The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

After returning to his ship, Chu Luren briefly recounted what he had seen to Huang Rong and the other two. Then he said, "Wanqing, Yunluo, could you go to Mantuo Manor first to let Yuyan know that you are safe... Rongrong, come with me to Guiyun Manor."

"Why does Rongrong have to go with you?" Mu Wanqing asked, frowning.

"I'm curious about Wu Sangui's purpose in calling him Wu Kang to come to Lin'an. This matter may concern both the Song and Qing states, and I need someone to discuss it with," Chu Luren said seriously.

“Oh, you need your brain.” Yunluo nodded knowingly.

Chu Luren pretended not to hear, then said with some concern, "Wanqing, Rongrong and I won't be with you. When we get to Mantuo Manor, remember not to have any conflicts with Madam Li. If you don't like her, just interact with Yuyan normally..."

"I know! Why are you worrying about it?" Mu Wanqing didn't want to be treated like a child by Chu Luren.

Yunlu thought for a moment and said, "Since this concerns both the Song and Qing countries, shouldn't I go as well?"

"No need, you just keep an eye on things for me... cough cough, just stay with Wanqing." Chu Luren changed his mind under Mu Wanqing's intense gaze.

With Wang Yuyan around, Chu Luren wasn't worried about any major conflicts. Wang Yuyan was no longer the timid young lady she was a year and a half ago, who didn't even dare to speak loudly. Now, she was not only much more independent, but also... even the old woman in the manor was no match for her!

As for Yunluo? Chu Luren was also worried that she was caught up in the situation and would become confused if she cared too much. Since she didn't understand these things, it was better not to get involved.

The four then split into two groups, heading to Guiyun Manor and Mantuo Manor respectively...

Chapter 307 Guiyun Manor

"My father has set up various traps and formations in this inner courtyard. Please follow me, Master Chu and Young Master Huang."

After arriving at Guiyun Manor, Lu Guanying took the initiative to lead Chu Luren and Huang Rong through the courtyard with its magical formations.

Huang Rong was dressed as a man at this time, and Lu Guanying, being young, didn't notice anything amiss.

Chu Luren didn't understand much, but he felt that this formation was much worse than Peach Blossom Island's in terms of mechanisms. There weren't many movable arrangements, and in many places, he had to manually peel away the vines and branches that were blocking his way before he could continue forward...

Huang Rong noticed something was wrong—this formation looked very much like the style of the Peach Blossom Island lineage!

In front of Lu Guanying, Huang Rong didn't say much, but she casually picked a peach blossom and, taking advantage of Lu Guanying's inattention, stuffed it into Chu Luren's palm.

Seeing this, Chu Luren understood Huang Rong's reminder and nodded to her with a serious expression...

Chu Luren naturally knew what was going on, but he couldn't explain why he knew, so he didn't say it outright. Instead, he planned to guide them to "recognize" each other on their own later.

The owner of Guiyun Manor, Lu Guanying's father, has a deep connection with Huang Rong. He was none other than Lu Chengfeng, Huang Yaoshi's fourth disciple!

Back then, Huang Yaoshi had six disciples, and the first four of them already had considerable fame in the martial arts world. They were Qu Lingfeng, Chen Xuanfeng, Mei Chaofeng, and Lu Chengfeng.

Later, Chen Xuanfeng and Mei Chaofeng eloped and stole half of the "Nine Yin Manual," which enraged Huang Yaoshi, who broke the legs and severed the tendons of all the other disciples and expelled them from the island...

The only difference is that in the revised version, in order to make up for the loopholes in Qu Lingfeng's age and the time she left the island, it was changed to "she bullied Chen Xuanfeng because of jealousy, and was therefore expelled from the island first".

However, what these disciples had in common was their blind filial piety and loyalty to Huang Yaoshi. They not only did not harbor any resentment or unfounded anger towards him, but they also all hoped to be accepted back into Huang Yaoshi's fold.

The eldest disciple, Qu Lingfeng, repeatedly broke into the palace to steal antiques and paintings that Huang Yaoshi liked, intending to collect them all and present them to Huang Yaoshi. However, due to his leg injury, he was discovered by the palace's top guards and beaten to death. The fourth disciple, Lu Chengfeng, was the most eager to kill the Black Wind Duo in order to "atone for his mistakes," but he also failed...

The Black Wind Duo has long since disappeared from the martial arts world, and Lu Chengfeng has given up hope and gone into seclusion in Taihu Lake. Even his son, Lu Guanying, doesn't know that his father knows martial arts!

"Although my father doesn't know martial arts and has difficulty walking, he loves to make friends with heroes of the martial arts world. He will be overjoyed to know that Hero Chu has arrived." As Lu Guanying spoke, he led Chu Luren and Huang Rong to the study.

When Lu Guanying knocked on the door, Huang Rong glanced at the Bagua iron plaque hanging at the door and frowned slightly—Peach Blossom Island has a technique called the Splitting Palm, which requires this kind of iron plaque as an aid.

After Lu Guanying brought Chu Luren and Huang Rong in, he introduced them to Lu Chengfeng. As expected, Lu Chengfeng was very enthusiastic: "So you are the famous Chu the Great Hero! It's a pleasure to meet you. My legs are weak and I cannot come to pay my respects. Please forgive me... Guanying! You should take the guests to rest and inform your father to go and pay his respects himself."

"Old Master, you're too kind. We are deeply grateful for your hospitality. Brother Huang and I are too busy thanking you." Chu Luren didn't care how professional Huang Rong's cross-dressing was, but he still went along with it.

Huang Rong was dressed in a plain-colored robe and holding a folding fan—Chu Luren didn't know if it was a coincidence, but he felt that she was imitating his... ideal look!

Instead of speaking with Master Lu, Huang Rong began to look at the calligraphy and paintings hanging in the study.

Huang Rong was already young, and now she was only sixteen years old. Dressing as a man made her look even younger, so naturally, Master Lu couldn't be too surprised at her age.

Then, Huang Rong suddenly realized what was happening and began to describe how wonderful each piece of writing and painting was, what made it wonderful, who created it, and which were genuine and which were fakes!

Upon hearing this, Lu Chengfeng became even more energized and began chatting and discussing with Huang Rong in a very congenial manner.

However, their archaic language was completely a "mystery" to Chu Luren and Lu Guanying.

Lu Chengfeng had been away from the martial world for a long time, so he naturally recognized Chu Luren, who had risen to fame. If it were ten years ago, he might have been even more eager to persuade Chu Luren to hunt down the Black Wind Duo. However, the Black Wind Duo had been missing for a long time, and Lu Chengfeng had long since devoted himself to nature and painting and calligraphy...

"How are you feeling, Brother Chu?" Lu Chengfeng asked warmly when he saw that Chu Luren hadn't gotten a word in edgewise for a while.

In Lu Guanying's view, Chu Luren's status in the martial arts world was already unattainable, while in Lu Chengfeng's view... Although I, Old Lu, cannot beat you, I am from Peach Blossom Island and I will not bow down in front of you!

Of course, it was fortunate that Huang Rong's identity was unknown to outsiders, and there was no gossip about it in the martial arts world.

Chu Luren thought for a moment. It was impossible for him to back down. Although he hadn't quite understood what he'd heard, but…

"Have you heard of the 'Memorial on Dispatching the Troops'?" Chu Luren suddenly asked.

Lu Chengfeng was puzzled. He had just talked to Huang Rong about Wang Xizhi, but the famous calligraphic works by Wang Xizhi that have been passed down through the ages do not include the "Memorial on Dispatching the Troops". It is Li Yong's "Memorial on Dispatching the Troops" that is very famous.

"Could it be that Brother Chu has seen an authentic work by Wang Xizhi that has never been seen before?" Lu Chengfeng asked with surprise.

Huang Rong had a bad feeling, as she felt that Chu Luren was going to do something "unexpected".

“No, I mean… I can recite a passage for you,” Chu Luren said seriously.

This is already the highest expression of Chu Luren's literary talent, and we should also thank compulsory education.

Lu Chengfeng: ...

Huang Rong couldn't help but unfold her fan, gently patting her head with the fan ribs to cover her face.

Finally, it was Master Lu's kindness that broke the awkward silence with a hearty laugh: "Hahahaha... Brother Chu is truly... a kind person. Guanying, have someone prepare the best seats!"

"Yes." Lu Guanying agreed, and before leaving, Chu Luren didn't forget to tell him, "Take lots of fish and crabs."

"Don't worry, Master Chu..."

After Lu Guanying left, Chu Luren listened to Huang Rong and Lu Guanying chatting. Because of the "spoiler" in the story, he could tell that Huang Rong's words were also full of probing.

Although no part of Lu Chengfeng's past was mentioned, his temperament, preferences, and even his values ​​and moral inclinations were thoroughly investigated.

On the contrary, Chu Luren hardly got a word in edgewise. Lu Guanying, worried about neglecting this powerful figure, kept toasting him during the meal.

After several rounds of drinks, Lu Chengfeng finally had a chance to ask, "It is a great regret of my life that I was unable to get to know Brother Huang before. May I ask who your teacher is?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Rong glanced at Chu Luren...

In the original work, Huang Rong did not reveal her identity to Lu Chengfeng at first. After all, at that time, her and Guo Jing's martial arts skills, although considered good among the younger generation in the martial arts world, were by no means enough to be able to walk around with impunity, so she was naturally a bit cautious.

Judging from her own experience, Huang Rong felt that Lu Chengfeng's desire to break Huang Yaoshi's legs was entirely justifiable...

However, with Chu Luren by her side, Huang Rong became much more unrestrained and unafraid of any ill intentions from him. In addition, she was already seventy percent certain of Lu Chengfeng's identity and attitude, so she solemnly stood up, clasped her hands in a fist and said, "My father is the master of Peach Blossom Island, named Yaoshi."

Clang...

Lu Chengfeng's wine glass fell to the table, but he remained staring blankly at Huang Rong, frozen in place...

Chapter 308 Lu Chengfeng's Admiration

"Father? What's wrong?" Lu Guanying immediately got up and stepped forward, secretly giving the servants next to him a look, wanting to carry his father away first.

At the same time, Lu Guanying was also unsure of himself – his father was not a member of the martial arts world and did not even know martial arts, so could he possibly have a grudge against the Eastern Heretic?

Lu Chengfeng shoved Lu Guanying aside with such force that Lu Guanying had no chance to resist and was even knocked over.

“You…you are…” Lu Chengfeng looked at Huang Rong dressed as a man, comparing her to his master and mistress in his mind. Sure enough, he could see similar features, and his eyes couldn’t help but redden.

However, since he had already been expelled from the sect and had not received his master's permission, he hesitated several times before finally managing to say "Junior Sister."

"How is Senior Brother Lu?" Huang Rong greeted him.

"Senior brother?" Lu Guanying looked at his father in shock, forgetting to get up for a moment.

Lu Chengfeng didn't notice his son's lapse in composure. Instead, he stared at Huang Rong and said in a daze, "You're my mentor's daughter? I... you still acknowledge me as your senior brother? My mentor mentioned me?" His tone was full of expectation as he spoke.

"No, I only found out from elsewhere that I also have several senior brothers. Then I saw the layout of this manor and the iron Bagua in the study, and that's when I guessed it," Huang Rong said truthfully.

Upon hearing this, Lu Chengfeng's eyes dimmed slightly, but his gaze towards Huang Rong remained fervent.

"How have you been all these years, my dear teacher?" Lu Chengfeng asked, a little nervously.

"Him? He's doing just fine. He went out again under the guise of Skyscraper Hermit and hasn't returned to the island in ages. He doesn't even care about his own daughter anymore," Huang Rong said with a hint of annoyance.

Sensing Huang Rong's complaint, Lu Chengfeng kindly comforted her, "Your master certainly loves you..." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "If you, junior sister, were to see your master, could you... could you..."

"Don't worry! When I see my father, I'll definitely ask him why he took his anger out on my senior brothers because of the Black Wind Duo. Let's see if he's ashamed!" Huang Rong said indignantly.

Huang Rong learned by chance from Zhou Botong that she had several senior brothers. She was very resistant to Huang Yaoshi's behavior of taking his anger out on her, and she did not mind expressing her resistance!

That's probably the difference between encountering the honest and straightforward Guo Jing and the more "evil" Chu Luren.

Upon hearing this, Lu Chengfeng quickly said, "Junior sister, you mustn't say that. Our master has been incredibly kind to us brothers and sisters. It was Chen Xuanfeng and Mei Chaofeng who hurt our master's feelings back then, which is why he acted this way!"

Chu Luren curled his lip in disapproval upon hearing this...

Therefore, Chu Luren always believed that Huang Yaoshi's "evil" was just an "evil" that he could not obtain, and that he pretended to be "evil" because he could not gain mainstream recognition. Just look at his disciples. If he were truly "evil," he could only teach disciples who were all blindly loyal and filial.

If Huang Yaoshi had just passed the imperial examination back then, he wouldn't have become so "wicked," but unfortunately, he didn't pass.

In comparison, Huang Rong's "evil" is the truly original and truly unconstrained by material things.

Of course, Chu Luren wouldn't say these words out loud. It was only because Huang Rong criticized her father that Lu Chengfeng gave her this advice. If it were anyone else, this old man would definitely fight to the death, and Chu Luren didn't want to get into that mess.

"Senior brother, what you're saying isn't right. My father has been kind to you, but he broke your legs for no reason. That debt is settled... If you don't believe me, ask the young master. You said my father broke your father's legs, right?" Huang Rong's wicked side kicked in, and she became serious, even looking at Lu Guanying.

Lu Guanying: ...

"You unfilial son! What are you hesitating for? Do you want to criticize your grandmaster?" Lu Chengfeng roared.

Lu Guanying: T_T.

“Grandmaster did the right thing…and my father wasn’t wrong either! It’s all the fault of the Black Wind Duo!” Lu Guanying was still quite clever.

Chu Luren continued eating the fish, while Huang Rong just kept pouting.

Seeing this, Lu Chengfeng was somewhat dissatisfied with his junior sister's attitude towards their master, but since she was their master's own daughter, he naturally wouldn't say anything. Instead, he pleaded expectantly, "If junior sister feels sorry for her senior brother... when you see our master, could you... could you mention Chengfeng so that our master knows that there is a disciple who still cares about him?"

In fact, Lu Chengfeng wanted his mentor to take him back into his fold, but he didn't dare to say it. Otherwise, what if "using" his junior sister to ask for help angered his mentor?

Upon hearing this, Huang Rong confidently declared, "Don't worry, senior brother! Even if my father doesn't agree, after he's gone, as long as you senior brothers are willing, I will bring you all back to Peach Blossom Island!"

Lu Chengfeng: ...

Lu Chengfeng felt a little tired—how did they end up sending their mentor "away" like that?

For a moment, looking at Chu Luren sucking on a crab leg, Lu Chengfeng felt secretly dissatisfied—he must have learned it from you, Chu Taisui!