretful".

"You've found out that Shaolin was behind Chief Qiao's affair?" Yu Lianzhou continued to ask.

"No, but that leader is most likely from Shaolin!" Chu Luren naturally told the truth.

"So, Young Master Chu also discovered Yuanzhen's identity? But... I really can't understand how Young Master Chu learned about this, since this person hasn't shown any signs of wrongdoing for so many years?" Yu Lianzhou said, staring intently at Chu Luren's expression.

Chu Luren did not answer, nor did he need to answer. Instead, he asked, "I have my own methods. Whether it is true or false, we will know once we try. Would you two heroes like to try it with me?"

Yu Lianzhou stared at Chu Luren for a long time before asking, "So, did Young Hero Chu really discover that Shaolin is related to the affairs of my third and fifth junior brothers?"

"I don't know whether Shaolin was involved in Yu Sanxia's matter, but I'm 80% sure it's directly related to that scoundrel Cheng Kun. As for Zhang Wuxia's matter... isn't it common knowledge throughout the martial arts world whether Shaolin is involved?" Chu Luren said matter-of-factly.

The "Great Vajra Finger" technique that crippled Yu Daiyan was used by Ah San from the Prince of Runan's Mansion, and this was orchestrated by Cheng Kun, who intended to damage the relationship between Wudang and Shaolin.

This person is so wicked! Chu Luren couldn't stand it anymore, so he helped... no! He was exposing him!

Chapter 199 Gathering from All Sides

Is the story of Zhang Wuxia related to Shaolin Temple?

Nonsense! Back then, it was Abbot Kongwen who personally came to Wudang Mountain to question Zhang Cuishan, and even proposed to join forces with his two junior brothers, Kongxing and Kongzhi, to settle the score with Zhang Sanfeng through a martial arts contest...

Before committing suicide for love, Yin Susu tricked and pretended to tell Kongwen Xie Xun whereabouts, causing various factions to suspect that Kongwen was keeping it a secret. As a result, Kongwen resigned from his position as abbot and passed it on to Fangzheng.

"Very well! Since Young Hero Chu has put it this way, then Junior Brother Zhang and I will accompany you to the Heroes' Gathering. If Yuanzhen is indeed the treacherous Cheng Kun, Wudang will reward him handsomely; if not..."

Just as Chu Luren was about to speak, Yu Lianzhou continued, "Since I was misled by others, I will apologize to Shaolin myself. However, Wudang will not welcome Young Hero Chu in the future!"

Yu Lianzhou was straightforward, and Chu Luren thought he would say, "Then I'll tie you up and send you to Shaolin."

Yu Lianzhou didn't think that way. After all, it was his own choice to believe, and even if he was deceived and couldn't let the swindler get away with it, he still had to bear the responsibility.

This is also why Song Yuanqiao didn't appear...

Even if Yu Lianzhou were to apologize to Shaolin, Wudang would not ignore it, but since Song Yuanqiao is the sect leader, it would be best not to interfere until the outcome is certain.

The reason why Yu Lianzhou and Zhang Songxi were chosen to travel with Chu Luren was because Yu Lianzhou's martial arts skills were high enough, and he was the most representative of Wudang besides Zhang Sanfeng and Song Yuanqiao. Although Zhang Songxi's martial arts skills were slightly inferior, he was cautious and resourceful.

Compared to the Quanzhen School, the Seven Heroes of Wudang were clearly more pragmatic. They didn't seem like Taoists; from their titles and attire to their demeanor, they were more like "knights-errant."

Because they were in a hurry, Yu Lianzhou and Zhang Songxi didn't waste any time and didn't even invite Chu Luren to a meal that day. They simply took two good horses from Wudang and set off with Chu Luren!

……

Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up!

Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up!

Deer-gig, deer-gig, deer-gig

……

The Wudang horse was still inferior to the Chu Lu people's little red horse, and it took more than a month to arrive in Kaifeng on March 13th.

Yu Lianzhou and Zhang Songxi rested for a night, while Chu Luren, dragging his tired body, went to Qunyu Courtyard again... to gather information.

The Heroes' Gathering was just two days away, and many "idle people" had already taken their places and were eating and drinking at Juxianzhuang, preparing to eat until the fifteenth of March.

The approximate number of participants in the "Heroes' Gathering" can now be estimated at around five or six hundred.

Putting aside those who were freeloading, Chu Luren also spotted some somewhat familiar names: Liu Dahong from the Mu Wangfu, Feng Jizhong from the Qingmu Hall of the Heaven and Earth Society, Situ Bolei from Wangwu Mountain, and the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan...

Well, after all, Juxianzhuang is not far from Kaifeng, and Qiao Feng was previously revealed to have Jurchen blood, so it's not surprising that a large number of anti-Qing sects would participate.

However, the anti-Qing factions were clearly taking a wait-and-see approach, and none of the people who came were important figures. The Mu family only sent experts from the martial arts world, not core figures. The Heaven and Earth Society did not even send a branch leader. Wangwu Mountain... did send a sect leader, but it was a small sect to begin with, and compared to the Heaven and Earth Society and the Mu family, Wangwu Mountain had not yet openly rebelled.

Firstly, their focus was on the anti-Qing cause, and this time they wanted to understand the situation better and didn't want to make enemies in the martial arts world rashly. Secondly... if it were really Chen Jinnan or Mu Jiansheng who were coming, they would probably be reported halfway there, given the large number of idle people in the martial arts world.

It's easy to die for a reputation in the martial arts world, but the principle of "not accepting death for the sake of a country, but doing so for the sake of a beautiful palace" also applies to people in the martial arts world.

On the contrary, if something is not very important, reporting it will not bring much benefit, but it will completely ruin one's status in the underworld. Greed can withstand the test.

Besides, Juxian Manor didn't truly welcome them. For the vast majority of sects within Qing territory, their attitude towards the court was—to be a lackey? Impossible! To rebel? Don't drag me into it until it's all over…

Temples like Shaolin Temple have received plaques and awards from the Qing court before. Monks have an advantage in this regard—they don't have to shave their heads again!

The Chu Lu people... are probably the same.

If Guo Jing really needs to send people to Xiangyang to help, or if a major event is about to happen and they just need a helping hand, then the people of Chu Lu have an inescapable responsibility—as mentioned before, if Guo Jing wants to hold a gathering of heroes, they should shamelessly consider themselves heroes and go, and help as much as they can with their abilities.

However, regarding the rebellion led by figures from the martial arts world...

Chu Luren was not optimistic!

In the novel "The Deer and the Cauldron," for example, there is a group of extraordinary people and events who want to "support Wei Xiaobao to become emperor and persuade him to take advantage of his military power to stage a coup."

Ultimately, this major is completely unrelated to their profession. Even the Heaven and Earth Society, which currently seems the most professional, is a makeshift organization in this regard.

Even these radical elements are largely avoided by most other factions.

Just like in the novel "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" set in the late Yuan Dynasty, how tough were the six major sects? No matter how much they were tortured by the Prince of Ruyang's mansion, they only managed to force out a few junior traitors; most of them preferred death to surrender...

However, they did not take the initiative to raise the banner of righteousness, nor did they launch an attack on the headquarters of the righteous army!

Chu Luren only paid slight attention to the Heaven and Earth Society and the Mu Prince's Mansion, not really believing that they could control the situation. At most, it was Feng Jizhong who made Chu Luren take a little more seriously.

As for the sixth of the Seven Heroes of Jiangnan? Oh, I only paid attention to him because I was familiar with him; otherwise, he wasn't much better than the average freeloader.

Among the other Five Mountains Sword Sects, Songshan sent Zhong Zhen, who was also one of the Thirteen Protectors—this was not unexpected, after all, Songshan could not lag behind in such an important event. However, with Shaolin and the Beggars' Sect present, Zuo Lengchan did not have any sudden idea to establish his authority at the Heroes' Gathering, and simply sent Zhong Zhen...

In addition, the Huashan Sect also sent people to participate in the Heroes' Gathering.

This doesn't refer to Lin Pingzhi and the others who came spontaneously, but rather to people sent by Yue Buqun!

Just a few months after Chu Luren began his arduous journey, a major event occurred at Mount Hua—Yue Buqun took in the Eagle and Snake Sect, merging the two sects into one. Xianyu Tong, the former leader of the Eagle and Snake Sect, became the deputy leader, and the ancestral tablets of the Eagle and Snake Sect were also moved into the Mount Hua Ancestral Hall.

Most sects do not have a deputy sect leader. The existence of Chongxu and Xianyu Tong are special cases.

The Eagle and Snake Sect was originally located on Mount Hua, but not on its main peak. It was originally no match for the Mount Hua Sect. However, after the Mount Hua Sword Qi Competition, although the quality of the Eagle and Snake Sect was still just average, the number of its members, disciples, and even its businesses increased greatly while Mount Hua was weak.