The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

Even the usually shy and timid Gu Renyu made a couple of noises. Most importantly, Zhang Jing and Gu Renyu are both well-known young talents on the Human Ranking. Tie Xinlan and Xiaoyuer, who were not famous before, are also outstanding in martial arts among the younger generation. With their internal energy, the people on the ship should be able to hear them!

But just then, Little Fish suddenly said, "Have you noticed that the boat is not only fast, but it doesn't use oars?"

Zhang Jing, who was originally calling for a boat, suddenly felt as if she had been grabbed by the neck, while Gu Renyu, who was standing next to her, had reddened his eyes and was almost in tears. It is worth mentioning that Gu Renyu is the second young master of the Gu family of Huishan, known in the martial arts world as "Jade-faced Divine Fist", a real man.

By this time, it was already getting dark. The eyesight of the young talents was not enough to see the deer-man's attire clearly from more than fifty feet away, but it was enough to make out the general outline and confirm that no one was rowing or oaring on the boat. Moreover, after Xiaoyuer mentioned it, the others also noticed that... the boat was very fast.

Just as Zhang Jing and Tie Xinlan hesitated, a rustling sound came from behind them. Gu Renyu gritted his teeth, stood solemnly in front of them, and steadily adopted the stance of the Gu Family Divine Fist, clearly preparing to fight to the death!

Little Fish then shouted loudly towards the lake: "Yan Nantian's treasure map is here! Yan Nantian's treasure map is here!"

"What are you yelling about?" Tie Xinlan was annoyed by his words.

The treasure map was left by her father, and Tie Xinlan firmly believed that the treasure map was related to the whereabouts of her missing father.

His father, "Mad Lion" Tie Zhan, was also one of the Ten Great Evils. However, compared to the other evils among the evil, even if Tie Zhan was not a chivalrous person, it would be a miscarriage of justice for him to be listed among the Ten Great Evils—Tie Zhan was just a combative martial arts fanatic!

Because of his attention-seeking behavior, his constant pressure to compete, and his indiscriminate use of force, he is disliked by many people...

After Tie Zhan's disappearance, Tie Xinlan had two suspicions: first, that her father might have finally succumbed to his fears and gone to the Valley of Villains to hide from his enemies; and second, that the treasure map might be a clue.

The first guess has already been rejected by Xiaoyuer, after all, no one understands the Valley of Villains better than him!

Rumors circulate that her treasure map depicts the treasure left behind by Yan Nantian, which supposedly contains countless gold and silver jewels, as well as Yan Nantian's martial arts skills. As a result, it has attracted the covetous eyes of many people in the past month or two.

Of course, Xiaoyuer didn't believe in Yan Nantian's treasure at all; he thought it was all fake!

But for Tie Xinlan, this was a clue to her father's disappearance, and naturally she didn't want it to be coveted by more people.

“My silly young lady, what are you still holding onto that fake treasure map for at a time like this? Besides, if the people on the ship are ghosts, they won’t be interested in this treasure. If they are people… let them fight the stinky snake first. It’s better than feeding the snake to us now, right?” Little Fish’s logic was quite clear.

Chu Luren did indeed hear it...

The small boat on the lake rushed toward the shore at an unscientific, yet very martial arts-like speed!

This made it even more apparent how unusually fast the ship was.

"My two little beauties, don't you want treasure too? I'll take you there! And with me by your side, you won't be lonely on the way. We can have a great time!"

A voice that was very familiar to the Chu Lu people came along with a rustling sound...

Although Tie Xinlan was dressed as a man, she clearly did not fool this person.

Just as Xiaoyuer and the others turned around to be on guard behind them, they saw Chu Luren soaring up like a roc, then changing direction and turning back in mid-air. In the blink of an eye, without any effort, he crossed the lake and arrived between the four of them and the snake formation...

Chapter 328 Drinking Away

Seeing this person, who seemed to fly like a roc from the distant lake directly in front of them, Tie Xinlan, Zhang Jing, and Gu Renyu were surprised but also slightly delighted.

If the newcomer's martial arts skills are high enough, they should be able to defeat this Deer-Eating God. As for whether they will be driven away from the front door and then attacked from the back, that's a matter for later. We need to get through this hurdle first!

Only Xiaoyuer was somewhat worried—this person's lightness skill was probably even better than Uncle Yin Jiuyou's...

They could at least escape from the snake-playing man's hands, but with his light-footed skills, I'm afraid... Little Fish didn't show any emotion on the surface, but in his heart he hoped that they would both be injured!

As for whether Chu Luren is a "good person"?

Putting aside the fact that Xiaoyuer wouldn't prejudge who the good guys are, the most important thing is that Chu Luren immediately flew over as soon as Xiaoyuer mentioned "Yan Nantian's treasure," which is far too suspicious.

Although Xiaoyuer was the most worried, he was also the first to speak up. As soon as Chu Luren landed, he said, "Hero, be careful! It's the Deer-Eating God of the Twelve Constellations. He raises many snakes and can command snake formations!"

"Oh? These snakes look familiar. Is the one who came here Brother Ouyang?" Chu Luren became even more certain upon seeing the snake formation.

This "Brother Ouyang" is naturally not called Ouyang Ke... Previously, Ouyang Feng addressed Chu Luren as "Brother Chu," and Chu Luren simply followed suit, acknowledging his seniority first.

Since everyone had no grudge against each other, before they even started fighting, they were all calling each other "brother" and "sister"...

Tie Xinlan and the others were startled upon hearing this—firstly, they were worried that this person knew the Deer-Eating God, and secondly… they were surprised by this “Brother Ouyang”, could it be that the Deer-Eating God also had the surname Ouyang?

The other party did not reply for a long time, and Chu Luren already knew what was going on. Sure enough, the snake formation gradually stopped after Chu Luren spoke.

"So it's... Master Chu. My uncle isn't here, but the Dragon God is. If that Senior Zhou is here, it's best to stay away to avoid the Dragon God holding a grudge!" Ouyang Ke's voice came over.

That's right, this "Deer-Eating God" is none other than Ouyang Ke!

Ouyang Feng and Wei Wuya had some acquaintance and had even exchanged tips on raising exotic beasts. After the previous generation of Deer Eater died, Ouyang Feng introduced his "nephew" to Wei Wuya, who then received an additional martial arts inheritance—the Twelve Constellation Snake, named: Deer Eater.

Ouyang Ke had a vivid memory of Chu Luren's martial arts skills, and since his uncle was not present, he naturally dared not be arrogant.

Otherwise, even if Chu Luren was wary of Ouyang Feng and dared not kill him directly, he would probably still humiliate him!

At the same time, Ouyang Ke didn't forget to emphasize that the giant snake was beside him, serving as a warning to Chu Luren that he wasn't entirely defenseless, and also to test whether Zhou Botong was present...

Upon hearing this, Chu Luren felt even more at ease. Otherwise, with Zhou Botong not around, even if it were just Ouyang Feng, if he were determined to fight to the death, it would be enough to make Chu Luren suffer. In addition, with the giant snake involved, Chu Luren could only try to take one or two people back to the ship first.

"Your uncle is gone, what are you still doing in Jiangnan? Aren't you afraid of being targeted by us chivalrous people?" Upon hearing that Ouyang Feng was not there, Chu Luren immediately perked up with relief.

Little Fish secretly made a note of this—a chivalrous person would never deliberately refer to themselves as such!

“I dare not, but my uncle said that although there are countless capable people in the martial arts world of Jiangnan, there are not many who can do anything to me and the Dragon God. Moreover, such powerful people must respect their status and would not bully the weak.” Ouyang Ke said, half in a weak voice and half in a defiant tone.

"Hahaha, you're quite the opportunist! Bullying the weak? If you behave yourself, I, a mere passerby, won't take advantage of you. But if I hear you doing something like kidnapping or raping, then you'd better remember to sleep with your precious darling every night, or I'll take your head off and send it to your uncle!" Chu Luren threatened as he spoke.

Chu Luren wasn't entirely confident that he could deal with the giant snake, let alone ignore Ouyang Feng's counterattack and retaliation after the death of his illegitimate son. Therefore, he only made threatening remarks.

As Chu Luren said, if he was determined to kill Ouyang Ke, he would always have a chance unless he was inseparable from the giant snake!

"I was unaware that Taihu Lake already belongs to Hero Chu..." Ouyang Ke was already considering retreating. Although his words were somewhat sarcastic, the snake formation gradually retreated.

"You don't need to waste any more words. This treasure of Yan Nantian... whether it's real or fake, I, Chu Luren, will protect it! Back then, Hero Yan was second on the Heavenly Ranking, and now I, Chu Luren, am also second on the Heavenly Ranking. This thing is right here with me. Do you, White Camel Manor, want it, or do the Twelve Constellations want it..."

"Or if anyone feels dissatisfied, come and find me, Chu Luren!" Chu Luren's words were resounding, and he even used his sonic skills to make his voice carry far through the forest.

If anyone was secretly watching this, they would obviously have heard it all...

After all, whether Chu Luren is a "hero" or a "tyrant," his reputation is established, and he has the right to say such things.

Especially the phrase "second on the Heavenly Ranking" gives the impression that he wants to prove himself—everyone dares to say behind Chu Luren's back that he's "unworthy of his reputation," but there are probably very few who dare to come to Chu Luren's face to ask him for advice...

"Hehe, Master Chu, a true hero and pillar of the martial world, deserves this treasure map. I will not disturb you any longer." Ouyang Ke's voice gradually faded away, and the surrounding snake formation also retreated rapidly.

Seeing this, Zhang Jing, Gu Renyu, Tie Xinlan, and Xiaoyuer, regardless of what they were thinking, bowed deeply and said, "Thank you so much, Master Chu, for your help!"

Chu Luren felt there was some noise, so he looked over at Gu Renyu, whose face was flushed. However, the latter was staring at his toes with a bloodshot face, his eyes red and he didn't dare to say a word, as if he had been greatly bullied.

The Zhang and Gu families were old friends, and seeing this, Zhang Jing quickly changed the subject, saying, "Miss Tie! Hero Chu is definitely not greedy for this treasure map, but only admires Hero Yan's chivalrous reputation back then. You can rest assured that you have given the treasure map to Hero Chu."

Zhang Jing wanted to steal the treasure map because her mother was a fan of Yan Nantian back then, so Zhang Jing wanted to use the treasure as a "souvenir" to show her filial piety to her mother.

Among the many who came to seize it, he was considered relatively reasonable. Although his martial arts skills surpassed Tie Xinlan's, he managed to corner her several times without doing anything to her. Especially this time, when they were chased together by Ouyang Ke's snake formation, the two shared the same fate, and their relationship improved considerably.

Saying this now isn't about shifting the blame, but rather a reminder to Tie Xinlan—Chu Taisui is not a reasonable person, and he's not on the same level as the petty thieves from before. It's best not to linger on the treasure map!

"I..." Tie Xinlan was still unwilling, but no matter how she thought about it, she had no room to refuse. Judging from Chu Luren's previous lightness skill, it was useless to run away.

Seeing this, Chu Luren said, "No rush. I don't believe it. Back then, Yan Nantian was famous all over the world. He was so generous and magnanimous, and he was ranked second on the Heavenly Ranking... How could he leave behind a treasure before going to the Valley of Villains? And it was gold, silver and red goods... Ha."

"Tell me, where did you obtain this treasure map? Why do so many people know that this is Yan Nantian's treasure? And... tell me the approximate location of this treasure!"

Chapter 329 The Master's Character Must Not Collapse

When Xiaoyuer heard Chu Luren give the same assessment of "Yan Nantian's treasure," he couldn't help but look at him with newfound respect—only a fool would believe that Yan Nantian would leave behind a treasure trove of gold, silver, and mundane items...

Although Chu Luren's claim of being "second on the Heavenly Ranking" seemed like self-aggrandizement, Xiaoyuer sensed a genuine "greed" for the treasure in his tone, unlike mere greed for wealth.

In this way, Xiaoyuer also believed that Chu Luren had deliberately protected the treasure map in order to prove himself—to show that he was firmly in second place on the Heavenly Ranking!

Upon hearing this, Tie Xinlan hesitated for a moment before replying, "This is... something I found among the things my father left behind. It says 'Treasure of the Southern Heaven,' but as for why it suddenly became known throughout the world, I don't know. As for the location of the treasure... it's in Shu."

Tie Xinlan remained vague about the most important information.

"Sichuan? Is it in the Emei Sect, the Qingcheng Sect, or the Tang Sect?" Chu Luren asked pointedly.

Hearing Chu Luren ask this question, Tie Xinlan was slightly startled and wondered to herself: How did Chu Taisui know?

However, having been asked this far, Tie Xinlan had no choice but to honestly reply, "Judging from the terrain, it should be not far from the main peak of the Emei Sect."

Little Fish's eyes darted around, and he already understood what Chu Luren meant. He replied with a grin, "Does Master Chu suspect that someone wants to take this opportunity to harm the Emei Sect? Or perhaps they want to use Emei to get rid of someone? Haha, a greedy ghost and a fierce nun fighting each other, that's going to be very interesting!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jing couldn't help but glare at the brat—Xiao Yu'er and Hua Wuque were naturally the same age, but Xiao Yu'er wasn't as mature as Hua Wuque and looked more like a fifteen or sixteen-year-old "child".

Although Abbess Miejue was not on the list of chivalrous figures, she was still one of the leaders of the righteous sects. Xiaoyuer's gloating naturally made Zhang Jing very dissatisfied.

However, she didn't say much in front of Chu Luren, after all... who knows if Chu Taisui likes Abbess Miejue?

“This treasure map is definitely fake, but it can really kill people… After you hand it over to me, just tell everyone else that it’s in my possession,” Chu Luren demanded directly.

Seeing that Chu Luren still asked for it, Tie Xinlan's face turned pale, and then... she gritted her teeth and said, "This was left by my father, I'm sorry I can't comply!"

Xiao Yu'er slapped his forehead in frustration: "My silly girl, you don't believe what I say, you don't believe what Master Chu says, but you insist on believing this piece of rotten paper?"

"Then... if you're looking for any clues, make a copy and keep it for yourself, then give me the original." Chu Luren's words seemed domineering, but... for Tie Xinlan, this was already the best possible outcome.

Others either scoffed at it or wanted to steal it outright. A treasure map... how could anyone be allowed to copy it? If they were truly blinded by the treasure, they should have silenced everyone who had seen it!

As for Chu Luren, his desire for the treasure map stemmed from two reasons: firstly, to establish his authority in the martial world, and secondly, a more pragmatic one...

Someone is planning to cause trouble in Emei!

Moreover, if it's consistent with the original work, it's not just ordinary trouble. The location it points to is a place secretly connected to the mausoleum of the ancestors of Emei—created by Jiang Biehe to suppress Emei and boost his own reputation. He will then "uphold justice."

In the original work, Yue directly invited him to pick the fruit, and secretly ordered Jiang Biehe to give Hua Wuque the chance to make a name for himself. In front of the Grand Palace Master, Jiang Biehe didn't dare to say a word and obediently helped Hua Wuque to make a name for himself.

The Chu Lu people are different; they have transcended base desires...

He plans to send him directly to Wudang!

This is the mausoleum of the founder of Emei. Legend has it that the founder of Emei, Qin Sirong, and the founder of Zhang Sanfeng... cough cough!

In short, Chu Luren should naturally go to Wudang to discuss this matter with Master Zhang. It would be best if Master Zhang had come out of seclusion; if not, he should first discuss it with Song Yuanqiao and the others.

This favor carries far more weight than the "Shaolin Nine Yang Skill"!

Seeing that Chu Luren had already made such a concession, Tie Xinlan relented and agreed...

"Are you going to Murong Manor?" Chu Luren asked.

That's easy to guess. After all, the Zhang and Gu families are both famous families in the Jiangnan martial arts world, and they are bound to be related to the Murong family. They were chased by Ouyang Ke and came to Taihu Lake... Where else could they be going?

"No!" Zhang Jing immediately denied.

She was still somewhat worried about Chu Luren, so naturally she didn't want to tell the truth, but...

Little Fish covered his face—what's the difference between your reaction and admitting it outright? And hey, Brother Gu, can you stop looking at her with surprise? Is it so strange to lie at a time like this? Why are you looking so incredulous?