The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

Normally, even if Chu Luren invoked the "leadership" argument, Shaolin's prestige alone would have been enough for him to distance himself from the matter. However, now...

From the Ming Cult to Wudang, and then to the Beggars' Sect, Chu Luren somehow managed to twist all these things together, making Shaolin look like shit even though it's not shit!

Xuan Nan and Xuan Ji wanted to refute, but seeing that Tan Gong and Tan Po remained silent, they knew that this "leader" was indeed from Shaolin, and specifically from their Southern Shaolin.

In addition, looking at Yuanzhen, who had a compassionate expression, the two felt somewhat weary.

Other martial arts practitioners were also discussing this – they originally thought that the Northern Shaolin Temple did not care about Qiao Feng's affairs, so they only sent Master Yuanzhen, who was very old but had only average skills and status among the Yuan generation. Who would have thought that... this Master Yuanzhen had such a "great" background!

Could it be that Shaolin sent Yuanzhen for some other purpose?

After Chu Luren's "guidance," the opinions of the martial arts community, who had originally believed that "Qiao Feng is a scoundrel of the martial arts world, a heartless and insane man, and that even if he is highly skilled in martial arts, everyone dares to condemn him," began to diverge.

Some believed in Shaolin, some believed in Qiao Feng, but most believed that Qiao Feng was not a good person, but Shaolin... now seems to be impure as well!

In short, the desire to be sworn enemies with Qiao Feng faded away, and most of the thoughts were—I don't know, anyway, he's a Manchu, so it's not like I'm wronging him, I'll just cut ties with him in the future...

Chapter 210 An Awkward Heroes' Gathering

The atmosphere at Juxian Manor was awkward.

The heroes of the martial arts world, who were originally united in their hatred of the enemy, suddenly lost their way. Once the initial excitement wore off, few of them wanted to oppose Qiao Feng.

Liu Dahong, Situ Bolei, and others were worried that Qiao Feng might defect to the Qing court in the future due to his bloodline, which would affect their cause of resisting the Qing.

However, they alone could not set the pace, after all, their status was already a layer apart from other people in the martial arts world - those who served the imperial court were the court's henchmen, so what would they be if they wanted to switch to serving another imperial court?

In short, they are still different from ordinary sects. Normally, if someone helps the Mu family or the Heaven and Earth Society in resisting the Qing Dynasty, it is called national righteousness. But if someone actually joins the Mu family or the Heaven and Earth Society, that is another matter.

Only heroes like Guo Juxia, who truly served the country and its people and had not yet received any official position from the court, remained steadfast in guarding the frontier. Other martial arts sects that were embroiled in court intrigues had all distanced themselves from the martial arts world.

Besides, it's not their place to speak now, or even to discuss Qiao Feng's affairs. Yu Lianzhou is demanding an explanation from Shaolin.

Compared to the conflict between Wudang and Shaolin, Qiao Feng's affairs... are actually insignificant!

“Second Master Yu, although my brother and I cannot explain what happened today, there must be a villain instigating it…” Xuan Nan stepped forward and gently comforted Yu Lianzhou.

But just then, Chu Luren jumped out and interrupted, "You thieving monk, are you looking for trouble? Don't think that just because you don't say your name, I won't know that the 'villain' you're talking about is me!"

Everyone: ...

Xuan Nan was also taken aback, not expecting Chu Luren to be so direct. He then raised his palm and said, "If Benefactor Chu thinks this way, there's nothing this humble monk can do!"

Yes, I'm talking about you!

"Ha! Everyone's watching... Which of my words wasn't the truth? As for what Shaolin is really thinking, I didn't say, but why can't we all think about it?" Chu Luren said righteously.

Indeed, what Chu Luren said were all verified facts. From the exposure of Yuanzhen's identity to the fact that the "leader" came from Shaolin, none of them could be refuted.

As for what Shaolin thinks?

Chu Luren didn't say anything; he didn't care what others guessed.

Xuan Nan was furious, but this was clearly not the time to argue with Chu Luren, otherwise it would only make him seem guilty.

As for fighting... Xuan Nan felt that Chu Luren's moves just now were probably even stronger than his own!

"Amitabha... This matter was entirely caused by this humble monk. If the two heroes Yu want to kill or torture me, this humble monk will have no objection. However, it has nothing to do with Shaolin." Yuanzhen acted as if he were an honest man who had repented.

What mistake did Yuanzhen make?

a lot of!

After joining the Prince of Ruyang's mansion, Yuanzhen's target of harm was the entire Han martial arts world.

However, the only thing that can be confirmed now is the killing of Xie Xun's entire family. Killing an entire family is not encouraged, and one might even receive divine intervention from the righteous path if they happen to pass by. But when a demon or heretic's entire family is killed, it's not worthwhile for others to help them seek revenge.

Xie Xun's popularity was far worse than that of ordinary evil spirits and heretics.

If Xie Xun were to reveal Yuan Zhen's identity now, it's more likely that Xie Xun himself would be swarmed and killed by everyone.

The reason the situation is different now is that Wudang got involved and connected Yuanzhen's actions with what happened afterward.

It's impossible for Yu Er to kill Yuan Zhen now, since he can't confirm whether Cheng Kun regretted killing the whole family and became a monk, or whether he cooperated with Shaolin's plan to persecute Xie Xun!

If it is the latter, then obviously the grudges of Yu Daiyan and Zhang Cuishan of Wudang can also be attributed to Shaolin. Let alone Yuanzhen, no matter how many Shaolin come, it will be a battle.

But what's the point of killing Yuanzhen before the facts are clear?

Seeing this, Xuan Nan quickly said, "Don't worry, Second Master Yu! We'll go back and consult the abbot, and we'll definitely give Wudang an explanation!"

Although Xuan Nan himself didn't know what happened, Kong Wen, Kong Xing, and Kong Zhi of the Northern Shaolin Temple were still alive, and they should be able to provide an explanation.

Chu Luren was not optimistic about this...

What can Shaolin explain?

As long as one cannot see through the notion that "Cheng Kun had long since surrendered to the Prince of Ruyang's mansion, was the true culprit in Kong Jian's death, and was the instigator of conflict in the martial arts world," Shaolin can at most continue to whine about nothing, saying things like "the person who injured Yu Sanxia was definitely not from Shaolin," "Yuanzhen had no connection with Shaolin before becoming a disciple," and "Abbot Kongwen went to Wudang for the greater good"...

Besides his mouth, he has nothing else to prove himself.

"And about the 'leader'... Whether you believe it or not, I did not kill Master Zhiguang and the Shan family! When I went to Shaolin, I wanted to find out the identity of the 'leader.' If this 'leader' is really from Shaolin, please come out and confront me!" Qiao Feng said at this moment.

Originally, no one would have believed this, but now...

Even between Qiao Feng and Shaolin, more people would still believe in the latter. However, without this imagined "shared hatred," most people would just be watching the show, and a fight would definitely not break out.

"This humble monk... will inform the abbot himself. However, this humble monk believes that there is no such vicious person in Shaolin. Otherwise, Master Tan, Granny Tan, and Master Zhiguang would not have preferred death to revealing his identity." Xuan Nan clearly wanted to say: It was you, Qiao Feng, who did it.

However, knowing that Shaolin itself was now mired in trouble, he knew he couldn't possibly defeat Qiao Feng, so he could only offer a few helpless explanations.

"Hmph, monks don't lie, but they can be sarcastic," Chu Luren said sarcastically.

"Amitabha." Xuan Nan remained silent.

"Alright, then Brother Qiao and I will both wait for this explanation!" Yu Lianzhou had previously been quite neutral in addressing Qiao Feng by his given name, but now he was calling him Brother Qiao.

"Hahaha, actually we also believe that someone who would come to this den of dragons and tigers for a strange woman, even if they killed their enemy, wouldn't do something they wouldn't admit to," Zhang Songxi added sarcastically.

Seeing that Yu Er had no intention of killing him, Yuanzhen offered to be a hostage: "If you spare my life, Yu Erxia, I can go back to Wudang with you to apologize to Master Zhang and wait for news from my abbot and other senior monks."

Upon hearing this, Chu Luren rolled his eyes and said, "Master Yuanzhen, you should stop the bleeding quickly and take care of your health. If one day you are found dead with no body or a disfigured body, I can't control others, but I, Chu Luren, will be the first to refuse to believe you are dead!"

“Benefactor Chu is overthinking this,” Yuanzhen said with a slight glint in his eyes and a compassionate tone.

Yuanzhen had just considered faking his death, for example, by going back with Yu Lianzhou as a hostage, and then contacting the experts of the Ruyang Prince's Mansion on the way—the Ruyang Prince's Mansion also had people from the Beggar Clan and Wudang!

With their own inside and outside collusion, it wouldn't be difficult for "Wudang to claim that Yuanzhen was kidnapped by Beggar Clan masters on the way" and "Beggar Clan to coincidentally discover the body of a high monk who died from Wudang martial arts".

Unexpectedly, Chu Luren spoke first, so Yuan Zhen couldn't force him to do it...

Chapter 211 The Severance Wine

After listening to Chu Luren's words, Yu Lianzhou nodded and said, "We also believe that if Shaolin really wants to protect Master Yuanzhen, no one in the world can succeed! We also believe that with Shaolin's reputation, we cannot deny it. Master Yuanzhen, please return to Mount Song!"

Xuan Nan and Xuan Ji exchanged glances, realizing that Shaolin was likely the biggest loser today—they hadn't accomplished what they wanted and had instead gotten themselves into trouble.

The elders of the Beggars' Sect looked at each other, their faces showing embarrassment.

After all, if we follow this line of logic, then the Beggars' Sect would have completely fallen into a trap, actively revealing Qiao Feng's background and then expelling him from the sect...

Song Qingxi, Wu Changfeng, and Xi Sanqi, in particular, were increasingly reminded of Qiao Feng's good qualities. Wu Changfeng, the most impulsive of them all, even considered bringing Qiao Feng back to be the leader of the gang. It was Xu Chongxiao who reminded them at this moment: "Don't forget, he is a Manchu, and he already knows that he is a Manchu!"

"I know, I know! It was all our fault back then!" Wu Changfeng said with regret.

"If I had known, I would have listened to Master Zhiguang back then, destroyed the letter, and cleaned up those villains!" Song Qingxi said, slamming his copper rod down.

Quan Guanqing, who knew he was a villain even without being named, said, "Chief Wang's dying wish was very clear: if Qiao Feng had any disloyal intentions, everyone in the gang had the right to kill him, whether it was poisoning or sneak attacking, he would be considered a meritorious person and not a demerit... Some people should not forget the wrongful death of Deputy Chief Ma!"

Just then, a fighting sound came from not far outside the courtyard, and after a few moves, it seemed to be a chase and escape, gradually fading into the distance.

Chu Luren and Yu Lianzhou exchanged glances, and the Shaolin monks also looked at each other... Clearly, neither side knew who this was, and it was too late to chase after them.

Since the number of people involved in the fight was unknown, there were likely only two people, but both were extremely skilled in martial arts, and it was still unclear whether they were friend or foe. Therefore, only the hosts, You Ji and You Ju, went to check and, seeing no trace of them, no one pursued the matter.

Meanwhile, the unusual movements of the Beggars' Sect also attracted the attention of other people in the martial arts world. Seeing this, Chu Luren said, "The matter of Wudang is currently beyond discussion. We can only wait for Shaolin's explanation. However, since you have come here today for my elder brother, don't let this trip be in vain... I know that many of you who came today have some superficial relationship with my elder brother, and you just want to sever ties today."

"It just so happens that my elder brother is here too. Let's not postpone it. The situation is still unclear, and no one wants to make a scene and ruin our friendship. But let's not hold it in. Anyone who looks down on my elder brother, or on the people of Chu Lu, let's drink a bowl of severance wine today, so that we brothers won't disgrace everyone in the future!"

After Chu Luren finished speaking, he ordered to himself, "Someone, bring me wine and bowls! Gentlemen of the manor, I am just a passerby, a guest from afar, so I won't stand on ceremony with you. Just treat me as the manor owner, I hope you won't mind?"

Upon hearing this, You Ji couldn't help but grin—this was the first time he had ever seen someone so informal!

However, he still gave the servant a look, signaling him to do as Chu Luren said.

Soon servants brought over large jars of wine and stacks of earthenware bowls, and set out a table...

"Second brother is right. Many of you here today have some degree of friendship with me, Qiao. If you feel insulted or are afraid that it won't look good when we take action in the future, then drink this bowl of severance wine today!" Qiao Feng said as he walked to the table.

For a moment, the scene became slightly awkward...

After all, everyone came here today with this purpose in mind—what's the benefit of criticizing Qiao Feng behind his back? One aspect is to pave the way for their own reputation and become acquainted with Doctor Xue, but another is that they genuinely want to distance themselves from him.

The members of the Southern Beggars' Sect, in particular, were unwilling to be pointed at and gossiped about by others, so all the high-ranking members came out.

However, now Qiao Feng has actually arrived, and due to a series of reasons, his crimes have been somewhat redressed, but the fact that he is a Manchu is still undeniable. Therefore…

Xu Chongxiao, the most senior member of the Southern Beggars' Clan, was the first to step forward amidst the awkwardness and walk up to Qiao Feng.

When he took the wine bowl, his hands trembled slightly and his expression was somewhat conflicted, but he still took the bowl in the end and was the first to drink it all in one gulp.

"Good!" Qiao Feng was initially surprised, not expecting that the Beggars' Sect would step forward first. He then relaxed and drank a bowl as well.

Both men smashed their wine bowls on the ground. Xu Chongxiao remained silent throughout, but as he was about to turn around, Chu Luren stopped him, saying, "Wait! Do you think I, a mere passerby, am beneath Elder Xu's notice?"

"Second brother..." Qiao Feng reached out to stop Chu Luren from pouring wine, but Chu Luren had also fallen out with his friends in the martial arts world because of his own affairs. However, Chu Luren pushed him away.

"Come, come, fellow members of the Beggars' Sect... cough cough, my dear friends, I'm not very close to you all, I only met most of you last year. I was just lucky enough to save some people with my eldest brother and third brother..."

I'm just a passerby and don't have the drinking capacity of my elder brother, so don't come at me one by one. I'll only drink two bowls from you Beggars' Sect members—one for me and one for my third brother. All the gratitude is in this wine. After you finish this bowl, you won't owe us anything, and we have no further debt to you, you wretched beggars!

From now on, anyone who dislikes me calling them a "stinking beggar" shouldn't hold back. Whether you want me to beat them up, stab them in the back, or poison them, I, Chu Luren, will take it all!

After Chu Luren finished speaking, without waiting for anyone else to react, he drank a bowl of soup in one gulp. Then, without waiting for anyone else to react, he poured another bowl, drank it all, and smashed it on the ground.

"What? Do you all still want me to pour you wine? Why don't you come up and drink?" Chu Luren was quite far away, but he still managed to spit his saliva right in front of the Beggar Clan elders.

Seeing that they were silent with their heads down, Chu Luren turned to Tan Gong and Tan Po and said, "Tan family couple, I'll drink this bowl for you three first. Zhao Qiansun is dizzy, so Tan Po can drink it for him!"

These words were somewhat impolite, but this time, Mr. and Mrs. Tan were too embarrassed to immediately retort, since they didn't know what to say.

To refute the claim that "Zhao Qiansun is not within the scope of the Tan family couple"? If you've already made a move, then should you drink the wine or not?

How shameless!