The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

Mu Wanqing, Huang Rong: ? ? ?

"The kind of...the kind where you're matched with a prostitute?" Mu Wanqing was even more frightened. In this day and age, even prostitutes had to hold martial arts contests to find husbands.

“The ordinary kind! Before, Miss Li had a misunderstanding and got into a fight with her own sect leader and junior sister, which caused some rumors to spread. It just so happens that the sect leader is about to turn eighteen, and there might be a lot of suitors around. I’ll go and chase them away,” Chu Luren corrected.

I don't know why, but the art style of the Ancient Tomb Sect seems to have become very strange in everyone's minds? Where did this prejudice come from!

"Miss Li? Is it... Li Mochou?" Mu Wanqing realized at this moment that this was the reason she had come to find someone.

So Li Mochou is from the Ancient Tomb Sect?

"Li Mochou's junior sister? Sect leader? Eighteen years old?" Mu Wanqing repeated these elements, and suddenly began to doubt whether the Ancient Tomb Sect in her mind was quite different from reality.

Actually... it's "terrifying" on another level?

"Yes, what's wrong?" Chu Luren was also puzzled as to why Mu Wanqing had said it herself and then stared at him afterward.

"Is the sect leader you mentioned pretty?" Mu Wanqing asked casually.

As for Li Mochou, there's no need to say more. Although Mu Wanqing has never met her, there are many rumors about her in the martial arts world. Everyone knows that the Red Serpent Witch is ruthless, but she is indeed beautiful.

"It looks good." After Chu Luren spoke the truth, he could vaguely hear the sound of teeth grinding.

"Besides Miss Li and this handsome sect leader, who else is in the Ancient Tomb Sect?" Mu Wanqing asked, her lips trembling.

“Wang Yuyan, whom I brought from Mantuo Manor, has also joined the Ancient Tomb Sect and is considered my junior sister. There is also one of Miss Li’s disciples, who are now naturally considered disciples of the Ancient Tomb Sect as well.” Chu Luren was very honest.

"That Miss Wang is quite beautiful, isn't she? Her mother is so at ease letting you take her daughter... Wait! Mantuo Manor?" Mu Wanqing had just focused her attention on something strange when she realized halfway through her sentence—Mantuo Manor?

When they were at Mount Hua, Chu Luren mentioned Wang Yuyan to Mu Wanqing, but she didn't mention Mantuo Manor, so she didn't connect the two.

Previously, Li Qingluo had sent her old servants to hunt down her rivals in love, including Qin Hongmian and her daughter.

"It's Li Qingluo's Mantuo Manor!" Mu Wanqing said angrily.

Those old women really caused her a lot of trouble a couple of years ago.

“That’s right, your father is also very familiar with her. He specially asked me to bring a letter. After Madam Li read it, she told me to take Yu Yan away from Mantuo Manor immediately… Yu Yan is about the same age as you!” Chu Luren acted as if to say, “I don’t know what’s hidden behind this. I’m just an honest young man who doesn’t lie.”

Mu Wanqing's initial anger instantly turned into helplessness.

I had originally hoped that even if I didn't get to see that old wicked woman Li Qingluo this time, I could at least see that little wicked girl Wang Yuyan and then I would definitely get my revenge.

However, upon hearing Chu Luren say this, Mu Wanqing, who already knew the character of her adopted father, could easily guess what was going on.

Thinking of Wang Yuyan, whose background was similar to her own, Mu Wanqing's anger subsided somewhat.

At the same time, I finally understand why Chu Luren said before that he could bring Wang Yuyan with him when he returned to Dali...

"Is that woman easy to get along with?" Mu Wanqing asked reluctantly, frowning.

"Which one? Madam Li is not easy to get along with. Even Yu Yan is afraid of her. Yu Yan... it depends on what kind of relationship you're referring to. She seems a bit shy and doesn't dare to speak up even if she's wronged." Chu Luren explained simply.

Whether Wang Yuyan is "easy to get along with" or "difficult to get along with" depends on the person. If it's just a short-term interaction, she's definitely easy to get along with because she rarely makes things difficult for others and is quite submissive to her guardian. However, from the perspective of getting to know someone intimately, she is somewhat difficult to get along with.

Chu Luren's relationship with her only became close after spending a lot of time with her and because of the kindness she showed when she saved him in Xingzilin.

Hearing Chu Luren's words, Mu Wanqing felt a mixture of sympathy and resistance—sympathy stemmed from the fact that Wang Yuyan wasn't much better than herself. When she was young, her mother only called her "master," while Wang Yuyan's mother didn't falsely claim to be her "master," but she wasn't any closer to her than she was to her "master"...

As for what is objectionable, it is naturally the way someone addresses them.

"I'm not going. I... I'm going to go find out where that old geezer is hiding. Once I find him, I'll make fun of him!" Huang Rong said, glancing at Mu Wanqing.

Chu Luren was somewhat disappointed upon hearing this, but when he learned that she was going to Huang Yaoshi's place, he didn't try to stop her. He simply reminded Huang Rong to be careful and that if she had any urgent business and couldn't find her father, she could come to him instead.

However, Mu Wanqing frowned at this moment, first shooing Chu Luren out, seemingly wanting to say something to Huang Rong...

Chapter 222 The Nine-Fingered Beggar

"Brother, no need to see me off. You should go and keep Miss Azhu company! After I leave, Doctor Xue will do his best. You and Azhu can stay at Juxian Manor as if it were your own home. Don't be polite with me. Even if Miss Azhu recovers, you can leave if you want. If you're comfortable staying here, there's nothing wrong with it."

As Chu Luren was about to leave Juxian Manor, he spoke generously and righteously with Qiao Feng, who was seeing him off.

Qiao Feng was a little embarrassed when he heard this: "A'Zhu's injuries are almost healed. After that, we will travel around and take a look at the sights."

The complexion of Youji and Youju, who were standing to the side, improved.

"Alright, then let's meet again someday!" Chu Luren believed that with his popularity, Qiao Feng should know where he was often, and Qiao Feng... the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not stop, so he probably wouldn't be at peace either.

"Second brother, and you... I won't say anything else, have a safe journey!" Qiao Feng gratefully clasped his hands in a fist salute.

Chu Luren waved casually and walked away with Mu Wanqing and Huang Rong.

That's right, in the end Huang Rong still set off with Chu Luren.

Chu Luren was still very curious about Huang Rong's change of mind. After all, in Chu Luren's impression, Huang Rong was not someone who could be easily persuaded—what exactly did Mu Wanqing say to her?

"Rongrong, what made you decide to come to Guanzhong with us?" Chu Luren asked curiously.

Huang Rong ignored him, but Mu Wanqing spoke up: "Of course you're here to help me, otherwise what if those people bully me?"

Chu Luren thought about it and realized it didn't seem to make no mistake...

Putting aside Xiaolongnu and Wang Yuyan, Li Mochou's reputation is not good, so it's not unreasonable for Mu Wanqing to ask Huang Rong for courage.

"Actually, Miss Li has become much more restrained now. Just don't do anything that might upset her," Chu Luren added, explaining on Li Mochou's behalf.

"Then do you see if I've toned it down?" Mu Wanqing suddenly put on a bright smile.

Chu Luren thought about it carefully, then his eyes lit up: "It really is much better!"

Mu Wanqing immediately glared at her and said, "You mean I was terrible before?"

Chu Luren: ...

Huang Rong chuckled to herself.

……

As they approached Luoyang, Chu Luren deliberately led Huang Rong and Mu Wanqing into the woods—after all, Yin Yinyin's identity had already been exposed, and Wu Sangui must hate him intensely. Entering the city now would be tantamount to courting death.

The Chu Lu people have decided to act covertly near Luoyang, avoiding entering any cities until they reach the pass, at which point they will rest in the city.

Huang Rong's little red horse was a fine horse, and Chu Luren and Mu Wanqing's horses were also carefully selected in the manor, with plenty of dry food prepared in advance... as well as salted fish and drunken crab.

However, after a long journey through the mountains and forests, one cannot miss out on "fresh protein." On this day, Chu Luren disturbed the chicken coop and caught three wild chickens in one go.

Naturally, Huang Rong would be in charge of cooking. She always managed to use the simplest spices to bring out the most authentic and delicious flavors of the ingredients...

It was the familiar beggar's chicken again, reminding me of our first meeting in the dilapidated temple. This time, there was one for each of the three of us.

Just as he was breaking through the outer mud shell, accompanied by a familiar and enticing aroma, Chu Luren heard a whooshing sound coming from the air—although he didn't have any special sensory martial arts, as his internal strength deepened day by day, his hearing and sight naturally became sharper.

Especially since they were approaching Luoyang, Chu Luren was already being cautious. He casually picked up a pebble and flicked it in the direction the sound came from.

A dark figure was seen, which had originally pounced down from the tree, but was stopped by this and retreated instead, landing casually on a branch.

"Young man, you're really something. Your finger strength has the essence of Emperor Duan and the shadow of Huang Yaoshi. No wonder you're the Red and White Tai Sui who's risen to fame in recent years... But you're too stingy. An old beggar wants to eat your chicken butt, and you get so angry?" As the old beggar spoke, his eyes drifted to the three beggar chickens.

When Huang Rong saw the old beggar holding the wine gourd, she raised an eyebrow slightly and, out of the old beggar's sight, secretly extended her right index finger and scratched Chu Luren's hand.

Reminded by her, Chu Luren also noticed that the old beggar's right index finger was severed at the palm!

Of course, even without this feature, Chu Luren could still guess his identity. After all, it's not common to see a highly skilled old beggar. With the "nine fingers" feature, he was even more certain that it was Hong Qigong.

"So it's Chief Hong of the Northern Beggars' Gang! My apologies, I thought it was some lowly beggar from the Southern Beggars' Gang... With Chief Hong here, we should certainly serve him a chicken butt!" Chu Luren immediately flattered.

As he spoke, he broke off three chicken butts, since neither he, Huang Rong, nor Mu Wanqing wanted to eat chicken butts.

Hong Qigong was also a little awkward. What was the difference between this and pointing at a monk and cursing him as a bald donkey?

And you acted all worshipful and respectful, but in the end you really only served me three chicken butts?

If you really respect me, give me a few chicken drumsticks!

However, it is a matter of professional ethics for beggars not to order food. Hong Qigong took a sip of wine, then jumped down from the tree and accepted the three chicken butts wrapped in leaves without any disgust.

"It's just right for an old beggar to eat a chicken's butt," Hong Qigong said with a hint of jealousy.

Huang Rong's eyes lit up and she said, "This isn't just any ordinary chicken butt, it's 'Three Kingdoms Stand Together,' only heroes like Chief Hong can afford to eat it!"

"Hahaha, Huang Yaoshi's daughter can talk." Hong Qigong already knew the identities of Chu Luren and his group.

Mu Wanqing only realized it at this moment: "So you are the leader of the Northern Beggars' Sect?"

"Not bad..." Hong Qigong stroked his beard as he spoke. Sure enough, not all young people these days were like the Red and White Tai Sui; they could still react normally upon hearing his name...

"Did you really cut off your index finger because you were greedy for food?" Mu Wanqing asked with great curiosity.

Hong Qigong: ...

Young people these days... let's not even talk about them!

"The Three Kingdoms are in a tripartite balance of power. If only we could have plum wine, that would be perfect. If not plums, strong liquor would be just as good," Hong Qigong muttered to himself.

Chu Luren wasn't too stingy. He immediately took off a water bag and threw it to Hong Qigong: "Elder Hong is discerning. This bag is my way of showing my respect to you."

“Hehe, you little rascal, don’t try to get this old beggar to take sides. This old beggar can’t tell right from wrong, that’s why he didn’t let the other little beggars cause trouble at the Heroes’ Gathering.” Hong Qigong said while chewing on “The Three Kingdoms”.

"Huh? He didn't let 'others' cause trouble, so that means Chief Hong actually went?" Huang Rong understood the implication in Hong Qigong's words.

Hong Qigong smacked his lips and said, "That's right, there might indeed be some hidden story. At that time, besides the old beggar, there was another expert lurking around... Just when the elders of the Southern Beggar Clan began to waver, that person suddenly wanted to make a move. I saw that he was acting suspiciously, so I stopped him. I don't know what his motive was."

Chapter 223 Proposal

Upon hearing Hong Qigong mention this matter, Chu Luren also recalled that he had indeed heard some sounds of fighting at the time, but they quickly faded away. It seemed that one of the people involved was Hong Qigong.

"Oh? That person actually managed to escape from Chief Hong's clutches?" Huang Rong exclaimed in surprise.

After all, her father usually admired several highly accomplished people who were on par with him.

“No, I suspect that the old beggar left first because I ruined his plans, so he wouldn’t be surrounded by the heroes later. Otherwise, I’m afraid the old beggar wouldn’t be a match for him… When he was sneaking towards the back house, he probably intended to kill the families of the You brothers to incite conflict!” Hong Qigong speculated with some distress.

Chu Luren's eyes lit up: "I told you I saved their whole family! Chief Hong, this matter must be spread throughout the martial arts world, especially You Ji and You Ju."

Hong Qigong: ? ? ?

Didn't I save him?

"Did Chief Hong recognize what style of martial arts that person uses?" Chu Luren interrupted Hong Qigong's attempt to complain.

Upon hearing this, Hong Qigong's eyes flashed, and he continued sipping his wine, vaguely saying, "I didn't see it."

Chu Luren suspected he was lying...