The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

Therefore, although it seemed like it had captured the prey time and time again, it would break free after only a short while.

However, he couldn't retaliate against Chu Luren either. It seemed that Chu Luren would capture him, Ao Bai would break free in a few breaths, Chu Luren would fight him again, capture him in a different position, and Ao Bai would break free again in a few breaths...

Because Chu Luren was "capturing" the enemy, and this close-quarters entanglement made it difficult for Qiao Feng and Murong Jiu to intervene!

Just as the noise outside grew louder, probably because Zhang Zhaozhong was about to lose control and some of the experts present had already made up their minds to go to the front courtyard, seemingly ready to fight to the death, Chu Luren finally found an opportunity.

Taking advantage of Ao Bai's rapidly weakening internal energy, when his strength had decreased by two or three tenths, he used a strange and unpredictable movement technique to circle behind him. At the same time, he stretched out his arms under Ao Bai's armpits, then flicked them, using his own arms to wrap around Ao Bai's arms and immobilize him...

Furthermore, he placed his palms on Ao Bai's lower back, roughly where his kidneys were located—Chu Luren's arms were also wracked with pain. This guy's internal energy had been almost completely drained by him, so how come his strength was only reduced by 20% or 30%? Normally, even if someone had the strongest hard skills, they would be lucky to have 20% or 30% of their strength left at this point. An ordinary internal martial arts master should not even be able to stand up!

However, at that moment, Chu Luren directly entered the "Dao Embryo State," and Ao Bai felt as if he were being strangled by two steel pillars, which were even harder than this...

Furthermore, Chu Luren's palms began to generate even stronger suction forces!

Ao Bai's face turned pale and he looked pained, completely unable to break free.

"Big Brother!" Chu Luren called out in ventriloquism while maintaining his Dao Embryo state.

Qiao Feng, in a moment of affectation, directly confronted the restrained Ao Bai and unleashed a triple "The Dragon Regrets!"

Even though Ao Bai's physique seemed very un-martial arts-like, he was still unable to hold on and blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.

Moreover, once the blood came out, it was as if his power had been broken. Ao Bai felt completely empty, his eyes glazed over, and he collapsed, unable to stand...

Chapter 456 The Downfall of Ao Bai

Ao Bai falsely claimed to be a regent and usurped power. The day before, a warehouse in the Imperial Household Department in the capital was in chaos. The next morning at court, Suo'etu and Prince Kang submitted a memorial listing thirty major crimes committed by Ao Bai!

The young emperor, mindful of his past merits, spared his life but imprisoned him. He also investigated and punished Ao Bai's associates, and all the escaped members of the Black Hawk Team were put on the wanted list.

As Chu Luren had predicted, the young emperor indeed placed the credit for capturing Ao Bai on Qiao Feng. Regardless of whether others knew it or not, on the surface, the young emperor invited Ao Bai to appraise treasures, with Qiao Feng, the Duke of Zhenguo of the Plain White Banner, accompanying him. However, Ao Bai went mad and intended to kill the emperor and seize the throne...

Fortunately, the Duke of Zhenguo was equally brave and fierce, and after a fierce battle with Ao Bai, he captured him!

Many people know, to varying degrees, "another version of the story," but none of them dare to publicize it officially.

For these officials, it was enough to know that "His Majesty is wise and Ao Bai is guilty of heinous crimes"!

It also shows that the Manchus had only recently entered the Central Plains and their methods of governance were still quite crude. Directly taking down Oboi caused his seemingly large following to scatter like birds and beasts...

Meanwhile, a group of martial arts practitioners who participated in the siege of Ao Bai were celebrating their victory at an inn in the capital. They had specially changed inns, and this time they had booked the entire place themselves, refusing to use the young emperor's reward.

After all, at least half of the people present were strongly opposed to the Qing court's bestowal of honors, while the other half... naturally agreed with them.

Regardless of past grudges, at least this time we are all adventuring together and building this great feat for the world. Even if we had a farewell drink with Qiao Feng before, it doesn't stop us from having a celebratory drink now.

Only... Linghu Chong and Ning Zhongze have already left, and it seems that even Linghu Chong is not in the mood for drinking right now.

Chu Luren thought about Yue Buqun's previous "live broadcast" and put himself in Yue Buqun's shoes for a moment. He felt so embarrassed that he wanted to dig out the Forbidden City from under his feet.

Moreover, with so many people witnessing this, it's impossible to keep it a secret. Furthermore, no one has any reason or obligation to keep it a secret for him. On the contrary, it's the right thing to do is to severely condemn this hypocrite!

Given the number and influence of everyone present, Yue Buqun had no room for rebuttal—what? Did all the renowned figures from Wudang, Shaolin, and other places gather together just to spread rumors about you?

However, after Linghu Chong and Ning Zhongze left in a hurry, there were no people from the Five Mountains Sword Sect present. Naturally, everyone was now mainly celebrating their victory, and when Yue Buqun was mentioned, they only made a few simple jokes and sarcasm.

Those with a sense of justice will inform Hengshan and the other Five Sacred Mountains sects afterward.

Zong Weixia was a little embarrassed, feeling that he had wronged Linghu Chong before, but now he no longer had the chance to have a drink with him.

It's clear that Linghu Chong and Ning Zhongze were the most distressed after learning the truth. I wonder if they've found Yue Buqun yet!

During the siege of Ao Bai, the two were subjected to acupressure points by Chu Luren throughout the entire attack, and only left hastily after the points were released...

"Lord Chu! I toast you! Yesterday we couldn't do anything to Ao Bai, but luckily you stepped in, otherwise we would have been in a terrible predicament. I was not convinced by your reputation before... but I am convinced today!" Zong Weixia was quite straightforward and brought over the bowl directly.

Chu Luren smiled slightly: "Is Sect Leader Zong referring to the title of 'the brave hero, the backbone of the martial world'?" As he spoke, he clinked bowls with Zong Weixia.

Zong Weixia gulped it down, then wiped his mouth and said, "No, it's just the title of Red and White Tai Sui, second on the Heavenly Ranking, hahahaha..."

Chu Luren's face twitched—what are you laughing at? So you only admire my reputation for martial arts, not my noble sentiments?

However, Chu Luren still finished the wine in his bowl.

It's true that it was "fortunate" that Chu Luren was there. Who would have thought that Ao Bai would become so tough in the past few years?

If Chu Luren hadn't used his "Stealing Elixir" technique in his Dao Embryo state to subdue Ao Bai, it would have taken at least several lives to give Qiao Feng a chance to break through his defenses!

In fact, before Chu Luren made his move, Cheng Guan and the other two had already wanted to sacrifice themselves to "lock" Ao Bai. Although the three of them were also skilled in hard skills, the best outcome of "locking" Ao Bai would be to break his bones and tendons!

"However, that young emperor was right about one thing: the greatest credit for capturing Ao Bai goes to my elder brother... Ao Bai's kung fu is truly extraordinary. If it weren't for my elder brother's incredibly strong palm strikes that grew stronger with each battle, I'm afraid there wouldn't be anyone else here who could break through Ao Bai's protective divine skill." Chu Luren didn't forget to remind everyone who deserved the greatest credit today.

Without Qiao Feng, they would have had a hard time breaking through his defenses, and without Chu Luren... there would only be more casualties!

Zong Weixia and the others hesitated for a moment, then raised their bowls and said, "We are indeed grateful to you for eliminating Ao Bai this time... Hero Qiao, this bowl of wine is a toast to you. However, from now on, the Duke of Zhenguo will take the broad road of the Duke of Zhenguo, and the Kongtong Sect will take the narrow bridge of the Kongtong Sect!"

Qiao Feng then clinked glasses with him, downed his drink in one gulp, and laughed, "Hahaha... Even if I can't be considered a great hero, you should all refrain from mentioning the title of Duke of Zhenguo again; it was originally..."

"Wait a minute! Brother, there's no need to say everything. I think you're qualified for the title of Duke of Zhenguo or Prince of the Banner." Chu Luren interrupted.

If someone else had said that, Qiao Feng would have assumed they suspected him of being greedy for power and wealth, or that the other person was greedy for power and wealth and had been sent by the Qing Emperor as an intermediary...

However, since it was Chu Luren who said it, Qiao Feng didn't think about it that way. He just assumed that Chu Luren had some surprising remarks to share, but he wasn't interested in them.

"Second brother, you don't need to..." Qiao Feng was about to shake his head when he saw this.

"Brother, don't rush to refute me. I've thought about it carefully. If you become the banner lord of the Plain White Banner, and if the Qing Dynasty can maintain long-term stability, you can protect the people. If the Qing Dynasty wants to oppress the righteous, you can also persuade and intervene..."

Even if the North and South eventually clash, and the people of the Central Plains cannot bear the Qing government, my elder brother can lead his clan back to the Northeast. That would save both the Manchus and the Han people from a disaster, wouldn't that be a good thing for everyone?" Chu Luren argued.

Afterwards, taking advantage of Qiao Feng's momentary daze, Chu Luren glanced at the others and added, "Thinking it over, the only downside to this matter is that some petty people will gossip behind our backs!"

“Eh? Second brother, you’ve hit the nail on the head… cough cough, no, what I mean is, the night I decided to come and eliminate Ao Bai, that’s what I was thinking, I didn’t mention the Duke of Zhenguo.” Qiao Feng was taken aback at first, then quickly explained.

However, others only felt that Qiao Feng must have been corrupted by someone and had started speaking in a sarcastic and unsettling way...

Chapter 457 Banner Lord Prince

"Your Majesty, do you really intend to appoint Prince Feng as the banner lord of the Plain White Banner?" Xiao Gui asked with some concern.

This is not the era of Yongzheng and Qianlong, nor even the mid-Kangxi period. The Qing court has only been in the Central Plains for a short time. Although the Eight Banners have become somewhat lazy and indolent, they are still the backbone of the Qing court. Most importantly, the power of the banner lords has not been completely eliminated!

Ao Bai's arrogance was undoubtedly related to his position as the banner lord of the Bordered Yellow Banner.

Of course, he could only be arrogant and did not dare to usurp the throne because, in the end, the Plain Yellow Banner and the Bordered Yellow Banner were all nobles of the same lineage as Huang Taiji, Shunzhi and Kangxi. Ao Bai only became a banner lord because of his bravery in the world of martial arts.

"Didn't your grandfather tell you that you can still call him 'Little Xuanzi' in private?" The young emperor was much more relaxed when he was alone with Xiao Guizi in private.

"This servant wouldn't dare, this servant wouldn't dare," Xiao Guizi quickly replied.

"Ha, you dare to spout nonsense about Prince Lianfeng and the Lord of the Plain White Banner, what else wouldn't you dare to do?" The young emperor rolled his eyes.

Indeed, these two white banners were very powerful, and due to historical reasons, they had a deep-seated grudge against the two yellow banners.

During Nurhaci's time outside the Great Wall, the two white banners were actually the two yellow banners, which were the head of the eight banners. Later, Huang Taiji, who controlled the two white banners, came to power and changed the two white banners into two yellow banners...

After Huang Taiji's death, Dorgon entered politics and successfully entered the pass, greatly increasing the Qing court's power. However, even with such a large pie, it couldn't mask the unpleasantness of dividing it.

During Dorgon's reign, the power of the Two White Banners reached its peak, suppressing the Two Yellow Banners. However, as soon as Dorgon died, they were immediately purged by Emperor Shunzhi.

After Kangxi ascended the throne, Aobai further oppressed the two White Banners. He even killed Sukesaha of the Plain White Banner. He caused particular trouble for the two White Banners, especially the Plain White Banner. Because of the Manchu Eight Banners system, this kind of trouble was not like the political struggles of the Han people, which targeted the leader and won over the subordinates.

Instead, they attacked everyone indiscriminately, cutting off supplies to the nobles of the banners one day and exchanging land for the common people the next, causing immense suffering to everyone from the nobles to the common people of the Plain White Banner.

It was precisely for this reason that, by using the banner of the First-Class Duke of the Plain White Banner to eliminate Oboi, they were in line with the people's wishes and appeased the Plain White Banner.

However, the position of the banner lord of the Plain White Banner is indeed no small matter!

The young emperor seemed to be joking, but he frightened Xiao Guizi so much that he immediately knelt down and said, "This servant deserves to die! This servant is just talking nonsense. How dare I really interrupt the important matter of the banner lord? I just... I just think that Your Majesty is so wise that you can take over as the banner lord of the Plain White Banner as well. Moreover, with Your Majesty's support, the people of the Plain White Banner will surely be overjoyed."

Historically, the Plain White Banner did indeed directly become one of the Upper Three Banners, and this was the case after Dorgon's death—the emperor himself became the banner lord of the three banners.

However, this is clearly not the case in the world of martial arts. In the original novel "The Deer and the Cauldron", Ao Bai and Sukesaha were also the banner leaders of two banners.

"Alright, I know you're worried about me... But now we have the Three Feudatories within and the Mongol Yuan outside. Although I am the Son of Heaven, there are many things I cannot do yet, and many things I can only do slowly," the young emperor sighed.

The Eight Banners descendants of today are not useless people, nor are they thinking about hanging themselves under the emperor's name to get a bigger share of the ironclad harvest of a life of leisure and idleness... Instead, they are subject to a real system of distributing spoils of war!

It should be noted that when Huang Taiji ascended to power outside the Great Wall, he promised never to strip or reduce the number of Niru (similar to household registration) of the various banners.

Although he himself did not keep his promise, in the minds of the Manchu nobles there was a concept that "whoever touches another banner's Niru is bullying others."

The Qing court's foothold is not yet secure. Apart from its ancestral homeland outside the Great Wall, it only occupies Hebei, Henan, Shanxi, and Shandong, west of the Jiaodong Peninsula. If Kangxi wants to consolidate power, he must do so step by step, and it is not appropriate to do so openly.

The young emperor's expression relaxed afterward. After all, he had just gotten rid of Ao Bai, so he should be happier. He said, "Moreover, Uncle Feng is ultimately a man of the martial world. With him leading the Plain White Banner, I believe the nobles within the banner will also check and balance each other to some extent."

And just as Chu Luren thought, in the eyes of the young emperor, Qiao Feng was after all just an "outsider," especially since he was just a commoner in the martial arts world. Now that the position of the leader of the Plain White Banner was vacant, it would be better to have him take the position so that it would be easier to deal with the situation!

"Your Majesty is wise!" Xiao Guizi immediately flattered.

However, what Xiao Guizi was worried about was that Prince Feng was definitely not just an ordinary江湖 (jianghu) man—although they hadn't known each other for long, Xiao Guizi could feel the infectious power of Qiao Feng's heroic spirit...

Damn it, even someone like me is infected by his heroic spirit. How can this be compared to ordinary outlaws?

However, the emperor already thought he had a brilliant plan. As a servant, he would not do anything like remonstrate to the death or speak frankly. He had only spoken up to remind the emperor out of his friendship with "Little Xuanzi" and when he hesitated, he had only given him a few pointers.

……

On the other hand, Qiao Feng was initially unimpressed by the young emperor's bestowal of titles and honors.

Chu Luren only advised Qiao Feng once, pointing out the truth, after all, Chu Luren couldn't guarantee that this would definitely be a good thing for Qiao Feng.

Indeed, both the Yuan and Qing dynasties have been greatly weakened, not only in terms of territory... Kangxi lost one of his grandmothers, and Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang has been dead for several years in the martial arts world!

Conversely, the Song Dynasty, which was not particularly strong to begin with, actually improved in overall strength compared to the Southern Song Dynasty, despite the addition of an ambitious imperial uncle to its internal troubles. Even compared to the Northern Song Dynasty, it wasn't significantly weakened...

Qiao Feng took Chu Luren's words to heart. After declining the reward twice, he finally waited for A'Zhu to arrive in Manjing.

After discussing it with A'Zhu, Qiao Feng finally accepted the reward on the third occasion.

Not only did his title of Duke of Zhenguo jump from the same place, but he was directly made a Prince, with the official title of "Prince of Duoluofeng" - Duoluo means "one corner" in Manchu, and "Prince of Duoluo" itself also means "a prince who is enfeoffed in one corner". The corresponding higher-ranking "Prince of Heshuo" has "Heshuo" which means "one side" - which sounds bigger.

Moreover, the most important thing is not the title, but the position of the banner lord of the Plain White Banner!

As the head of the Plain White Banner, Sukesaha was framed by Aobai and his entire family was executed, which chilled the hearts of the Plain White Banner members. In particular, everyone felt the pain of being suppressed. However, many nobles of the Plain White Banner regarded Sukesaha as a "traitor".

After Dorgon's death, Suksaha was the leader of the first group of nobles from the Two White Banners to pledge allegiance to Shunzhi!

Although Emperor Kangxi wanted to appease the Plain White Banner, he had no intention of exonerating Dorgon. Therefore, the banner lordship of the Plain White Banner would not fall to either Suksaha's lineage or Dorgon's lineage...

Chu Luren even negotiated on Xiao Guizi's behalf and hinted to him that the final courtesy included "the permanent cessation of kneeling and bowing wherever salutations are performed," which is to say, exemption from kneeling—a privilege previously reserved only for the previous head of the Plain White Banner, Dorgon, in the Qing court!

Otherwise, Qiao Feng might kneel before his sworn brother, but kneeling before the emperor's nephew would likely be difficult for him to please.