The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

However, in the end, Chu Luren did not directly oppose the Dragon Guard Manor, and... he did not seem to have sided with the eunuch faction, so Shangguan Haitang did not say much.

"I heard that Master Shangguan cultivated under Young Master Wuhen in his early years?" Chu Luren suddenly asked.

“That’s right, what’s wrong?” Shangguan Haitang frowned upon hearing this. She and Duan Tianya had indeed not passed on their martial arts to Chu Luren. However, Ba Dao had completely retired from the martial arts world. Gui Hai Yi Dao was the only successor of “Jue Qing Zhan”, so it was not a big deal for him to pass it on to others.

Chu Luren said, "I have always admired Young Master Wuhen. It is absolutely unacceptable to learn his martial arts without his permission. Moreover, Detective Duan's 'Phantom Sword' is the ultimate technique of the Japanese monk Kyoshiro. He probably wants to pass it back to Japan... Hmm, I can understand!"

Shangguan Haitang: ...

An hour later, the manuals for "Phantom Sword" and "Traceless Heart Sutra" were also delivered!

Indeed, Mian Kyoshiro did instruct Duan Tianya that he originally intended to pass on his martial arts to the Japanese. Passing it on to the Chinese was just an accident, and naturally he hoped that "Phantom Sword" could return to Japan in the future.

So Duan Tianya didn't intend to hand over the "Phantom Sword" at first, but... he couldn't pretend he didn't hear Chu Luren mention it—the emperor had just been assassinated by the Japanese, and you still wanted to pass the "Phantom Sword" on to the Japanese, so he wouldn't teach it to Chu Luren.

Do you think the emperor could distinguish between "Fusang people" and "Dongying people"?

Well, Chu Luren understands this, but the Emperor doesn't. And judging from Chu Luren's "understanding" expression, it's obvious he'll report it to the Emperor!

As for Wuhen Gongzi's hidden weapon skills, they truly surprised Chu Luren—he was telling the truth before and hadn't intended to use his skills!

Ba Dao has retired and Mian Kuang Si Lang is dead, but Wuhen Gongzi is still alive. I am thinking about his martial arts. What will Wuhen Gongzi think if he finds out?

A master of concealed weapons is definitely more troublesome than other opponents of the same skill level, and Chu Luren originally did not want to offend him without cause...

Chapter 278 Exposure

Chu Luren never expected that after he spoke up, even Wuhen Gongzi's unique internal energy cultivation technique and hidden weapon skills would be sent to him!

Furthermore, the person who came this time was just an ordinary guard, not Shangguan Haitang, so Chu Luren couldn't return it as is—who can prove you didn't see it?

Chu Luren immediately understood that this was a deliberate "instigation" by the Divine Marquis, or even... just to give Young Master Wuhen a reason to test him.

The fact that Haitang became Wuhen's disciple shows that Shenhou and Wuhen have a close relationship. However, it is hard to believe that Shenhou would instruct Wuhen to attack Chu Luren without reason.

Not only does it give people the impression of being petty and contradict their own public image, but it also makes their motives questionable.

But now that Chu Luren has taken Wuhen Gongzi's martial arts, if he comes looking for him in the future, he can only blame himself for being greedy...

Chu Luren even suspected that the reason he didn't give him the "Phantom Sword" at the beginning was to lay this trap. In this way, when the news of this matter spread in the martial arts world, it wouldn't be that the Dragon Guard Manor took the initiative to hand over Young Master Wuhen's martial arts, but that Chu Luren used the imperial decree to coerce him!

Holding the "Traceless Heart Sutra," Chu Luren felt it was slightly hot to the touch, then... chuckled and said, "Tell the Divine Marquis that I have received it!"

Chu Luren was also determined. Since it was given to him, he would take it. Whatever the consequences, he would accept them. He would treat it as "hitting Wuhen and getting the secret manual," and it was even obtained ahead of time.

Chu Luren read through "Tian Gang Tong Zi Gong", "Huan Jian", "Jue Qing Zhan", "Wu Hen Lian Xin Jing", "Xi Gong Da Fa"... one by one.

Finally, Chu Luren put down the "Absorption Technique" in his hand and secretly curled his lip...

It's true that nine parts are fake and one part is real. If you really practice according to this, you won't develop any problems, but you also won't achieve anything!

This was also within Chu Luren's expectations. In comparison, the other martial arts that Chu Luren cared about were all ones that he could master—the Heavenly Gang Child Skill, the Heartless Slash, and the Illusion Sword. These three had already formed "badges" in Chu Luren's mind.

The "Traceless Heart Sutra" consists of two martial arts: the first volume is the internal energy cultivation method "Traceless Heart Sutra," and the second volume is the hidden weapon technique "Traceless Heart Finger." The two are each represented by a badge, with the former representing "Qi" and the latter representing "Technique."

However, there were also many counterfeit versions of other, lesser-grade manuals. Chu Luren estimated that this was not because Cao Zhengchun or Shenhou were deliberately making things difficult, but rather because some of these manuals were obtained through open and covert struggles, while others were deduced by the imperial guards themselves...

The former is true, but the latter is "fake" to the Chu Lu people!

Duan Tianya and Guihai Yidao are both honest people who have no intention of teaching fake martial arts techniques. Shenhou, for the sake of his own image, also cannot lead his two adopted sons astray.

As for the "Traceless Heart Sutra"... naturally, only the real one can entice Young Master Wuhen to deal with Chu Luren.

Needless to say, Cao Zhengchun was taught by the emperor, and he didn't believe that a real man could master the "Boyhood Skill" and keep it for life.

However, the matter of the "Sunflower Manual" puzzled Chu Luren. Logically speaking, Cao Zhengchun would not lie to him about this. If he really had the "Sunflower Manual" and knew the cultivation restrictions on it, and the emperor had spoken up, there was no reason for him to refuse. Moreover, he would definitely take the opportunity to ridicule Chu Luren.

It is clear that the Song court no longer had a copy of the "Sunflower Manual," but this raises a question...

What is the basis for the cooperation between Shenhou and Dongfang Bubai?

According to Ren Yingying and Xiang Wentian's speculation, Dongfang Bubai should have asked Shenhou for some kind of martial arts. Chu Luren originally thought it was the complete Sunflower Manual - after all, the Sun Moon Sect's Sunflower Manual in the original work is probably not as complete as the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique.

The "Evil-Repelling Sword Technique" was cobbled together by Lin Yuantu after he extracted information from Yue Su and Cai Zifeng.

However, some of Yue Su and Cai Zifeng's techniques were actually stolen from Lin Yuantu's master, Zen Master Hongye, so they were not complete to begin with.

Considering that Lin Yuantu understands the principle that "to practice this skill, one must first castrate oneself," while Yue and Cai were unaware of it before, it is very likely that Lin Yuantu himself had also read part of the original text!

The Sun Moon Cult's "Sunflower Manual" was seized from Mount Hua during their attack on Mount Hua; it was a version pieced together by Yue Fei and Cai Xiang after listening to Lin Yuantu's explanation...

So don't be fooled by the fact that the Sun Moon Cult's "Sunflower Manual" uses the original name; it may not actually be as complete as the "Evil-Repelling Sword Technique"!

The original author also speculated that the "Evil-Repelling Sword Technique" was likely more complete than the "Sunflower Manual".

But one thing is certain—neither version is complete!

If there really is a complete version, it should be included in the inner palace. Chu Luren originally speculated that this was the case, but now it seems that this is not the case.

Before Chu Luren left the palace that evening, Yunluo's hesitant manner made Chu Luren frown. Finally, he had to remind her, "I will not be spending the night in your palace!"

"Pah! Who wants to let you stay overnight? I... I wanted to ask, are you really going to practice the martial arts that kill eunuchs?" Yunluo couldn't help but retort angrily.

Previously, Xiao Nu had tattled to her that Chu Lu Ren wanted to practice the "Boyhood Skill," which greatly surprised Yun Luo—what is the "Boyhood Skill"? Can I practice it?

Alright, I don't really know either, I just know that after practicing this, I can't get married.

Yunluo scoffed – What's it to me!

However, feeling a little uneasy afterward, I still went to ask my mother what a "boy" was.

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager recalled her experiences with the Japanese and felt that her daughter was at an age where she should learn more about the world. So she dismissed her attendants and inquired about the past.

Actually, I had asked her privately before, and Yunluo and the Empress Dowager had also mentioned that Chu Luren used sound skills to simulate some shameless voices. At that time, the Empress Dowager thought that Chu Luren was indeed a person of noble character, but she also stopped Yunluo and told her not to mention it to others in the future.

When asked again, Yunluo gave a more detailed account, even forgetting Chu Luren's instructions for a moment, and jokingly mentioned the story of "stealing salted fish" to the Empress Dowager!

Yunluo still vividly remembers the fascinating expression on the Empress Dowager's face at that time...

Well, if it weren't for Chu Luren saving him, the Empress Dowager having a very good impression of him, and understanding that this was a "necessary disguise," she would want to kill this brat right now!

At the same time, the Empress Dowager also made a firm decision to put Yunluo's "education" on the agenda, so now...

"I'm just borrowing from it," Chu Luren said casually.

However, Yunluo lowered her head, her face flushed... After hesitating for a long time, she said, "You can't master it, you've stolen and eaten salted fish!"

"What does this have to do with eating salted fish... Wait! Did you tell someone else?" Chu Luren suddenly realized that Yun Luo's knowledge had increased and she had secretly taken extra classes.

"What? Are you afraid to say it?" Yunluo was not used to feeling shy, and felt that it made the atmosphere more awkward, which she did not like. So she blushed and forced herself to be arrogant.

Chu Luren slapped his forehead in frustration—but upon closer reflection, this matter couldn't really be kept secret forever, otherwise, if Yunluo really got married in the future, wouldn't it be a joke to accuse her husband of eating salted fish?

I just didn't expect it to be exposed so quickly...

"Ahem, that was just a temporary measure..."

"In short, you can't master the virginity-training technique!" Yunluo seemed more concerned about this.

"I said I was just trying it out, I didn't intend to completely change my cultivation method. Moreover, from a martial arts theory perspective, even if you've stolen a salted fish, you can still be considered half a virgin. As long as you haven't truly had yin and yang intercourse, it's just that your virgin body is flawed, making cultivation extra difficult, but it's not completely impossible to cultivate." Chu Luren explained to Yun Luo from a professional perspective.

Yunluo didn't say anything more, and gave him a push, saying, "We're at the palace gate, hurry up and get out, the people from the Council of State Affairs will be off duty soon!"

Chapter 279 There's a proper way to admit a mistake.

"We've reached the palace gate. Hurry up and get out; the people from the Council of State Affairs will be off duty soon!" Yunlu urged.

Unfortunately, Yunluo spoke too late. By sheer coincidence, Chu Luren ran into the provincial officials leaving the palace again—actually, the time was much earlier than last time, just in the evening. However, last time it was overtime, while this time it was the normal end of the shift.

Upon seeing Chu Luren, some officials were indeed displeased with people from the martial arts world entering and leaving the Forbidden City. However, because they knew that Chu Luren had saved the emperor by "slaying assassins," they did not say much.

As Chu Luren emerged from the palace, he reflected that although there was a risk of being targeted by Young Master Wuhen, he had not only returned with a full harvest but had also further suppressed the Dragon Guard Manor. He praised his own wisdom in his heart—truly worthy of being called a smart man!

Of course, Chu Luren did not intend to get involved in Lin'an's affairs anymore. He just silently hoped that the Eastern Depot would do its job better. Cao Zhengchun was the main force in suppressing the Dragon Guard Manor.

This time, Cao Zhengchun dragged Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyi down with him, which can be described as a stab in the face of the Dragon Guard Manor. The Divine Marquis should hate this old eunuch even more now, especially since he regards him as the biggest obstacle to his rise to power. As for Chu Luren... he is just ordinary "hateful".

This kind of dog-eat-dog fighting is what the Chu Lu people love most!

However, what Chu Luren didn't know was that that very night, after returning home, Minister Tao of the Ministry of Rites, while embracing his ninth concubine, secretly spoke ill of Princess Yunluo and the "backbone of the martial world"...

This ninth concubine, despite her lowly status, resolutely persuaded Lord Tao that for the safety of the Song Dynasty and the reputation of the royal family, he should do something. Even if he didn't directly provoke Lord Chu, he could propose a marriage alliance with the emperor. The princess was getting old, so it would be better to avoid any scandals in the future.

Despite being a woman with technical skills, why is she now worried about the princess's reputation?

Lord Tao originally didn't want to cause trouble, but after hearing "In this way, the officials in the court and the common people will surely appreciate your noble character of working hard for the country and not being afraid of threats," he also had some thoughts.

Meanwhile, Cao Zhengchun of the Eastern Depot was listening to his subordinate's report: "Chief Supervisor, it's all arranged! As you instructed, we've secretly sent orders to the spies among the court officials, urging them to jointly advise against the princess's marriage proposal... A group of officials will be making their advice tomorrow!"

"Hehehe, those idiots are cursing us one by one, but aren't they being bossed around by us behind our backs?" Cao Zhengchun couldn't help but smile slightly, thinking to himself: Hmph, I'll make you suffer, you annoying guy! You want to see this Grand Eunuch and the Divine Marquis fight like dogs? You're still too green!

Advising the emperor to ask the princess to marry into a foreign land was a risk-free and perfectly reasonable thing to do, and it would also earn him a good reputation. Cao Zhengchun understood the "integrity" of these civil officials all too well.

Of course, it would be even better if Chu Luren really retaliated!

I, Cao Zhengchun, love watching dogs fight...

However, what Cao Zhengchun didn't know was that at the same time, a man in black reported to the Divine Lord in a secret room: "Reporting to the Divine Lord, I have secretly persuaded Cao Zhengchun and used the inside agents of the Eastern Depot to instigate the ministers to advise on the marriage alliance."

Zhao Wushi nodded expressionlessly...

Hmm, Zhao Wushi pondered and deduced repeatedly in his mind—in short, no matter whether the emperor was happy or angry at this moment, he would not associate it with him, but would only become more alienated from those useless people in the court. If he could go further and see through the conspiracy of the Eastern Depot, that would be even better.

Dogs fighting, that's perfect!

……

After obtaining the Heavenly Gang Child Skill and the superior martial arts of the three secret agents, Chu Luren stayed in Lin'an for a few more days and received his belated reward—the Star Absorbing Technique!

As expected, Ren Yingying kept her promise and eventually persuaded Ren Woxing to hand over the "Star Absorbing Technique" to Chu Luren.

and……

When Chu Luren gave the secret signal at Qunyu Courtyard and was invited into the inner room, he found that it was different from usual. This time, a light gauze curtain was drawn, and melodious zither music came from inside.

Chu Luren was taken aback when he heard this, then realized that it was Ren Yingying's zither music!

Not everyone's "Pure Heart and Benevolent Mantra" can heal internal injuries...

Chu Luren had indeed suffered internal injuries when he faced the Fusang Prince and clashed with Bayin. Now, he relaxed and sat down with the help of the healing music.

When the song ended, Chu Luren's relatively minor internal injuries had mostly healed.

"I am ashamed that the Holy Maiden has made this trip in person." Chu Luren said with shame, but he was already half-lying down at the table.