The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

Chu Luren ignored them and drank two more bowls of wine.

With Chu Luren causing such a commotion, no one stepped forward for a moment...

Quan Guanqing, with his shifty eyes, secretly glanced around. When he saw Liu Dahong and Feng Jizhong, his expression changed slightly. While the Beggar Clan elders were all bowing their heads in silence, he took the initiative to step forward.

"Chu Luren! You're so eager to help others! Well then, let me ask you, are you a Qing, Yuan, Song, or Dali person?" Quan Guanqing didn't know where Chu Luren came from, but he still asked this question with a hidden trap.

Upon hearing this, Chu Luren thought for a moment, then said without much hesitation, "I am a successor to communism, and you, a stinking beggar, wouldn't understand!"

Quan Guanqing: ? ? ?

Chapter 212 Accompanying Drinkers

Chu Luren's alcohol tolerance is really not good—after only four bowls, he was already speaking in a way that no one could understand!

Quan Guanqing originally wanted to force the Chu Lu people to admit whether they were Song people or not. If the Chu Lu people claimed to be Song people, Quan Guanqing could bring up the righteous cause of the Manchus being enemies of the Great Song Dynasty. If the Chu Lu people claimed not to be Song people, or even not Han people at all, but Dali Baiyi people or something similar, then Quan Guanqing could take the opportunity to make sarcastic remarks.

However, since no one could understand what Chu Luren was saying at this point, the question was simply passed over.

As soon as this topic was brought up, Feng Jizhong, who had been silent and unassuming, stepped forward and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Qiao Feng: "I am Feng Jizhong of the Green Wood Hall of the Heaven and Earth Society. I have always admired Brother Qiao's character. I am not aware of the current situation, but... the Heaven and Earth Society and the Manchu Qing Dynasty are sworn enemies. I believe that if the Heaven and Earth Society can drink this wine, then Chief Chen will also make the same decision."

Qiao Feng didn't say anything more upon hearing this, and simply raised his bowl with him.

Qiao Feng didn't know this man in the wind. He was still wearing a round leather hat, and everyone knew that underneath was his queue (braid).

After all, the Heaven and Earth Society needed to infiltrate and operate in larger cities within the Qing Dynasty's territory, so most of them cut off their queues. Otherwise, if they had been brazenly growing their hair long, they would have been targeted by the Qing army even before their identities were discovered!

Everyone understands the Heaven and Earth Society's practice of shaving heads; we can't be so dogmatic.

Feng Jizhong was considered a core member of the Green Wood Hall, but Qiao Feng was not familiar with him. Those who were familiar with Qiao Feng were the Grand Master Chen Jinnan and the Ten Incense Masters—the Southern Beggars' Gang had done a lot of anti-Qing things, and had even clashed head-on with Ao Bai during the Taishan period.

There was also some cooperation between Nature and the Heaven and Earth Society.

Feng Jizhong is now severing ties with Qiao Feng on behalf of the Heaven and Earth Society. He even specifically mentioned Chen Jinnan, and everyone understands the underlying meaning—Feng Jizhong is probably carrying out a mission to "sever ties," otherwise, as a key member of the Green Wood Hall, he wouldn't be able to be the master of the entire Heaven and Earth Society!

Qiao Feng felt uneasy about this, but he couldn't say anything.

Chu Luren then interjected, "The Shaolin masters, instead of using water as wine, will you have a bowl with the brothers of the Heaven and Earth Society? I remember a few years ago you received the 'Ancestral Temple of Zen Buddhism' plaque from the Qing court. If you don't drink this wine, the brothers of the Heaven and Earth Society won't feel good, will they?"

“Amitabha! This is a serene Buddhist place. Plaques given by past pilgrims are acceptable, as are plaques given by the Qing Emperor. There is no difference. Benefactor Chu is attached to appearances,” Yuanzhen quickly explained.

The one that received the plaque was naturally the Northern Shaolin Temple.

Yuanzhen's words were insightful, but unfortunately, he encountered Chu Luren.

"Then I'll write one myself someday, and I hope all the monks in the temple will come out to greet me. I'll see if I get the treatment of a pilgrim or the treatment of the Qing Emperor," Chu Luren said with a sneer.

Then Chu Luren pressed on, asking Feng Jizhong, "Feng Jizhong, Shaolin doesn't drink this wine, are you feeling aggrieved?"

“Shaolin...a place of quiet cultivation, naturally it wouldn’t… um…” Feng Jizhong seemed a little tongue-tied.

Indeed, the Heaven and Earth Society has always hoped that Shaolin could cooperate with them, even if it was just in secret, and naturally they would not criticize Shaolin's actions.

However, Chu Luren knew very well that Feng Jizhong was mostly faking it, so he poured himself a bowl as well: "If the Heaven and Earth Society wants to drink this bowl of wine with Brother Qiao, then I'll join in too!"

"Second brother, wait a minute..." Qiao Feng wanted to stop him again. Although he was disappointed by the Heaven and Earth Society's "severing ties" today, Chu Luren was still a Han Chinese no matter how you looked at him, even though his words were incoherent. Severing ties with the Heaven and Earth Society... it wouldn't sound good if word got out!

The others were also taken aback, and then looked at Chu Luren with some disdain.

"Who in the world doesn't know that when you were the leader of the Beggars' Sect, you thwarted the Manchu Qing dynasty's plot to infiltrate the Han martial arts world twice? Of the seven great achievements before you became the leader, three were related to the Manchu Qing dynasty. One of them was burning the Qing army's grain supplies that were attacking the border! During the Beggars' Sect assembly at Mount Tai, you even fought against the Qing court's lackeys led by Ao Bai and covered the retreat of the Beggars' Sect."

What has the Heaven and Earth Society done? Even a hero like our leader has to distance himself from them. I think they're all just paying lip service. Their slogan of 'Overthrow the Qing and restore the Han' is probably just for show! Besides, they can't even tolerate someone as meritorious as our leader. Someone like me shouldn't be forced to lower themselves!"

Chu Luren forcefully clinked his wine bowl against Qiao Feng's and Feng Jizhong's.

Feng Jizhong, true to his persona, remained silent and did not refute Chu Luren's sarcasm.

Why did the Chu Lu people take this opportunity to distance themselves from the Heaven and Earth Society?

Being enraged by the task given to Feng Jizhong by Feng Jizhong, or rather, by the Heaven and Earth Society, was indeed one aspect. Another aspect was that the Heaven and Earth Society was really a rip-off—especially when Chu Luren saw Feng Jizhong, he was reminded of this even more!

Who would have thought that in the original work, it was Feng Jizhong, this honest man, who "surrendered" to Kangxi and almost wiped out the core members of the Heaven and Earth Society in Wei Xiaobao's mansion?

Even the cunning and treacherous Wei Xiaobao only realized that Feng Jizhong was actually an undercover agent after Feng Jizhong himself exposed himself. Before that, Wei Xiaobao had always trusted the "honest" Feng Jizhong.

Based on Feng Jizhong's usual behavior, he should indeed be an "undercover agent," rather than a "spy" who acted on a whim.

After all, it makes no sense for someone to pretend for decades before even submitting to the Qing court, just waiting for an opportunity to submit—the cost would be far too high!

However, considering that Kangxi only learned of Wei Xiaobao's identity as a member of the Heaven and Earth Society later on, and that Chen Jinnan and Feng Xifan were fighting amongst themselves and Chen Jinnan was seriously injured in the capital, it was arguably the best opportunity to wipe them out, yet Kangxi did nothing...

From this perspective, Feng Jizhong's defection to Kangxi must have occurred later than this time.

If it's not a coincidence, it's very likely that this internal strife made Feng Jizhong completely feel that the Heaven and Earth Society had no future.

However, prior to this, Feng Jizhong had already been cultivating his "honest" persona, consciously and deliberately concealing his shortcomings.

In other words...

Even if Feng Jizhong wasn't Kangxi's spy, he could have been Shunzhi's or Aobai's spy. If we consider the fact that Feng Jizhong lost contact with Kangxi at the beginning, he was very likely Aobai's spy.

This also explains why Wei Xiaobao's predecessor, Yin Xiangzhu, was careless and captured and killed by Ao Bai!

However, Feng Jizhong, as an undercover agent, could have chosen to remain hidden forever after Ao Bai's death and the purge of his followers. Unfortunately, in the end, Feng Jizhong felt that the Heaven and Earth Society was too weak and defected to Kangxi...

What's even more frustrating is that after Feng Jizhong's death, Wei Xiaobao's whereabouts were still exposed to Kangxi, making him certain that there were even deeper traitors within the Heaven and Earth Society than Feng Jizhong!

As for who this traitor is?

It wasn't mentioned in the original work, and Chu Luren didn't know either...

In addition, although Chen Jinnan was also a heroic figure, it was precisely because of this that a "hero" rebellion was probably less trustworthy than a "scholar" rebellion. Furthermore, since the "chairman" of the Heaven and Earth Society was the Zheng family, and Chen Jinnan, the "general manager," did not get along with Zheng Keshuang, the next generation of the Zheng family to take power, his foundation was not solid from the beginning.

A complete idiot, cursing his teammates for their godlike plays. Chu Luren naturally blocked him, not wanting to lose points if he teamed up with him in the future...

Chapter 213 Foolish and Drunken Words

After the first person started drinking, more and more people came up. Qiao Feng drank bowl after bowl, and Chu Luren followed suit, drinking bowl after bowl. Apart from the beggars and other people related to Tianning Temple, Chu Luren did not drink for Duan Yu anymore.

Even so, Liu Dahong didn't dare to come up. After all, the Heaven and Earth Society had Zheng Jing, a famous general from the previous dynasty, who went to sea and occupied Tamna as his base when there was no hope of a counterattack. The Mu family, which was also a remnant of the previous dynasty, was still relying on Dali for support...

If they really offend the Prince of Dali, the Mu family will probably have to continue their life of wandering from now on.

However, many people like Situ Bolei, who were extremely disgusted with the Qing court and were just one step away from officially raising the banner of rebellion against the Qing, stepped forward. It turned out that Chu Luren's previous words were all in vain, as he still only had Qiao Feng's Manchu origin in his mind.

Chu Luren remained calm and composed, and went over to "drink" with each of them one by one.

Situ Bolei was initially very dissatisfied and retorted, "You are a Han Chinese, yet you have to drink with a Manchu? Heh, but I don't know what relationship you have with me. Why are you drinking with me like this?"

"Haha, Mr. Situ, you're being too polite. In the world of martial arts, who can say for sure who will help whom in the future? I'm just a stranger to you, we're still 'friends in the martial arts world.' Besides, consider this a pre-drinking treat!"

"If I drink this bowl of wine and am ever captured by the Tartars or harmed by evil spirits, you Wangwu Mountain need not worry about me. If you Wangwu Mountain suffer misfortune, I, as a passerby, am merely passing through. It doesn't mean I'm breaking any code of honor."

Chu Luren probably hadn't completely expelled the alcohol, as he was noticeably more talkative at this point.

Upon hearing this, Situ Bolei nodded, and clinked his wine bowl against Chu Luren's—they were "different on different paths, so they couldn't make plans together."

"Master, shouldn't we drink with him?" A young man behind Liu Dahong asked in a low voice, somewhat unconvinced.

"Shut up! Who gave you the right to interrupt?" Liu Dahong scolded.

Chu Luren didn't notice these minor things, but he kept him company on the left and right. At this moment, the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan came forward, and Ke Zhen'e, supported by his sworn brother and sister, came to Qiao Feng.

"Qiao Feng! We, the Seven Heroes of Jiangnan, have lived in the desert for a long time. When we left, you were only a little famous. We only heard about your honor as Qiao Feng of the North after we came back. However... we would like to have a drink with you, as if we are drinking in advance! Old Blind Man, would you like to drink this wine?" Ke Zhen'e said, taking the initiative to invite Chu Luren into the room.

"I have long admired the righteousness of you seniors. I can drink, I can drink." Qiao Feng had completely come to terms with it by this time.

Chu Luren said, "I can drink, but... actually, I didn't drink this in advance. More than two months ago, I saved your disciple Guo Jing from that scoundrel Wu Sangui, so this wine isn't considered to be in advance. In the future, when you and your disciple go to cross the single-plank bridge, I will ride in my big painted boat. All this gratitude is in this wine."

Before the Seven Heroes of Jiangnan could react, he quickly finished his drink, smashed the bowl, and then enjoyed the embarrassed expressions on their faces.

At the same time, everyone realized that Wu Sangui's strange behavior in Luoyang two months ago was actually related to the Chu Lu people!

Chu Luren had concealed his identity because he was worried that if it were exposed, it would be difficult for him to leave Luoyang—Lin Pingzhi and his group were carrying coffins, so it wouldn't be easy for them to break through.

However, there's nothing left to hide now. Whether or not Wu Sangui hates us isn't important; what really matters is who he takes a liking to.

Although it is unknown what Chu Luren did specifically, considering that Chu Luren had previously emphasized Qiao Feng's achievements in resisting the Manchus, and that Chu Luren had also recently made the traitor Wu Sangui look bad, it was hard not to feel embarrassed that everyone was now drinking a severance drink with him.

At this moment, Xianyu Tong from the Huashan Sect stepped forward. He looked refined and gentle, and with a fan in hand, he clasped his hands in a fist salute to Qiao Feng: "Brother Qiao, how are you? It's been two years since we last met... Ah, I'll drink this wine for you on behalf of the Huashan Sect!"

He and Qiao Feng had a somewhat distant relationship, and since he came as a courtesy, Qiao Feng naturally did not refuse.

Linghu Chong, Lin Pingzhi, and Yue Lingshan had also come out and were standing behind Xianyu Tong.

At first, Lin Pingzhi and Yue Lingshan were both unconvinced, but Linghu Chong... although he had more opinions about Xianyu Tong, he didn't want Huashan to look bad in front of outsiders, since this deputy sect leader was recognized by his master, so he kept bringing his junior sister and Lin Pingzhi along.

Linghu Chong even felt a little wronged... He had already separated from Lin Pingzhi. He had heard about the Heroes' Gathering and was afraid that his sect wouldn't have time to send anyone, so he volunteered to be the eldest disciple and rushed over. However, he ran into Xianyu Tong and learned that Mount Hua had a new deputy sect leader. How embarrassing!

As for Huang Rong and Mu Wanqing, they had already gone to take care of A'Zhu. They both realized that this was the sweetheart of Chu Luren's sworn brother—especially Huang Rong, who had already recognized her disguise based on her miscellaneous knowledge!

Watching Chu Luren and Qiao Feng drink together, Mu Wanqing felt a little disgusted...

In Mu Wanqing's view, breaking off relations with these strangers is just a matter of a few words. Why bother getting drunk and smelly?

She glanced at the somewhat drunk Chu Luren with occasional complaints, and finally... at Huang Rong's whispered reminder, she went over to pour wine for Chu Luren and Qiao Feng, and also advised Chu Luren to drink less.

Huang Rong kept glancing at Chu Luren, probably because she liked the wickedness he was showing. At this moment, the little demoness's "liking" was tinged with something sinister!

A'Zhu, without any attempt to hide it, kept staring at "Brother Qiao." At first, she was worried, then relieved, and finally... a little resentful.

Needless to say, anyone would feel disheartened at this point, but what is comforting is that "Brother Qiao" has gradually come to terms with it.

As for resentment?

Azhu suddenly realized that if it weren't for someone else, would "Brother Qiao" only have herself left at this moment?

and……

After a few rounds of drinks, A-Zhu felt that "Brother Qiao" looked at her less often than he looked at "Young Master Chu".

Yue Lingshan's same melancholy +1.

However, he left in a flash, and A'Zhu was soon relieved. Fortunately, there was someone with Brother Qiao at this time. After all, a hero like Brother Qiao couldn't do without women alone...

"Brother Chu, you previously sent Sect Leader Yue to kill that lecherous scoundrel Tian Boguang for me. Can you atone for that now?" Xianyu Tong asked Chu Luren.

"What news do you have about me killing Tian Boguang and Sect Leader Yue? You're talking nonsense... cough cough, I feel it's beneath me to drink a severing drink with someone like you, Xianyu Tong, but if you insist on drinking, I'll drink it too! As for representing Mount Hua... heh." Chu Luren said with a sneer.

Xianyu Tong hadn't expected Chu Luren to be so impolite. Previously, Chu Luren, though cold-faced, had never been sarcastic or mocking towards martial arts figures with whom he had little interaction. Why was he suddenly so...?

Does he know something too?

Just then, Lin Pingzhi shouted from behind him, "That's right! Brother Chu will always be my brother, Lin Pingzhi's brother. I don't recognize Xianyu Tong's wine!"