The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

At first, the troupe leader thought someone was trying to steal the job and wanted to compete, but he couldn't get a word in edgewise. The young master of the employer spoke up to persuade him, and then he stopped.

Lin Pingzhi naturally knew that Brother Chu had arrived!

"Crying to Heaven," "The Grand Funeral," "A Thousand Sheets of Paper"... the music played all the way down the street.

This was only for the funeral of Brother Lin's parents. Under any other circumstances, given Chu Tai Sui's status, he would have sent off countless people long ago after boasting for so long...

Chapter 374 Unbelieving in Evil

"Father, don't worry, I don't need you to watch over me now, that's why I went to practice!"

Mother, your child has grown up and no longer needs your constant worry.

My child has already... has found someone she loves. I hope that your spirits in heaven will also like Ling Shan.

I've also made many good friends, including Brother Chu, who just accompanied me on this journey...

Now that my martial arts skills have improved, although I am not yet a match for Yu Canghai and Mu Gaofeng, I believe that it will not be long before I can avenge you!

"Heaven above and earth below bear witness, I, Lin Pingzhi, will surely slaughter Yu Canghai and the twenty-four Qingcheng disciples who came to Fuzhou with him, as well as Mu Gaofeng, to avenge this grudge!"

At first, Lin Pingzhi remained somewhat rational and restrained his deep-seated rage at his parents' graves because of the concern shown to him by Yue Lingshan, Chu Luren, and others.

However, after returning to Fuzhou, Lin Pingzhi's desire for revenge became increasingly uncontrollable...

Yue Lingshan was also standing nearby. Normally, Yue Lingshan wasn't planning to worship her parents with Lin Pingzhi. Her previous help in making arrangements was just a "hint." If they were to worship together... even if people from the martial arts world don't follow the rules of matchmakers, they still have to respect their parents' wishes. Shouldn't they at least wait for their parents' consent?

However, Lin Pingzhi acted very unreasonably in the morning, insisting that Yue Lingshan come along. After Yue Lingshan hinted that she was willing but needed to ask her parents for permission, he even lost his temper with her, which was rare for him, until Yue Lingshan agreed to come.

After hearing Lin Pingzhi introduce himself in this way in front of the two elders' graves, Yue Lingshan felt even more shy.

She assumed that Lin Pingzhi was feeling homesick and was reminded of what had happened before, which was why he was emotionally unstable. Little did she know that Lin Pingzhi was doing this on purpose—he deliberately prevented her from consulting Yue Buqun!

Otherwise, Lin Pingzhi would not be able to convince himself to marry Yue Buqun's daughter. Since Yue Lingshan did not obtain Yue Buqun's consent, it meant that Yue Lingshan wanted to be with him, and it had nothing to do with Yue Buqun.

……

Chu Luren, who was in the dark, also saw Lin Pingzhi make his vow, but he did not show himself. After playing a tune all the way, he returned to the city gate and met up with Lin Pingzhi who had returned.

"Brother Chu!" Lin Pingzhi called out when he saw him from afar.

Having uttered those harsh words, Lin Pingzhi had vented much of his resentment. Although he didn't look "sunny" now, he wasn't too gloomy either.

"Come on, I'll treat you to a drink." Chu Luren pulled Lin Pingzhi directly to Qunyu Courtyard. Although the drinking there wasn't very professional, the point was that it was free.

“Since we’re already in Fuzhou, it’s only right that I treat everyone,” Lin Pingzhi quickly said.

"By the way, did you... run into your senior brother?" Chu Luren asked in a low voice.

"Senior Brother has come to Fuzhou? I haven't seen him." Lin Pingzhi was taken aback upon hearing this, clearly not having encountered Linghu Chong yet. He then noticed Chu Luren's unusual expression, pulled him along a few steps faster, and whispered, "Has something happened?"

Yue Lingshan watched from behind and grimaced – why did they just walk away arm in arm? And why did they leave me behind?

After listening to Chu Luren's brief explanation, Lin Pingzhi's expression changed several times, but he finally said firmly, "I believe that Senior Brother is not that kind of person!"

“That’s right, I think so too. Every time he finishes drinking, doesn’t he always wail and complain about himself? If he were to kill someone out of jealousy while drunk, it would be you…” Chu Luren thought so too.

Lin Pingzhi: ...

"No matter what, if you run into him, make sure to tell him that you need to make things clear and don't just leave without explaining yourself. More importantly... make sure to let me know!" Chu Luren instructed.

"Yes, Brother Chu, I understand. Don't worry." Lin Pingzhi nodded repeatedly.

After the meal, Chu Luren wanted Lin Pingzhi to rest, but Lin Pingzhi was in a hurry and wanted to take Chu Luren to the Xiangyang Old House that afternoon.

However, at Chu Luren's urging, they waited another day—this matter concerned Lin Pingzhi's family sword manual, and Lin Pingzhi certainly didn't want to take it with him except for Brother Chu and Yue Lingshan. So Chu Luren decided to take advantage of the night to appease Xiao Jiujiu, lest she "wake up" when he left tomorrow.

Furthermore, Chu Luren also visited Qunyu Academy in Fuzhou that evening.

On one hand, he asked Qunyu Academy to deliver messages and report that someone was using the name of the Sun Moon Sect to obstruct Lin Pingzhi and the various sects of the Five Mountains. On the other hand, he also inquired about the recent situation in Fuzhou.

As Chu Luren had predicted, despite the apparent calm, a group of evil sect experts were already there, wanting to take a look but having no chance...

In fact, Lin Pingzhi had already killed no fewer than twenty well-known and skilled members of the evil sects along the way!

Fortunately, in the minds of most people in the martial arts world, Lin Pingzhi had already mastered the "Evil-Repelling Sword Technique." Only a few people did not believe in such superstitions and speculated that Lin Pingzhi had practiced the Huashan Sword Technique or had some other extraordinary encounter. They thought that he would come to Fuzhou this time to obtain the real "Evil-Repelling Sword Technique."

As Lin Pingzhi gained some fame, the rumors about Lin Yuantu from back then were all dug up one by one.

When Lin Yuantu dominated the world with his "Evil-Repelling Sword Technique," his style was characterized by "speed is the only way to break through," which is quite different from Lin Pingzhi's swordsmanship now.

Early the next morning, Chu Luren, Lin Pingzhi, and Yue Lingshan left Fuzhou City together—Xiangyang Old House refers to a large mansion outside the city!

This is Lin Zhennan's usual way of addressing people. Even if someone else knew these last words, it wouldn't matter, since the Lin family has many old houses in Fuzhou.

Finally, the members of the Songshan Sect couldn't resist any longer and appeared in front of Lin Pingzhi halfway through the journey...

The people of the Songshan Sect are a rare breed who "do not believe in evil," and they believe that Lin Pingzhi's trip is the real one to obtain the "Evil-Repelling Sword Technique"!

In fact, they had already tried to come out from the vicinity during the funeral procession yesterday, but as soon as the Chu Lu people started playing their suonas, the closer they got, the more ominous they felt, and they all shrank back and didn't dare to show their faces.

Seeing Lin Pingzhi mysteriously leaving the city today, and even bringing Chu Luren with him, the people of Songshan Sect could no longer hold back.

With the Songshan Sect taking the lead, others, whether openly or covertly, as well as many mixed forces of good and evil, followed suit.

"Hey, Brother Lin, have you hired some more sycophants again? Quite a few." Chu Luren reined in his horse after noticing someone following them.

“My parents don’t need these unfilial sons,” Lin Pingzhi added sarcastically.

"Little Lin, be careful, they're from Songshan..." Yue Lingshan whispered a reminder.

She didn't have a good impression of Songshan either, but she was worried that Xiaolinzi would suffer a loss. After all, Chu Luren wouldn't be with them forever, and even her father, Yue Buqun, didn't dare to offend Songshan.

"The Five Mountains Alliance Leader's Order has arrived!" Di Xiu called out in a drawn-out tone, holding the Five Mountains Alliance Leader's Order Flag, and ran ahead of the three.

Di Xiu was Zuo Lengchan's second disciple. Usually, it was the eldest disciple, Shi Dengda, who carried the flag. However, Shi Dengda had already been crippled by Chu Luren when they were in the dilapidated temple in Luoyang.

"Several of you, we meet again... Are you here on behalf of Alliance Leader Zuo to mourn my brother's parents? Alliance Leader Zuo truly knows how to reach the grassroots level. But this is too kind. Just give a small gift; there's no need for such a grand display!"

Chapter 375 Conflicts in the Martial World

Hearing Chu Luren's words, Di Xiu was so angry that his nose almost twisted, but he still remembered how he became the "flag-bearing senior brother," so he didn't dare to be arrogant with Chu Luren. After all, this person's words were always unpredictable, and they were somewhat used to and had expected this...

Pretending not to hear what Chu Luren said, Di Xiu continued, "The Five Mountains Alliance Leader's command flag is here. The Left Alliance Leader has given an order: Lin Pingzhi, disciple of Mount Hua, listen up! The Left Alliance Leader knows that members of the Demonic Sect are heading south to seize your Lin family's ancestral sword manual. The Fuwei Escort Agency has nothing to do with us, but since you, Lin Pingzhi, are a disciple of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, then we have a responsibility to protect you."

"Pingzhi thanks Alliance Leader Zuo for his kindness, but since Brother Chu is going with me, I won't trouble the senior brothers and elders of the Songshan Sect." Seeing that the other party had found an excuse, Lin Pingzhi decided not to make things difficult.

"Junior Brother Lin, you are mistaken. Apart from those blatant members of the Demonic Sect, there are countless others who covet your sword manual. How can they compare to our own brothers... Ah!" Di Xiu suddenly screamed, then covered his mouth and vomited blood.

It wasn't any internal injury; he just spat out a pebble... and a few teeth!

Upon seeing this, everyone from the Songshan Sect drew their swords and became alert, as if facing a formidable enemy. Zhong Zhen angrily exclaimed, "Young Master Chu! How did my nephew offend you? To attack a junior like this is outrageous!"

It was Chu Luren who just flicked a pebble...

"How did you offend me? You said you coveted the Lin family's sword manual, so who else could you blame? Breaking a few of your dog teeth is a lesson!" Chu Luren said righteously—regardless of seniority, he provoked me first!

Ding Mian, Zhong Zhen, and the others were extremely angry.

What are the benefits of subtle sarcasm?

Even in front of others, they can't say it directly, otherwise, it would seem to others that they have admitted to it!

However, this was of little use to Chu Luren, who would usually just accept it directly.

“You…” Zhong Zhen, who was usually the one who communicated with outsiders in the Songshan Sect, was speechless for a moment.

Lin Pingzhi immediately said, "My fellow disciples and elders of the Songshan Sect have misunderstood. I promised to lend Brother Chu the 'Evil-Repelling Sword Technique'!"

“Nephew Lin, that’s not right! Alliance Leader Zuo was worried about this, so he specifically instructed us to protect you and seal the sword manual immediately after we get it, so as not to be deceived by villains!” Ding Mian said in a rough voice.

"Senior, please be careful with your words! Brother Chu has been incredibly kind to me. How can he be compared to a villain who pretends to protect me but actually plots to steal my family's sword manual? Besides, it's true that I, Lin Pingzhi, am a disciple of Mount Hua, but the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique has nothing to do with the Five Mountains Sword Sects. Who I show it to and who I don't dare to show it to is none of the concern of the seniors of Mount Song!"

Hearing him sowing discord between himself and Brother Chu, Lin Pingzhi, who was already on the verge of exploding at the slightest provocation, became furious.

He demonstrated it on the spot, a subtle form of satire that couldn't be openly refuted...

It even subtly criticized Yue Buqun!

"Shut up! It's fine if you insist on being deceived, but how can our Five Mountains Sword Sect lose face? The Five Mountains Alliance Leader has given an order, and even your master must obey... Or is it that Young Master Chu is going to defy convention, rely on his martial prowess, interfere in the internal affairs of our Five Mountains Sword Sect, and seize the family martial arts of our disciples?" Lu Bai was furious with Lin Pingzhi at this moment.

If Chu Luren hadn't been there, they would have already taught this young disciple of the Huashan Sect why the Five Mountains Alliance Leader's command flag had to be accepted.

"Zuo Lengchan is practicing his Frost True Qi, yet he's still eyeing the Lin family's Evil-Repelling Sword Technique? Or is it... that it doesn't matter whether Zuo Lengchan practices it or not, the key is not that others, especially the leaders of the Five Mountains Sect, can learn it?" Chu Luren bluntly and shamelessly revealed the truth.

If one dared not provoke the Songshan Sect, it would be difficult to say such things outright, lest it create a deadly enmity—directly calling them despicable and shameless would be tantamount to a deadly feud until the matter was resolved.

In particular, Chu Luren's words exposed Zuo Lengchan's covetousness towards the other Five Mountains Sects, and especially... they also revealed Zuo Lengchan's "Frosty True Qi"!

Ding Mian, Lu Bai, and the others were also greatly shocked. Even among the Thirteen Protectors, not everyone knew that Zuo Lengchan was cultivating the Frost True Qi.

In retrospect, this was a unique skill that Zuo Lengchan cultivated to compete with Ren Woxing back then. It was not a secret technique of the Songshan Sect. Later, when Ren Woxing "died suddenly," Zuo Lengchan was quite disappointed for a while.

How did Chu Luren come to know about this?

"Absurd! Young Master Chu is judging others by his own petty standards, determined to make things difficult for the Five Mountains Sword Sect for the sake of the Lin family's swordsmanship!" Zhong Zhen interrupted loudly.

"It's not really difficult, but I can give you some pointers on the Songshan sword technique, so that people won't think that the Songshan sword technique is worthless because of you good-for-nothings, that you can only cultivate some kind of cold ice true qi, and that you are trying to learn other people's sword techniques, which would bring shame to the founders of the Songshan sect." Chu Luren mocked, and as he spoke, he drew his "Gentle Breeze Accompanying the Moon" sword, which had not been drawn for a long time.

This sword was a gift from the Liu family. Most of the people from the Songshan Sect were determined to seize it openly. So, using it to kill a few Songshan Taibao today would be a way of doing justice to this sword!

Two years ago, Chu Luren wouldn't have wanted the Songshan Sect to know that he had secretly ruined their plans, but now he has no fear of confronting them head-on.

On one hand, Chu Luren's martial arts skills have greatly improved. In the original work, Zuo Lengchan was able to compete with Ren Woxing and even defeat Ren Woxing by taking advantage of surprise. Two years ago, Chu Luren thought that Zuo Lengchan's record was unattainable. But now... Chu Luren thought that he could go toe-to-toe with Ren Woxing.

On the other hand, an equally important change is that Chu Luren now has the backing of the chivalrous list and is well-known in the martial arts world. Regardless of whether Tai Sui is powerful or not... Even if Songshan is influential in the righteous path, it cannot change Chu Luren's identity as a "chivalrous person". When the two sides clash, it is only a "martial arts world dispute" rather than a "battle between good and evil"!

"Since Young Master Chu is determined to make things difficult for our Five Mountains Sword Sect in order to seize the Lin family's 'Evil-Repelling Sword Technique,' then we, the disciples of Mount Song, have no choice but to fight to the death!" Zhong Zhen's words were naturally directed at the others.

In other words: When it comes to these evil heretics, we at Songshan will disregard all the rules of the martial world and fight them head-on!

"I, Chu, will discipline my unworthy descendants on behalf of the ancestors of the Songshan Sect!" Chu Luren said, taking advantage of the situation with his words while simultaneously leaping from his horse. At the same time, he unleashed a sword strike, which resembled a thousand horses galloping forward, its aura both imposing and powerful.

There were seven bodyguards from Songshan present this time, and more than forty elite disciples. However, Chu Luren was not afraid at all and charged directly into the "enemy formation".

Although "Gentle Breeze Accompanying the Moon" is a soft sword, it is now straight and upright under the infusion of Chu Luren's true energy. The strength on the blade does not leak out. Only the tip of the sword extends a three-foot sword light, which can break gold and cut iron!

This Chu Lu man, wielding a sword, charged into the Songshan disciples. He wielded the sword as if it were a spear or halberd, appearing to be a fierce and powerful general, seemingly determined to cut the enemy down seven times...

Upon seeing this, Ding Mian, Lu Bai, and the others couldn't help but feel a tremor in their hearts—they knew very well that Chu Luren used a sword, after all, more than half a year ago, Chu Luren had crushed them in the battle to enter the Heavenly Ranking, and Chu Luren had used a sword at that time!

Later, rumors spread that the Chu Lu people did not use swords, and some even went so far as to indirectly inquire with the people of Songshan. At the time, the Taibao were quite displeased—are you all blind? How could you be wrong about this?

When they saw Chu Luren draw his sword, they were initially relieved. However, the elders and junior disciples of Mount Song were all astonished...