The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

However, after a pause, Hanhan Jiu said, "Oh, so she wants to 'marry' my older brother, is that the same as 'get married'? I also like being with my older brother, but I don't know what it feels like to want to 'get married'." Her tone was troubled.

Chu Luren: ? ? ?

Clearly, the people of Chulu are more troubled!

It's one thing for Hanhan Jiu to say something innocent and childlike, but... what is Murong Jiu doing?

What's the deal with wanting to "marry" me?

Chu Luren didn't think Hanhan Jiu was lying, and it wasn't surprising that she could communicate with "her" consciousness and would know.

At this moment, Hanhan Jiu yawned and said, "Big brother, I'm sleepy."

"Then rest now!" Chu Luren had been hoping she would fall asleep.

"You're just trying to fool me!" Hanhan Jiu said matter-of-factly.

Chu Luren had no choice but to sneakily peek out from behind the artificial hill to observe, and then patted Hanhan Jiu's back like he was coaxing a child.

After closing his eyes, Hanhan Jiu suddenly frowned and said, "It's so crowded." Then he puffed out his chest—KU, KU, two sounds, and Murong Jiu's chest was pushed up.

In terms of volume, this shouldn't be due to physical constraints, but rather some kind of special bone-shrinking technique.

Now finally free from its constraints, Hanhan Jiu quickly fell asleep.

Similar to Chu Luren's entry into the Golden Immortal realm, the moment of "falling asleep" was actually just the blink of an eye, and then the style of the scene clearly changed.

Chu Luren also quickly stopped clapping and resolutely looked away, refusing to meet his gaze.

Murong Jiu kept staring at Chu Luren, and seeing that Chu Luren wasn't looking at her at all, she took the initiative to ask, "Did she tell you?"

Seeing that he couldn't avoid it, Chu Luren asked helplessly, "What exactly are you thinking?"

"Hmph, since you already know, I won't hide it from you. That's right, I'm going to choose you as my Shadow Consort!" Murong Jiu said with a smug look on her face.

"Thank you, but please find someone else." Chu Luren cupped his hands and was about to leave, but Murong Jiu stopped him again.

"Do you know the origins of my Murong family? If you were to tell me..." Murong Jiu continued, her voice sharp and piercing.

"I know, aren't you just descendants of the Xianbei Yan royal family? So what if I say it? If you include the Former Yan, Later Yan, and Southern Yan, their combined lifespan wouldn't even reach sixty years. Now, several hundred years have passed, and apart from the Murong clan, does anyone in the world still remember you?" Chu Luren curled his lip upon hearing this.

"You!" Murong Fu was furious upon hearing this, more furious than ever before—after all, the education she received from childhood was that the restoration of the kingdom was the only thing that could not be forgotten, and she had been brainwashed by her father day and night: "My Great Yan Kingdom is awesome! My Great Yan royal family, Murong Huang is awesome! Murong Ke is awesome! Murong Chui is awesome! Murong De is awesome!"

Upon hearing Chu Luren reveal the "truth," Murong Fu naturally couldn't accept it.

However, what Chu Luren said was the truth. The Former Yan, Later Yan, and Southern Yan were all established during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. The Former Yan was a Northern Dynasty established by Murong Huang after he defeated a number of competitors within the Xianbei, conquered Goguryeo, and defeated Later Zhao. During this period, it relied heavily on the Eastern Jin Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties as its suzerain state to rise up. Although at its most prosperous, it once occupied the entire Central Plains and the north, it was destroyed in less than twenty years...

The Later Yan was established by Murong Chui more than ten years later when he set up his own regime after the defeat of the Former Qin. It lasted longer, but still less than thirty years!

The Southern Yan was established by Murong De in the Shandong region after Murong Chui's defeat, and lasted for twelve years.

Of course, theoretically there was also a Western Yan, but Murong Bo had not discussed this matter in detail with Murong Fu, nor did he acknowledge Murong Chong of Western Yan as his ancestor—Western Yan was not only weaker and shorter-lived, but its emperor, Murong Chong, was also a male favorite of Fu Jian of the Former Qin…

Most importantly, Murong Chong was a despicable person. Not only was he cruel and ruthless after gaining power, causing havoc in Guanzhong and earning a bad reputation, but he also took advantage of Fu Jian's misfortune and joined Yao Chang in attacking and killing Fu Jian.

In contrast, Murong Chui, as a prince who fled from the Former Yan, was taken in by Fu Jian and held a high position in the Former Qin. Although he later rebelled, it was after his defeat at the Battle of Fei River that he first took in Fu Jian and escorted him back to Luoyang before going north to establish the Yan state himself.

This approach is much more open and honest, and can be considered righteous. Moreover, Murong Chui himself is quite accomplished in both civil and military affairs.

The ancestors that the Murong clan now recognizes are the Former Yan, Later Yan, and Southern Yan; the Western Yan has nothing to do with them.

However, in the eyes of the Chu Lu people, it was wishful thinking on the Murong clan's idea that the Xianbei Yan state, which had only briefly existed during the chaotic times of seven or eight hundred years ago, could have any appeal among the people.

Chapter 341 You should call her "Cousin"

"How...how did you know?" Murong Fu was first furious at Chu Luren for daring to disregard his lifelong pursuit, then his heart tightened as he wondered how Chu Luren knew about this.

Could it be...?

Is someone in the martial arts world already watching me?

Are there hidden forces hindering the restoration of the Great Yan Kingdom?

No wonder nothing I do seems to go smoothly; there must be some conspiracy involved!

"Isn't there a stone tablet with 'Canhe' written on it at your gate? Your Murong family's ancestral finger technique is also called 'Canhe Finger'... The Battle of Canhe Slope! The Northern Wei's war to destroy Yan, plus the surname Murong, it's easy to guess, right?" Chu Luren said matter-of-factly.

The Murong clan's actions were partly due to their taking advantage of the fact that people in the martial arts world were not well-educated, and partly because the Yan Kingdom from hundreds of years ago had long been forgotten and had little presence in people's minds...

If a Ying Fu were to suddenly appear and skillfully use the "Giant Deer Finger" technique, most people would likely realize—are you trying to ride on the coattails of the First Emperor?

Upon hearing this, Murong Jiu's face turned pale and then flushed. Fortunately, the silly Jiu had only just fallen asleep, so there was no need to worry about her waking up.

Chu Luren seized the opportunity to say, "But you don't need to worry. Most people have long forgotten about this matter. Even if you directly call it Yanzhuang, your enemies won't come looking for trouble... It's just that no former Xianbei troops will come to join you." He didn't forget to add a hurtful remark.

That's the truth. Even if the world were in chaos now, back to the days when having an army meant you were king, raising the banner of Yan would only backfire.

After all, even the Xianbei people have now mostly assimilated into the Han people and a few into the Tibetans, and have completely disappeared. What other effect can raising the banner of the Xianbei Yan state have besides showing the world that you are an outsider?

The Xianbei were indeed arrogant in the past, but let alone the Murong Xianbei, even the Xianbei nobles of the Northern Wei have disappeared. The first thing Pulu Rujian did after taking power was to change back to the Han surname "Yang". Who gave the Murong clan the confidence to try to force the Murong Yan clan to take over the banner hundreds of years later?

How could Xianbei ghost soldiers be resurrected?

Wouldn't it be better to be the leader of a peasant uprising than to use this worthless "Zhu Yan" banner?

Upon hearing this, Murong Fu felt even more frustrated—indeed, if one were to be precise, the current Murong clan were also Han Chinese, since there were no longer any Xianbei people.

The fact that no one suspected anything from the keywords "Canhezhi" and "Murong Clan" already demonstrates that the Yan state had long lost its appeal.

What use is a mere genealogy of the Murong clan or an imperial seal of the Great Yan Kingdom?

"Hmph... Hmph! You mere mortal, what do you know?" Murong Fu tried to argue, but he could no longer come up with any reasonable explanation.

"Mundane? Is there anything in the world more 'mundane' than rebellion and restoration of a kingdom? If this were to become elegant, what kind of impact could it possibly have?" Chu Luren continued to provoke Murong Jiu.

"You give me G..." Murong Jiu only managed to utter half a syllable before suddenly realizing what she meant and said, "Do you really hope that I won't bother you?"

"No, I still quite like... the adorable Jiu." Chu Luren called out the name he had chosen.

Murong Jiu immediately frowned and glared, but just then, a commotion was heard outside. Wang Yuyan, Mu Wanqing, Xiaoyuer, the four retainers and others rushed over, just in time to... trap Chu Luren and Murong Fu in the artificial hill.

"Brother Chu, he...didn't do anything to you, did he?" Wang Yuyan was a little worried because she couldn't find Chu Luren, but now that she saw the two of them hiding here suspiciously, her imagination ran wild.

“What would I do to Young Master Chu? We’ve already discussed it and are going to Fuzhou together!” Murong Jiu blurted out.

Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanqing looked at Chu Luren in surprise, only to find that... Chu Luren was also looking at Murong Fu in surprise. So Wang Yuyan glared back at Murong Fu and said, "Murong Fu! What exactly are you trying to do?" She didn't even call him cousin anymore.

Wang Yuyan suddenly felt a little dazed, as if Murong Fu in front of her was somewhat out of place. However, in the next moment, Murong Fu opened his folding fan with a "KU" sound and held it in front of his chest, and the feeling of disharmony disappeared instantly.

Murong Jiu was also secretly sweating. She had been so angry that she hadn't even noticed that she had "changed" back.

"I am just traveling south with Young Master Chu. Is there something inconvenient for you, cousin?" Murong Fu said, pretending to turn his back naturally. He used the sound of closing his folding fan to "shrink" and return to "normal".

"Brother Chu!" Upon seeing this, Wang Yuyan looked at Chu Luren again.

As for the previous sense of disharmony, Wang Yuyan didn't have time to think about it in detail.

Chu Luren frowned for a long time, looked at Wang Yuyan, then at Murong Jiu who had his back to him, and then said, "Let's stay another night. Brother Murong, if you want to come along, it's best to clear up any misunderstandings you have with Yuyan. We can have a few drinks tonight."

Murong Jiu understood Chu Luren's implication: he wanted to reveal the situation to Wang Yuyan and then go to Wang Yuyan that night to explain.

This is outrageous! Do you think I, Murong Jiu, can do without you...?

Suddenly, Murong Jiu felt a detachment from her senses, realizing that it was because she disliked Chu Luren so much that it had triggered her feelings, making her think of the simple-minded Jiu...

"Hmph, then I'll find a secluded place to practice the Finger of Mutual Harmony first, and then I'll go find Young Master Chu tonight!" Murong Jiu sounded like he was throwing a tantrum, but in reality he had already backed down.

Chu Luren understood that she was implying to him not to mention "Chanhe," that is, not to mention the Murong clan's long-cherished wish to restore their kingdom. As for the rest... Murong Jiu acquiesced.

This was also the result of Chu Luren's careful consideration—after all, if they were to travel together, given how often Hanhan Jiu would appear, it would be impossible to keep it a secret from Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanqing.

It's better to clarify things sooner rather than later, rather than creating a lot of misunderstandings.

Of course, Chu Luren will also restrain Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanqing from spreading this matter...

As for what happens next, Chu Luren can only take it one step at a time. After all, the current situation is quite special. Chu Luren doesn't quite understand the birth of Hanhan Jiu and can only hope that things will improve in the future.

Theoretically speaking... Hanhan Jiu should also be a consciousness split off from Murong Jiu!

After Murong Jiu left, Deng Baichuan and the others all wore expressions of "Your Majesty, you absolutely mustn't!" and hurriedly followed, trying to persuade him.

They didn't understand why the young master had suddenly become so infatuated with Chu Luren, and was even eager to stay by his side.

Do you like him for playing the suona, or for eating salted fish?

Chu Luren also left with Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanqing. Although the two were full of doubts, they could tell that Chu Luren was going to explain something, so they were not in a hurry.

Little Fish was eager to follow, but was immediately chased away by Chu Luren...

"Brother Chu, what exactly did my cousin say to you?" Wang Yuyan asked immediately after entering the room with Chu Luren.

After confirming that no one was around, Chu Luren said, "First of all... you should call her cousin."

Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanqing: ? ? ?

Chu Lu Ren bypassed the origins of the Murong clan and explained the "Fossil Divine Skill" and the birth of Hanhan Jiu...

Although this doesn't explain why Murong Jiu would hide her true gender, Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanqing are too stunned by the sudden revelation to question it!

Chapter 342 The Shifting Stars

Chu Luren and his group stayed at Murong Manor for an extra day. The next day at dawn, the four of them set off together—with the addition of Murong Jiu!

As the four retainers saw him off, they all glared at Chu Luren with deep resentment, but even Bao Butong remained silent...

Abi, still somewhat reluctant, handed over her packed luggage and food box to Murong Jiu, but Murong Jiu said with a stern face, "Are you worried that I can't take care of myself? Just do what I asked you to do!"

Chu Luren was somewhat displeased with her assertiveness and was about to say something when Abi stepped forward and said, "Young Master Chu, then my young master will be entrusted to you... for care from now on."

At this time, Zhang Jing, Xiao Yu'er and others had already opened Murong Manor last night—after all, the atmosphere was too awkward.

Only Xiaoyuer vaguely guessed what had happened. At that time, Murong Jiu forgot to "shrink her bones". The others did not notice, but Xiaoyuer had already figured out her true gender!

Fortunately, those present at the time all knew "part of the truth," otherwise they would have made some strange connections!

The reason it is "partial truth" is that Wang Yuyan and Mu Wanqing only know that Nan Murong is actually a woman, and that he is temporarily unable to leave Chu Luren because of his demonic possession. On the contrary, the four retainers do not know the real reason why the young master follows Chu Luren!

Murong Jiu didn't want them to know that she had made a huge mistake, so she just said, "I have my reasons," and tacitly acknowledged that she had chosen Chu Luren.

Therefore, the four retainers were both annoyed and puzzled—what was so special about this kid?

Abi had guessed some things from what happened in the ice cellar yesterday, but Murong Jiu didn't say anything, and she didn't show it either.

Chu Luren had not expected such a miraculous thing to happen. He had already anticipated that Murong Fu would make things difficult for him after he arrived at Murong Manor, or even that a conflict would occur. However, he never expected that he would actually take "Murong Fu" with him when he left.