The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

"Don't worry, Master Lu, if they dare to come, I will capture them all and get to the bottom of it," Chu Luren said confidently.

Lu Chengfeng then instructed Lu Guanying to inform all the villages that if anyone came to Guiyun Manor and seemed to have ill intentions, they should not be stopped. This time, they should be caught like turtles in a jar!

Fortunately, outsiders didn't know that Chu Luren was here, otherwise the Black Wind Duo probably wouldn't have dared to come...

Lu Chengfeng has now specifically instructed Lu Guanying not to reveal any details.

Before long, before the Black Wind Duo had even arrived, Shi Dangxian hurriedly ran over, led by a servant.

"Old Master, Chief, I, Shi, have encountered a master!" Shi Dangxian rushed over in a great hurry.

"What kind of expert? But... a man and a woman?" Lu Chengfeng thought he had encountered the Black Wind Duo.

"No, no, it was an old man. I saw this master on the shore earlier. He could actually drive the boat with his internal energy. Moreover, after landing, the small boat was gone with a wave of his hand. That's why I went up to pay my respects... and learned that he was the 'Iron Palm Water-Walking' senior Qiu who was passing by!" Shi Dangxian's words made Lu Chengfeng and Lu Guanying look at each other in bewilderment, and Huang Rong also looked puzzled.

Propelling a ship using internal forces?

Is it really possible for someone to do that?

Huang Rong looked at Chu Luren, and upon meeting her questioning gaze, Chu Luren thought for a moment and said, "I can try it next time."

At the same time, Chu Luren was also curious—in the original work, the one who came to Taihu Lake at this time was that old swindler Qiu Qianzhang.

Qiu Qianren's twin brother, known as Iron Palm Water-Walking, has mediocre martial arts skills and always uses his younger brother's name to swindle and deceive people.

But what's with the internal force driving the ship?

In the original work, Qiu Qianzhang simply drove wooden stakes slightly lower than the water surface into the water near the shore beforehand, which allowed him to "perform" walking on water and pretend to be a master. As for using internal force to sail, the TV series does have this kind of operation, but in the end, the screenwriter did not explain the principle behind it!

Of course, in the vast world of martial arts, only using internal energy to navigate a boat can be considered a "show." While actually carrying a water vat and running across the water is a demonstration of first-rate lightness skill, it is not considered a "divine skill."

"Is this... Chief Qiu of the Iron Palm Clan? Quickly, invite him in! Guanying, go ahead, but don't be impolite," Lu Chengfeng said hastily.

The Iron Palm Clan was one of the top gangs in Guangdong and Guangxi, and Qiu Qianren was a renowned martial arts elder, though he had rarely been active in the martial arts world in recent years.

If that were all, Chu Luren could still sit still. However, just as Lu Guanying was about to leave, a servant came to report that...

"Master, Young Master! The great hero from Jiangnan has come to visit!"

Although Lu Chengfeng had originally ordered the manor not to receive guests in order to deal with the Black Wind Duo, the gatekeeper was not stupid and naturally knew the principle of handling special cases specially—Jiang Biehe's visit was naturally a "special case".

Lu Chengfeng was also puzzled upon hearing this—why was it so lively today?

However, they still hurriedly sent someone to welcome Master Jiang in...

Chu Luren exchanged a glance with Huang Rong, then interjected, "Master Lu, we have many distinguished guests visiting this time, and I have some doubts. I will hide myself in a moment, and you must not reveal my presence to Qiu Qianren and Jiang Biehe... so that if the Black Wind Duo come here quietly, they will be startled and flee."

Lu Chengfeng had great trust in Qiu Qianren, a renowned figure in the martial arts world of Guangdong and Guangxi, and Jiangnan, a famous hero, and did not feel there was any need to "hide" them. However, after hearing what Chu Luren said next, he quickly agreed and specifically instructed Lu Guanying and the servants not to leak the news!

Chapter 311 Encounter on the Beam

Lu Chengfeng went to see Jiang Biehe and Qiu Qianren, not in the study, but specifically in the main hall.

Previously, Lu Guanying brought Chu Luren directly to the study to appear close, but Jiang Biehe and Qiu Qianren were both renowned figures in the martial arts world and had no connection with Guiyun Manor, so a more formal approach was necessary.

Chu Luren did not go with Lu Chengfeng. Instead, he used his movement technique to avoid everyone and floated in through the side window at the back of the hall. Then, without touching the ground, he soared up to the roof beam!

Chu Luren: !!!

Chu Luren was startled as soon as he arrived...

Not only Chu Luren, but the other person on the roof beam was also startled. The two looked at each other across the roof beam.

That's right, when Chu Luren arrived, there was already someone on the roof beam, and Chu Luren recognized this person!

Dressed in a blue robe and wearing a veil, and... it can be seen that behind the black veil, there is also a perfunctory human skin mask on the face—it looks like a piece of paper the color of human skin pasted on the face.

Clearly, at this moment he was Huang Yaoshi, not Xie Yanke!

Huang Yaoshi recognized Chu Luren at this moment. He had just been wondering how he had been discovered. Seeing Chu Luren's reaction after he came up, he realized that it wasn't that Chu Luren had discovered him, but that the kid also wanted to hide here.

After realizing this, the two of them, separated by the beam, simultaneously made a "shush" gesture to each other, and then... pretended not to see each other.

However, Chu Luren frowned slightly, then looked up at the roof—there seemed to be someone on the roof. At this distance, the other party's lightness skill could no longer be concealed from him.

Chu Luren glanced at Huang Yaoshi again and saw that he ignored him and didn't pay attention to what was above him. He guessed that Mei Chaofeng was hiding outside and that Huang Yaoshi had followed her here!

This is one of the key "clues" behind the deceptive portrayal of Huang Yaoshi in the original Sanlian edition, and also one of the crucial reasons for the major character breakdown in the revised edition...

You old codger, when Chen Xuanfeng and Mei Chaofeng eloped, you broke the legs of innocent disciples and ruptured their Achilles tendons one by one to vent your anger, leaving them with lifelong disabilities. How come when you met Mei Chaofeng, you not only saved her life, but also followed her with a perverse sense of humor?

In the original story, Mei Chaofeng was blind and was besieged by Ouyang Ke and his men. Huang Yaoshi used the "Azure Sea Tide Melody" to repel the enemy, and then used his lightness skill to follow Mei Chaofeng all the way, making her suspicious and paranoid. Huang Yaoshi just wouldn't show himself...

Chu Luren was somewhat gossipy about Huang Yaoshi's inner world, but not particularly curious. He was more concerned about what was happening below, when "Qiu Qianren" had already been invited in by Lu Chengfeng.

Whether it's "Qiu Qianren" or "Qiu Qianzhang", they look very similar, both being short and stocky. Although they don't have dwarfism like Yu Canghai, they are only 1.6 meters tall. However, due to their dual cultivation of internal and external strength, they do not appear weak.

"Senior Qiu was once a powerful figure in Guangdong and Guangxi, and I have always held him in high esteem. It is an honor to meet you today. Please forgive me for not being able to perform the proper greeting." Lu Chengfeng clasped his hands in a gesture of respect from the low couch in the main seat.

Lu Chengfeng respected Huang Yaoshi greatly, but he didn't idolize him like Hua Wuque did with the masters of Yihua Palace. He also acknowledged other "seniors," especially Qiu Qianren. Wang Chongyang had invited him to Mount Hua, but Qiu Qianren did not accept the invitation.

If it were Hua Wuque, he wouldn't address anyone as "senior," and would only call older people "old man"—if he addressed them as "senior," wouldn't that be acknowledging that someone was of the same generation as his two masters?

"Master Lu, no need for formalities. And this... young brother is?" Qiu Qianren put on a kind expression and looked at Huang Rong, who was seated on the left.

In fact, Huang Yaoshi also wanted to ask. He did recognize his daughter, but he didn't understand why Huang Rong was here!

"Let me introduce you, this young brother Huang is a descendant of the person I respect most, and also a close friend of mine despite our age difference." As agreed beforehand, Lu Chengfeng did not reveal Huang Rong's identity for the time being.

Otherwise, Mei Chaofeng on the roof would definitely not remain calm upon hearing this.

Seeing that the young man was ignoring him so much, and knowing that he had a close relationship with Master Lu, Qiu Qianren said sarcastically, "Young man, good, young man. Nowadays, there are too few promising young people in the martial arts world!"

Just then, another servant came to report, and Lu Chengfeng took the opportunity to say, "Senior Qiu, my humble abode is honored today. Not only are you here, but Hero Jiang is also well. You see..."

Qiu Qianren frowned almost imperceptibly upon hearing this, but still waved his feather fan and said, "Jiang Biehe? Hahaha, very good, very good. Although he only began to show his talent after I retired from the martial world, I often heard his name on Iron Palm Peak. It just so happens that I have important matters to discuss with the people of the Jiangnan martial world on this trip eastward. It is not bad to meet Jiang Biehe here."

Qiu Qianren did not forget to maintain his status, but indeed Jiang Biehe did not become famous early, only in the last ten years.

Soon Lu Guanying brought Jiang Biehe in as well. Jiang Biehe looked old and was dressed very simply in plain clothes. Apart from his facial features and long beard, he had a very sanctimonious appearance.

After meeting Lu Chengfeng and Qiu Qianren, they were both very polite, treating each other with the proper etiquette. This made Qiu Qianren, who was putting on airs, seem petty and left him feeling awkward.

Chu Luren also "admired" Jiang Biehe. This man was just a young pageboy back then. He betrayed Jiang Feng for the Jiang family's martial arts manuals and vast wealth, but in the blink of an eye, he had a bigger goal. Now, in terms of "simplicity," he can be said to be the best in the martial arts world.

Jianghu masters like Tie Wushuang are generally known for their generosity and righteousness, but Jiang Biehe... even farms the land himself, making him a rare hero who embodies the rarity of being content with poverty.

I wonder where all the Jiang family's money went back then...

Moreover, in terms of prestige, Jiang Biehe is no less than Tie Wushuang. It's just that there are too many powerful martial arts families in Jiangnan, so he doesn't have the same status as Tie Wushuang in Hunan.

"I am truly delighted that Chief Qiu and Hero Jiang have graced my humble abode with their presence today... Chief Qiu previously mentioned that he has important matters concerning the martial arts world of Jiangnan. May I inquire about them?"

After exchanging pleasantries, Lu Chengfeng took the initiative to start a conversation.

Qiu Qianren then shook his feather fan and said, "That's right. If it weren't for such a major event, I wouldn't have returned to the martial world. It's truly for the sake of the common people that I have no choice but to make this trip."

This fellow first bragged loudly and proudly, while Jiang Biehe smiled silently to the side. Lu Chengfeng, not wanting to be impolite, could only offer a polite rather than awkward smile, while Huang Rong didn't even look at him.

"This is not just about the martial arts world of Jiangnan, but about the well-being of all people! I have received concrete information... the Qing army is heading south!"

As soon as Qiu Qianren said this, everyone's attention was immediately drawn to him. Lu Chengfeng and Lu Guanying were surprised, Huang Rong was just curious, while Jiang Biehe... had a complicated look in his eyes and frowned.

Chu Luren also frowned – the Qing army was going south? That didn't seem right!

However, just as Qiu Qianren was about to continue speaking, another servant came to report that another group of people had arrived at Guiyun Manor...

Chapter 312 A Sea of ​​Doubts

Chu Luren was very puzzled by the news that Qiu Qianren had mentioned. Logically speaking, at this time, the Song, Yuan, and Qing dynasties were already in a stage of competing to see who was worse off. Did the Qing really have the strength to go south?

The Song court was indeed not very good, as Chu Luren had already witnessed in Lin'an—the eunuch faction was causing chaos in the government, there were no pillars of the court, the Iron-Blooded Marquis harbored treacherous intentions, and the army was the weakest of the three kingdoms, and its weakness lay in the most important aspect: fighting spirit...

But how much better were the Yuan and Qing dynasties?

The Yuan court is now in a state of confusion regarding its master and servants. Although Kublai Khan is a man of great talent and strategy and the Mongol army is the most powerful, Möngke is still alive. Moreover, Möngke has significant disagreements with Kublai Khan regarding the strategy for the Central Plains. At the same time, the several khanates in the north are not convinced of each other's loyalty, and the Han territories they occupy are also engulfed in war and rife with rebel armies...

The Qing court appeared harmonious, but in reality, undercurrents were surging. There was the threat of Oboi in the court and the danger of the Three Feudatories, including Wu Sangui, in the outside. Where did the young Emperor Kangxi get the courage to launch a military campaign against the south?

Wasn't he afraid that if the army moved, Ao Bai's military power would increase again, and he would be crowned emperor?

Whether the person in question is Qiu Qianren or Qiu Qianzhang, the people of Chulu were completely baffled by the news of the Qing army's southward advance.

This is also true in the original work...

In the original work, Qiu Qianzhang also claimed that the Jin army was about to march south and hoped to persuade or even instigate the martial arts world of the Southern Dynasty to surrender.

However, in reality, the Jin Dynasty had no time to wage war against the Southern Song Dynasty at that time; instead, it was already overwhelmed by the Mongols!

In the original story, Yang Kang, as an imperial envoy of the Jin Dynasty, was sent to Lin'an to convey a secret edict from the Jin emperor, ordering the treacherous minister Shi Miyuan of the Southern Song Dynasty to execute the Mongol envoys and not to listen to their nonsense...

It is evident that the Jin state was very worried that the Song dynasty would form an alliance with the Mongols, and had no intention of moving south. Indeed, based on historical precedent, the Southern Song dynasty should have been quite peaceful in recent years.

So... what exactly is the Iron Palm Clan up to?

Could it be that Qiu Qianzhang and Qiu Qianren are not traitors at all, but merely spiritual Jurchens—in reality, they have no connection with the Jurchen state and fantasize that the Jurchen state can destroy the Song state?

Now that Qiu Qianren has said that the Qing army is about to march south, the people of Chulu are also puzzled.

Meanwhile, there were many more guests in the hall below: six men and two women, six old and two young—it was Guo Jing and his six masters, plus Mu Nianci.

The Seven Heroes of Jiangnan were just passing through. Having just returned to the Central Plains, they have been deliberately trying to make their presence felt, and even made a special trip to Guiyun Manor to pay their respects.

After exchanging pleasantries with Lu Chengfeng, the Seven Freaks also paid their respects to Chief Qiu. They had only heard of this great hero from Jiangnan after returning to the Central Plains, and they all expressed their deep admiration for him.

Guo Jing then saw Huang Rong and said with some guilt, "Miss Huang is here too? Did Brother Chu come with you? Was he angry with me before? As for Uncle Yang and Aunt Yang's matter, I..."

Upon hearing Guo Jing mention Chu Luren, Huang Rong interrupted him naturally, saying, "What do you have to say about him? And you don't need to report to us about your Uncle Yang either."

For a time, apart from the Seven Heroes of Jiangnan, Qiu Qianren and Jiang Biehe did not know who Guo Jing was referring to as "Brother Chu".

As for the Seven Heroes of Jiangnan, after reuniting with Guo Jing, they inquired about Chu Luren's affairs—after all, because of this, the six of them had been ridiculed by Chu Luren at Juxian Manor.

When Ke Zhen'e heard that Qiao Feng was a Jurchen, and that Chu Luren had drunk farewell wine with Han heroes for the sake of Qiao Feng, a Jurchen, he also stepped forward...

They initially thought it was just a matter of drawing a line, but Chu Luren revealed how kind he had been to their disciple, even saying that "the kindness is all in the wine," making it seem as if they were ungrateful, which was quite embarrassing.

Upon hearing Guo Jing mention this matter to someone, Ke Zhen'e snorted coldly.

"Jing'er! Is this the friend of that man surnamed Chu?" Ke Zhen'e asked in a dry voice.

Jiang Biehe raised an eyebrow slightly. He hadn't paid much attention to the conversation between the two juniors, but when Ke Zhen'e spoke, he started to wonder if this "Chu fellow" was him.

“That’s right, you old blind man, there’s no need for you to try to get close. At Juxian Manor, my brother Chu already drank a farewell toast with you. Although he was kind to you in the past, there’s no need for you to take it to heart.” Seeing his unfriendly tone, Huang Rong became even more unfriendly.