The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

Yunluo was quite "arrogant" now, obviously still remembering the scolding she received from her elder brother during the day. She deliberately said, "It's nothing. I was just not fooled by that stunningly beautiful woman, so I was able to perform normally!"

Upon hearing terms like "a beauty of unparalleled grace" and "a stunning woman," the emperor's expression became even more awkward, clearly still haunted by the memory.

Upon seeing this, Shangguan Haitang quickly said, "This Princess Lixiu is very likely a Japanese person in disguise, and a man at that. That spy has definitely been framed!"

Chu Luren chimed in, "That's right, that's right, I think so too. Who would be infatuated with a man? Even if someone were, it would definitely be due to the allure of evil arts!"

The emperor's face grew increasingly grim. Shangguan Haitang initially thought Chu Luren's words were kind, but the more she thought about it, the more something seemed amiss...

Chapter 276 Sincere Advice

Who would be infatuated with a man?

Chu Luren's words, at first glance, seemed to be an explanation for Duan Tianya, but to the emperor, they didn't sound quite the same...

After all, he almost got into trouble just now!

At first, the emperor just thought that Chu Tai Sui's words were too unpleasant, but after thinking about it more deeply—if I can wait to do it, then why can't Duan Tianya do it too? He didn't know that Princess Lixiu was a man!

As for the so-called evil arts that tempt you, that is not a valid reason at all. Just because someone tempts you, does that give you the right to be disrespectful to the imperial concubine?

Furthermore, since there was no evidence of him saving the emperor's life, the emperor was still dissatisfied with Duan Tianya. As a result, the idea of ​​breaking into prison seemed even more out of place in the emperor's mind.

So, you, the Dragon Guard Manor, think you can just break someone out of prison whenever you feel you're innocent? Do you even respect me?

"Useless trash!" the emperor angrily rebuked Cao Zhengchun.

"This old servant deserves to die a thousand deaths, Your Majesty, please take good care of your health... cough cough cough." Cao Zhengchun pleaded guilty while trying his best to cough up blood.

Just then, the announcement came that "The Empress Dowager has arrived"...

The commotion in the palace tonight has finally come to an end. The emperor also needs to rest. Under the Empress Dowager's comforting words, Cao Zhengchun went to treat his injuries first, and Chu Luren was not "driven out" of the palace in the middle of the night. Instead, he was allowed to rest at the office where he was on duty in the government affairs hall.

This place is quite simple, not even as good as the guest rooms at Juxian Manor—after all, it's just a place for provincial officials on duty to rest. No matter how much they indulge in wine and meat in private, diligence and frugality are the norm in the palace.

Just as Chu Luren was about to rest, he saw Eunuch Sun hurrying from the palace gate toward the inner palace, so he followed him: "Eunuch Sun, what's the matter that's so urgent?"

"Ah! Lord Chu... what's this?" Eunuch Sun was startled.

"Don't be afraid, I was allowed to stay overnight at the government affairs hall by the Empress Dowager and the Emperor... By the way, what did you call me?" Chu Luren explained.

"Ahem, greetings, Master Chu. This old servant has a message to deliver," said Eunuch Sun, his tone ambiguous.

Chu Luren, however, seemed oblivious to Eunuch Sun's obvious reluctance to speak, and pressed on, "What message are you trying to send? Aren't the palace gates closed at this hour? Is someone still requesting an audience? Slow down... we'll be at the inner palace soon, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to follow!"

Grandpa Sun: ...

So, if I don't tell you, you'll come with me into the inner palace?

After thinking for a moment, Eunuch Sun felt that this matter could not be kept from those who were interested, so he replied helplessly, "It was the Marquis who brought two secret agents to apologize outside the palace gate."

"Oh, then Eunuch Sun, you should go quickly," Chu Luren replied casually.

However, Chu Luren estimated that no matter how fast Eunuch Sun left, it would be in vain. The Emperor and Empress Dowager were unlikely to see the Divine Marquis to apologize. Well then, they could just wait at the palace gate!

Just as Chu Luren had guessed, Shenhou, along with Duan Tianya, who had been injured by Cao Zhengchun, and Guihai Yidao, waited outside the palace gates all night.

The reason given by Eunuch Sun was that the Emperor had been frightened and the Empress Dowager was too old to rest, so he asked the Marquis to come again tomorrow morning.

But Shenhou still stood at the palace gate all night, while Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao knelt all night...

The emperor summoned the three the next day, and Chu Luren and Haitang, who was also considered to have made contributions, were also present.

Seeing that Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao both looked listless, clearly suffering from internal injuries and having knelt all night, Shangguan Haitang couldn't help but feel sorry for them. However, just as she was about to express her concern, she was stopped by Shenhou's gaze.

"Your Majesty, my two unfilial sons dared to trespass into the Imperial Prison, nearly endangering Your Majesty's safety. Their crimes are unforgivable, and I beg Your Majesty to punish them!" Zhao Wushi immediately pleaded guilty to his two adopted sons.

The emperor seemed to have calmed down by now. He instinctively glanced at the Empress Dowager, and seeing her gently shake her head, he paused for a moment before saying, "Indeed, the crime is unforgivable..."

The scene fell silent. Shangguan Haitang immediately knelt down, pleading for mercy without saying a word.

"However, considering that the spies Shangguan have rendered meritorious service in saving the emperor, and that the Eastern Depot was indeed negligent in its investigation of the Izumo spies, and that the two spies were also eager to save the emperor, this time they will be given a small punishment as a warning... The entire Guardian Dragon Manor will be confined to their quarters for three months to reflect on their mistakes, and any matters they cannot attend to will be handed over." The emperor deliberately remained silent for a while before speaking.

Actually, this was something the Empress Dowager had already discussed with him last night.

The performance of the Dragon Guard Manor this time was undoubtedly terrible, but the Song court does need the Divine Marquis to back it up, firstly to deter the martial arts world, and secondly to check the eunuch faction.

The Song court is currently weak and corrupt, and there are countless people in the court who are secretly colluding with the Manchus and Mongols. Even those who haven't yet "colluded" are not without their own desires, waiting to gain fame and fortune and then be sold at a higher price in the future. The brutal eunuch faction is also a means of intimidating the court, and it cannot be ignored...

Furthermore, is the Marquis truly at the mercy of others?

Normally, when he introduced Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao to the Emperor, he would refer to them as secret agents, but this time he directly called them "the Emperor's rebellious sons," which clearly meant he wanted to protect them!

Therefore, in the end, the emperor let go of the Dragon Guard Manor lightly, but there was a subtle intention to weaken it.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty and I, your two unfilial sons, will forever remember Your Majesty's grace and will go through fire and water for you in the future!" The Marquis was also very helpless. How did such a good plan turn out like this?

Of course, the Eastern Depot could not escape unscathed after such a major blunder. It was also reprimanded by the emperor and stripped of some of its responsibilities for guarding Lin'an, which were then handed over to the Imperial Guards.

"Enough of the troublesome things, let's talk about who deserves the reward this time! Chu Luren, Shangguan... Haitang, we are so grateful to have you two this time!" When the emperor mentioned Shangguan Haitang, he still felt a little awkward and wondered if he was no longer normal.

"Your Majesty! I dare not take credit for this," Shangguan Haitang quickly replied.

"Well, that's all thanks to Hero Chu." The emperor skipped over him, even though he didn't say it explicitly, he knew that the fact that the Dragon Guard Manor had been "let off the hook" this time was an attempt to atone for their mistakes.

"The 'heroic warriors and pillars of the martial world' that I mentioned before have truly lived up to their name this time. Lord Shangguan, don't forget to publish it... Does Hero Chu have any other requests?" the emperor asked directly.

"I have always been interested in martial arts. I have heard that the Dragon Guard Manor and the Forbidden Palace also have many martial arts treasures. I wonder if they can be opened to me?" Chu Luren said, glancing at Zhao Wushi, but Zhao Wushi ignored him.

"Well... I haven't paid attention to that, but since Hero Chu has asked, it's certainly possible. Eunuch Cao, please take Hero Chu to inspect the Forbidden City's armory later." The emperor was taken aback for a moment, but immediately agreed.

Clearly, he genuinely hadn't paid attention to these things...

"Your Majesty, it is certainly not unreasonable for the Imperial Martial Arts Arsenal to be open to Hero Chu. However, I imagine that with Hero Chu's discerning eye, the only martial arts manuals that I, this old servant, would be interested in are the 'Heavenly Gang Child Skill,' which is just a handful of martial arts manuals. If we're talking about a true collection of martial arts classics, then we must look to the one guarding the Dragon Guard Manor." Cao Zhengchun said, looking at the Divine Marquis.

Cao Zhengchun was not being modest or hiding his abilities. In fact, Chu Luren had long discovered that the major powers in the martial arts world were more like Jin Yong in terms of martial arts collections. That is, they did not have many treasures or deliberately collect them. In the sense of the martial arts world, they were not as indescribable as the imperial court in Gu Long's works.

"Royal Uncle," the Emperor called out.

Although Zhao Wushi had ignored Chu Luren, he immediately responded to the emperor, "I will also immediately organize the Musashi in the manor!"

"Well... Master Chu, after what happened last night, what do you think could be improved in this palace?" The emperor suddenly changed the subject and asked Chu Luren something else.

Upon hearing this, both Shenhou and Cao Zhengchun's expressions changed, and they wanted to say something, but the emperor didn't even look at them.

Considering the partial powers that were just stripped from the Dragon Guard Manor and the Eastern Depot, it seems... it's not as simple as just handing them over to the Imperial Guards!

After thinking for a moment, Chu Luren said, "I think... the wardrobe could be bigger!"

Chapter 277 Demanding the Cultivation Technique

Faced with Chu Luren's suggestion, the emperor smiled and secretly decided that he would set a rule that no matter which palace he went to sleep in, he must lock his wardrobe!

After this incident, the emperor wanted to strengthen the authority of the Imperial Guards, especially... to increase their strength!

Originally, the emperor intended to keep Chu Luren in the Imperial Guard because of his relationship with Yunluo. However, the emperor now understands that Chu Luren has no interest in this matter and has not said anything more.

However... he "set his sights" on Chu Luren and another friend of Yunluo. That afternoon, Cheng Shifei, who worked at the gambling den, was found by Eunuch Sun and summoned to the palace.

That same afternoon, Cao Zhengchun presented the "Tiangang Boy's Skill" to Chu Luren with a smug smile on his face.

"Hehehe, this old servant doesn't know if Master Chu can still practice it now. But remember, even if you do, you must never break your body, otherwise you will be in danger of losing your skill. In this old servant's opinion... if Master Chu really wants to practice, he might as well take this knife. Our Eastern Depot's skills are very sharp!" Cao Zhengchun said with a smile, saying some very scary things.

"No need for Eunuch Cao to trouble himself, I'm just borrowing from his ideas," Chu Luren said with a sneer.

However, after Chu Luren took the manual, he clapped it a few times in his palm and then asked, "Eunuch Cao, I've heard that there's a martial art called the 'Sunflower Manual' in the inner palace. Do you know about it?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun's expression remained unchanged. Instead, he whispered to Chu Luren, "I recall having a similar skill, but you're mistaken about one thing. It wasn't from the inner palace, but from the previous dynasty... cough cough, the inner palace of the former Song dynasty. There was such a martial art back then. When the northern lands were occupied by the Jurchens and Mongols, the late emperor raised his arm and saved the world from peril... By the time he led his ministers south, this skill had already been lost."

"Did you just say the previous dynasty?" Chu Luren asked to confirm further.

Cao Zhengchun stared at him without saying a word—theoretically, it was the previous dynasty, since the late emperor was just a prince and not in the line of succession to the throne. However, legally speaking, the current dynasty was eager to inherit the former Song dynasty, so "previous dynasty" was a major slip of the tongue.

Seeing that the old eunuch remained silent, Chu Luren said, "You must have some other skills too, right? Please make a copy of them for me, sir."

"Alright, if Master Chu has nothing else to say, this old servant will not keep you company any longer." Cao Zhengchun didn't particularly like him either.

However, it wasn't that Cao Zhengchun was stingy with other martial arts skills; he just thought Chu Luren wouldn't value them—after all, more martial arts skills don't necessarily make you stronger.

Learning martial arts is not about "adding points" in itself, but rather about "adding points into a plan." The more advanced the martial art, the more efficient the points are. However, only when you actually master the martial art can it be considered as "adding points."

Having more techniques can help you deal with more situations, but it's enough to have just enough... Wouldn't practicing a whole bunch of techniques just be a distraction?

Cao Zhengchun didn't want to remind this annoying guy; let him be greedy if he wanted to!

"Little slave, what are you eavesdropping on? Do you want to practice martial arts too?" Chu Luren called out to the little slave outside the window after Cao Zhengchun left, sounding puzzled.

"N-nothing! I was just passing by," Xiao Nu said, and quickly left.

In fact, it might not necessarily be eavesdropping, after all, this is Yunluo's palace—it's broad daylight, and Chu Lu has nothing to fear.

Just as Xiao Nu was hurriedly reporting to Princess Yunluo that Chu Luren was suspected of practicing the Boy's Kung Fu, Shangguan Haitang also arrived.

"This is what my godfather asked me to give you." Shangguan Haitang's tone was neither good nor bad.

After all, the two were old acquaintances, and Chu Luren had saved her last night—she had no idea that without Chu Luren, the fake Lixiu would not have taken it so seriously and would have gone easy on her!

However, because Chu Luren harbored a subtle hostility towards Shenhou, Shangguan Haitang was not particularly inclined to get close to him.

DUANG, DUANG...

Shangguan Haitang didn't come alone; two strongmen carried a large box and placed it in front of Chu Luren.

Chu Luren could tell from a few flips that Zhao Wushi had simply changed his tactics to disgust him—they were indeed full of "secret manuals," but most of them were just tricks used by bookmakers, the kind that couldn't even form badges!

A very small portion of them consisted of the basic martial arts techniques of various sects... It would be quite easy for the Divine Marquis to obtain martial arts techniques of this level, and even if his sect knew about it, they wouldn't go against the imperial court over such a matter.

However, at best it is only at the level of the Quanzhen School of Taoism. The most profound ones are only a few basic ones among the 72 Shaolin Arts, such as Arhat Fist, Broken Robe Skill, and Iron Broom Skill.

"That's it?" Chu Luren looked at Shangguan Haitang innocently.

While rolling her eyes, Shangguan Haitang took out two more books from her bosom: "These are my godfather's 'Absorption Technique' and Ba Dao's 'Heartless Slash'! However, my godfather told me to remind you that if the person practicing the 'Absorption Technique' is not righteous, it will only harm themselves, and if the 'Heartless Slash' is not practiced by a person with a strong will, it will only harm both themselves and others."

"Don't worry, Master. I don't have any other merits, but I am upright and resolute!" Chu Luren solemnly accepted it.

Shangguan Haitang hesitated for a moment, then added, "Did you hear bad things about my godfather from someone?"

Clearly, Shangguan Haitang still wanted to correct Chu Luren's "misunderstanding" of Shenhou.

"And what happened at Hengshan before was just a coincidence!" Haitang emphasized this point, even though she herself had her doubts, she didn't want others to misunderstand Shenhou because of it.

"Don't worry, Master, I have no misunderstanding about Shenhou... It's just that people in the martial arts world generally reject the imperial court. You see... if I praise Shenhou too much, and this gets around in the martial arts world, wouldn't it make me, Chu Luren, appear to be clinging to power and acting as the court's henchman?" Chu Luren said casually.

Shangguan Haitang didn't quite believe what Chu Luren said—"When you were with the princess, why didn't you think about all this?"