The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

Huang Yaoshi glared at his daughter, then waved his hand, and a piece of Xuan paper that should have been light and fluttering, wrapped in energy, landed steadily in Lu Chengfeng's hand.

Lu Chengfeng took a look and saw that the title on the paper read "Whirlwind Sweeping Leaves Kick"—a martial art from Peach Blossom Island that was on par with "Falling Blossom Divine Sword Palm".

He was immediately filled with gratitude. Although he couldn't practice it himself, his master must be using him to teach his son, right?

"These years have been tough on you. I was too impatient back then... This leg technique is something I created in recent years. The moves are the same as before, but I started by practicing internal energy. If you practice diligently, you can walk without a staff in three to five years!" Huang Yaoshi said this and turned his back to Lu Chengfeng.

This time, Huang Rong simply smiled with her eyes crinkled, without exposing her father's true colors...

The moves are the same as before?

What moves are needed for an internal martial arts technique used to recover from disability?

Clearly, Huang Yaoshi had long regretted it and had secretly researched an internal energy cultivation technique to restore the leg bones and tendons that were crippled. In fact, the reason he didn't come out to find his disciple a few years earlier was probably because he hadn't researched the technique and was too ashamed to face him.

However, given Huang Yaoshi's personality, admitting his mistake is absolutely impossible. Even though this unique internal skill is specially packaged as a leg technique, even if anyone can see that it has nothing to do with leg techniques, he still insists that it is an improvement on the "Whirlwind Sweeping Leaf Leg" and that treating the disability is just a side effect!

Afterwards, Huang Yaoshi pretended to casually inquire about the whereabouts of his three disciples, Qu, Feng, and Wu. Unfortunately, Lu Chengfeng did not know the current whereabouts of his senior brother Qu and junior brother Feng. As for junior brother Wu... Lu Chengfeng only found out about his death.

Upon hearing this, Huang Yaoshi sighed, then turned around and faced away from Mei Chaofeng, saying to the "traitor," "In the end, you and Xuanfeng still didn't listen to me."

“Master…” Mei Chaofeng thought of the past, on Peach Blossom Island, where her master, senior brothers, and junior brothers lived together.

“Don’t call me Master. Chengfeng and the others were implicated because of you and Xuanfeng, so I took them back into my sect. As for you…” Huang Yaoshi paused as he spoke.

“Master, Senior Sister…” Lu Chengfeng wanted to plead for her, but after Huang Yaoshi gave a soft snort, he immediately dared not persuade her any further and instead said, “Senior Sister has no relatives left in the world.”

“Considering that you… although you have made a grave mistake, you have already suffered greatly, I will entrust you with three tasks. If you can accomplish them well, I will accept you back into my tutelage,” Huang Yaoshi said.

Upon hearing Huang Yaoshi's words, Mei Chaofeng immediately knelt down and said, "This disciple is willing to go through fire and water, and spare no effort!"

These three things are simple in some ways, but difficult in others... they really are difficult.

The first thing is to retrieve the Nine Yin Manual—not just "find" it, but "take it back," meaning not only to retrieve the manual, but also to kill everyone who has read it!

The second matter was as it should be: to search for the orphans of Qu Lingfeng, Feng Mofeng, and Wu Mianfeng.

As for the third thing, it was punitive in nature. Mei Chaofeng had to abandon the skills she learned in the "Nine Yin Manual". She learned all the skills of hand skills, so chopping off her hand would be enough to make her useless!

Seeing this, Chu Luren felt that Huang Yaoshi in this vast martial arts world must be an intermediate state between the old and new versions...

The biggest difference between the old and new versions of Huang Yaoshi is not only whether he will have feelings for his female disciples, but more importantly, how strong his human touch is.

Whether Huang Yaoshi ever had feelings for Mei Chaofeng is unknown to Chu Luren, but it seems that Huang Yaoshi is not as tyrannical as in the old version.

In the Sanlian edition, Huang Yaoshi wasn't so easy to talk to Mei Chaofeng...

What's this about returning to his fold? Mei Chaofeng was terrified of him, and Huang Yaoshi had already given her three instructions and left her with a poisonous hidden weapon called "Bone-Attaching Nail" as a safeguard. There was hardly any affection between them.

Now, the bone nails are nowhere to be found, and everything is done on their own initiative, which is obviously closer to the new version. More importantly, Huang Yaoshi just mentioned that "in the end, you and Xuanfeng still didn't listen to me" - if the two of them had just stolen the manual and run away, Huang Yaoshi certainly wouldn't have given them any instructions.

Only in the revised edition is there a new plot where Chen and Mei secretly returned to the island once when Huang Rong turned one year old. At that time, Huang Yaoshi did not immediately call for their deaths, but instead asked them to go to his wife's grave to pay their respects and apologize.

Later, Chen Xuanfeng, feeling guilty, fled with Mei Chaofeng. Huang Yaoshi even reminded them afterward not to continue practicing the Nine Yin Manual...

In various TV adaptations, although no one likes the absurd setting of the revised version, the characterization of Huang Yaoshi is actually biased towards the revised version—an old angry young man who craves mainstream recognition but cannot obtain it, rather than the true reclusive and wicked master in the old version.

"Don't worry, Master. After Chaofeng has done the first two things for you, then I'll do the third." Mei Chaofeng was clearly prepared to cut off her own hand.

However, Huang Rong interjected, "Oh dear! That's terrible! Brother Chu and I have already obtained the complete Nine Yin Manual from the Old Urchin. We've practiced it a lot and taught it to many people! Senior Sister Mei won't kill me too, will she? Besides... Senior Sister Mei is probably no match for Brother Chu."

Huang Yaoshi: ...

"Zhou Botong! That bastard handed over the Nine Yin Manual? Did he have the general outline?" Huang Yaoshi asked hurriedly.

Chu Luren could tell that Huang Yaoshi didn't have any extra expectations for the general outline, but was worried that his daughter would practice a version without the general outline!

“The general outline is encrypted in Sanskrit, but Brother Chu knows Sanskrit and has already taught it to our daughter,” Huang Rong said matter-of-factly.

Huang Yaoshi breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt very tired. He had just assigned Mei Chaofeng a task, but now... he had to take it back?

"Whom did you all teach them?" Huang Yaoshi asked quietly.

"I need to think about that. Given Brother Chu's personality... well, Zhou Botong would definitely teach him, as would his elder brother Qiao Feng, the great hero Guo Jing, Chief Hong, the princess of the Song Dynasty, the Iron-Blooded Marquis, and so on... they might all have taught him, right?"

This is utter nonsense!

Although the general outline of the Nine Yin Manual is useful, and Chu Luren has always been happy to share it, the problem is that even after obtaining it, Chu Luren has not yet encountered so many people.

Huang Rong clearly exaggerated in order to refute her father's demands on Mei Chaofeng.

Chapter 317 Pleasing

Hearing his daughter name the name he mentioned, Huang Yaoshi felt even more weary...

"Chaofeng, I don't care what others say, but what you leak... If one person sees it, you kill one; if a hundred people see it, you kill a hundred. If you only kill ninety-nine, don't come back to see me!" Huang Yaoshi added angrily.

Then Huang Yaoshi remembered the "culprit" and asked Huang Rong, "Has Zhou Botong already escaped?"

"They didn't escape." Huang Rong quickly shook her head.

"Oh? Well, at least he has some integrity; he's a man." Huang Yaoshi said dismissively.

Huang Yaoshi originally thought that Zhou Botong had already escaped, so he would just release him without hesitation, but he couldn't help but make a few sarcastic remarks.

Huang Rong then said, "The Old Urchin promised Father that he would only leave the island after defeating you, so naturally he won't run away... It's just that I think he has already surpassed Father, so I'm urging him to leave the island quickly."

Huang Yaoshi: !!!

"Junior sister! Don't talk nonsense." Lu Chengfeng immediately stopped Huang Rong's flirting behavior.

"You... Fine! Now you think your father is useless, unable to even defeat Zhou Botong?" Huang Yaoshi was furious.

Huang Rong, however, didn't care. Firstly, she was indignant on behalf of her senior brothers, and secondly, she was indignant on behalf of Zhou Botong—indeed, Huang Yaoshi's tendency to "take out his anger" on others was too excessive.

However, Huang Yaoshi, provoked by this, had nowhere to vent his anger. He glared at the Seven Heroes of Jiangnan and Guo Jing and demanded, "Did you kill Chen Xuanfeng? Only people from Peach Blossom Island can be killed by people from Peach Blossom Island. You can end your own lives!"

Huang Yaoshi then personally demonstrated what it means to displace anger...

How could the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan withstand such provocation?

One by one, they all stood up, saying things like, "Today we'll experience the Eastern Heretic's amazing skills," and "You're being too fussy and lacking the demeanor of a master," mocking Huang Yaoshi relentlessly.

Guo Jing quickly told Huang Yaoshi that he had killed Chen Xuanfeng alone, and that he would take responsibility for his actions, challenging him to a duel...

Jiang Biehe realized that this was no longer a "family matter" of Peach Blossom Island, so he had no choice but to step forward. In terms of martial arts, he was no match for Huang Yaoshi, and Huang Yaoshi was an unreasonable person. He was the last person Jiang Biehe wanted to provoke, but he couldn't let his "Great Hero of Jiangnan" persona collapse!

"Island Master Huang is profound and majestic, inspiring great respect from us younger generations. The Seven Heroes of Jiangnan are also heroes among men, first-rate warriors. I, a junior, presume to presume to resolve this conflict... How about this? If I, Jiang, am fortunate enough to withstand a hundred moves from Island Master Huang, then we shall cease fighting here. If I am unlucky, then I hope Island Master Huang can help me to establish an alliance between the Song Dynasty and Wu Sangui to resist the Qing army that is marching south."

After Jiang Biehe stepped forward, he adopted a very humble posture, while maintaining a very high level of "moral character".

For a moment, even Lu Chengfeng thought to himself, "He truly deserves to be called the great hero of Jiangnan." Only Chu Luren, who was hiding to the side, secretly curled his lip, knowing that he was deliberately reminding Huang Yaoshi that Jiang Biehe was very important!

As for the so-called "hundred moves agreement," Chu Luren doesn't think he has a good chance if they actually fight.

In the original work, after Hua Wuque came out of the mountain, his martial arts were always superior to Jiang Biehe's. The difference was that Hua Wuque could not last more than a hundred moves. What did Jiang Biehe have to deserve this?

The only hope is that Huang Yaoshi will go easy on him because of his importance and loyalty. That way, it will look good on the surface, and Jiang Biehe can further enhance his reputation.

From this perspective, Jiang Biehe understands Huang Yaoshi quite well, knowing that although he seems wicked, he is actually the most loyal and filial son.

"No, Master Jiang!"

"This is a matter between us and that old Huang Yaoshi..."

"The Seven Heroes of Jiangnan have returned to their hometowns and perished among the Five Barbarian Tribes. What is there to fear now!"

Huang Rong then bluntly retorted, "They're not Zhou Botong, why are you taking your anger out on them?"

Chu Luren could tell that Huang Rong had never been beaten before...

"Once I find Zhou Botong, I'll tear him apart! Chaofeng, your third task is to find Zhou Botong for me!" Huang Yaoshi was on the verge of losing his temper.

"No, Father! The Old Urchin has mastered a divine skill; you can't beat him," Huang Rong continued to add fuel to the fire.

"What a joke! Even if he mastered the Nine Yin Manual... Wait! Chu Luren, come out here! Didn't you also learn the Nine Yin Manual? Let me see what's so great about you!" Huang Yaoshi shouted at the place where Chu Luren had been hiding.

Jiang Biehe's eyes flickered slightly, confirming that Chu Luren was also there.

The Seven Heroes of Jiangnan all looked somewhat uneasy upon hearing this name...

But just then, there was no movement in the place where Huang Yaoshi was facing, but... Chu Luren floated down from the sky in the moonlight.

Indeed, Chu Luren had long sensed that Huang Rong was up to no good and was probably trying to drag him into the mess, so he deliberately followed Huang Yaoshi's previous route and arrived at his own dashing entrance.

"It's been over a year since we last met. Island Master Huang is still as healthy and robust as ever. You are very polite." Chu Luren pretended that he had never seen Huang Yaoshi before on the rooftop.

Huang Yaoshi didn't refute this, otherwise everyone would have felt quite awkward...

"You've translated the general outline of the Nine Yin Manual? Tell me, is Zhou Botong a match for me?" Huang Yaoshi deliberately turned to avoid looking at Chu Luren and spoke to him.

“Well… Senior Brother Zhou’s current skill level is probably not as good as Island Master Huang’s, but in terms of martial arts…” Chu Luren didn’t finish his sentence, but everyone knew what he was going to say from his tone.

Huang Yaoshi couldn't hold back and glared at him directly.

While feeling indignant, he also noticed Chu Luren's address and frowned, asking, "What did you call Zhou Botong?"

Huang Rong then turned her eyes and said, "Zhou Botong also taught his divine skill to Brother Chu. Father, how about I beg Brother Chu to spar with you for a couple of moves? If you can defeat Brother Chu within three hundred moves, then it won't be too late to go after Zhou Botong."

Upon hearing this, Chu Luren vaguely guessed that Huang Rong, besides being dissatisfied with her father's repeated outbursts of anger towards others, also wanted to take the opportunity to "hype" herself.

After all, no one in the martial arts world knew the true extent of the "Japanese assassin's" skills. When he faced Ouyang Feng, the only people present were those from White Camel Manor and close associates of Chu Luren. The former wouldn't spread the word, and the latter... had little credibility!

Naturally, the current assessment of Chu Luren's martial arts skills in the martial arts world is quite inaccurate—the most widely circulated claim of Chu Luren's greatest achievement is still his fight against the Six Protectors of Songshan!

This is also one of the reasons why, despite being ranked second on the Heavenly Ranking, he couldn't command respect...

Huang Yaoshi laughed in anger and asked Chu Luren, "Young Chu, tell me yourself, how many moves can you withstand from this old man?"

Chu Luren understood that he couldn't waste Huang Rong's kindness, so after hesitating for a moment, he extended one finger.

"Ten moves? Can't a young man have some ambition?" Huang Yaoshi said with dissatisfaction.

Chu Luren shook his head upon hearing this, and Huang Yaoshi glared at him, saying, "Could it be just one move?"

"No, it's been blocking all along."

Chu Luren said in a very endearing way.

Chapter 318 The Eastern Heretic's Ultimate Skill

"You bastard! I... couldn't defeat you even after a hundred moves. Not to mention the grudge between you and your senior brother Zhou, from now on, whenever I, Huang Yaoshi, see the name 'Chu Tai Sui,' I will give way!" Huang Yaoshi swore angrily.

He was about to make a move after saying that, but Chu Luren quickly struck a pose as if to say, "Ziwei, wait a minute!"