The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

“Brother Chu is no ordinary man. This must be something earth-shattering. May I hear about it first?” Song Yuanqiao said, indicating that he was somewhat susceptible to excitement.

Chu Luren thought for a moment, realizing that it wouldn't be good to keep this completely from Wudang. So he looked around to make sure no one else was there, and then whispered to Song Yuanqiao, "Actually... this time, besides wanting to get guidance from Master Zhang, I was also asked by someone to ask Master Zhang for some martial arts philosophy. There's also someone... who wants to challenge Master Zhang."

Although Song Yuanqiao was slightly annoyed by the fact that some people wanted to ask for advice but didn't come in person, instead entrusting it to Chu Luren, and that someone even wanted to challenge his master, he felt relieved after hearing what Chu Luren said.

At least it's not something "difficult to handle"!

Because the people coming were from Chulu, Song Yuanqiao instinctively set his bottom line very low.

"I see. May I ask which two fellow practitioners you are?" Song Yuanqiao asked casually, also wanting to know who was so shameless.

Especially for the one who wants to challenge the master, if he's not very good at it, then this disciple can do it for him!

"This... is the Eastern Leader of the Sun Moon Sect, and I was also sent by Senior Dugu Qiubai. Oh... Senior Dugu Qiubai was a figure from a hundred years ago, who became famous when Master Zhang was young. Unfortunately, he didn't live to see Master Zhang reach the pinnacle of his skills, and he never found a worthy opponent in his life... Does Sect Leader Song remember him? He faked his death in the belly of the strange dragon, but he has recently awakened... As for the Eastern Leader, well, to be honest, it's actually me... Hmm? Sect Leader Song, what's wrong?"

Song Yuanqiao suddenly thought: If I tell you now that I have urgent business and am not in Wudang Mountain... is it still too late?

Chapter 571 Master Zhang

Although Chu Luren came to Wudang with "difficult matters" again, Song Yuanqiao no longer had time to drive him away or hide!

For Wudang, both things are difficult to handle...

The connection between Dongfang Bubai's "secret" seeking guidance from Zhang Zhenren is self-evident.

If Master Zhang agrees, what will Shaolin think? What will the other sects think? Will Wudang and the Sun Moon Cult form an alliance?

If I disagree, will I incur the wrath of Dongfang Bubai and become enemies with the Sun Moon Cult in the future?

Although the two families didn't get along to begin with, it hadn't reached the point of "it's either me or you" before...

Even without agreement or disagreement, the mere fact that this news gets out is enough to stir up countless storms in the martial arts world—some people will definitely interpret it as the Sun Moon Cult intending to join forces with Wudang!

As for Dugu Qiubai's "resurrection" and his challenge to Zhang Zhenren...

On the surface, it may seem like just a friendly exchange between fellow practitioners, but as the leader of Wudang, Song Yuanqiao had to consider more factors.

After all, Wudang's current superior status is closely related to Zhang Zhenren's "number one in the world". Although Song Yuanqiao has great confidence in his master and worships him to the fullest, the thought of the return of the Sword Demon a hundred years ago still makes him feel uneasy!

If Master Zhang loses, or if he wins but is injured, it would be an outcome that Wudang cannot ignore.

"Don't worry, Sect Leader Song. The Sect Leader said that she only wants to learn from him and has nothing else to do with it. Master Dugu is just interested in martial arts and has no other intentions," Chu Luren added.

"Brother Chu's experiences... are truly fascinating. I, having lived on the mountain for so long, am truly envious." Song Yuanqiao also didn't understand what Chu Luren had gone through.

Why do you call Dongfang Bubai "sister"? Why do you call Dugu Qiubai "teacher"?

Why don't you tell me about the Shaolin ambush of Brother Yu?

"I envy Sect Leader Song, unlike me, a mere passerby in the martial world, who is always busy," Chu Luren said, half flattering and half sighing.

No, actually, I'm never free after you come...

Song Yuanqiao just muttered a complaint in his heart, and then personally led Chu Luren to the back mountain to pay respects to his master.

The place where Master Zhang usually secluded himself for cultivation was quiet and natural. He didn't hide in a cave, but rather built a hut in a place where birds sang and flowers bloomed...

Just then, an old man with white beard and hair, but a ruddy and radiant complexion, was seen smiling as he practiced Tai Chi in front of the thatched hut—the most ordinary, health-preserving Tai Chi.

"Master, Young Hero Chu has arrived." Song Yuanqiao stepped forward to report first.

Chu Luren also stepped forward and bowed deeply, saying, "Junior Chu Luren pays respects to Master Zhang."

"Haha, no need for so much formality, Yuanqiao, you go ahead and do your work. I'll chat with young friend Chu." Master Zhang said, earnestly performing the closing posture. Anyone who didn't know better would have thought he was practicing a set of fitness Tai Chi, and that the old man needed to catch his breath.

After Zhang Zhenren finished catching his breath, he spoke fluently: "Boy, is it you who said my third son was harmed by a Shaolin master?" He spoke without any of the slowness that an old man would have.

Chu Luren's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, and he immediately corrected him, "Master Zhang, you are wise. I never said that. I only said that Shaolin is related to Cheng Kun, that is, to Xie Xun of the Ming Cult, and also to the Shanhaiguan massacre thirty years ago."

Master Zhang's beard twitched, and Chu Luren thought rather disrespectfully... Could it be that he was just pursing his lips?

"You're quite clever, lad," Master Zhang exclaimed.

It seems that Master Zhang never believed Chu Luren's theories from the beginning. However, just as Chu Luren was about to explain, Master Zhang said with some emotion, "You did a very good job with the Emei matter."

Chu Luren breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that at least he wouldn't be punished by Master Zhang.

"Master Zhang...do you not believe that Shaolin is related to the affairs of Yu Sanxia and Zhang Wuxia?" Chu Luren asked another question.

Given Zhang Zhenren's past experiences, he shouldn't have had such a strong affinity for Shaolin. Although they had a close relationship in their early years, many monks in Shaolin considered him a traitor. Furthermore, there was the incident with Zhang Wuji, so even a clay figure would have some temper.

"The matter of the third brother may be related to Cheng Kun, but Shaolin... would never dare to do such a thing. As for the fifth brother... sigh." Master Zhang said, only letting out a sigh.

It is impossible to say that the deaths of Zhang Cuishan and his wife were unrelated to Shaolin. They were also related to the famous sects that went to Wudang at that time!

However, they are not the ones to be blamed...

Zhang Cuishan's suicide, in essence, stemmed from his guilt towards Yu Daiyan—it was Yin Susu who had secretly subdued Yu Daiyan and then handed him over to the Longmen Escort Agency to be sent back to Wudang, where he was ambushed and crippled en route.

After this incident was exposed, Zhang Cuishan could not accept that his wife of many years was one of the instigators of his third brother's disability, which is why he committed suicide in front of all the factions.

Otherwise, even if all the major sects arrived, with Zhang Sanfeng present, how could there be any excuse for not having a choice?

Of course, Yu Daiyan was once a man of great prestige, just like Mo Shenggu, a chivalrous hero who loved to roam the world and help those in need. But he was beaten into a cripple before he even saw his enemy. He couldn't forgive Yin Susu... Was he wrong?

Master Zhang knew perfectly well what was going on and didn't take Chu Luren's accusations against Shaolin to heart at all, but... he clearly didn't intend to deny them either.

It seems that Master Zhang is really quite angry with Shaolin.

"You didn't come here this time to deduce who Shaolin has harmed again, did you?" Master Zhang said, winking at Chu Luren in a teasing tone.

Clearly, in Zhang Zhenren's view, Chu Luren's actions were "nonsense"—but on the one hand, he himself was also quite angry with Shaolin, and on the other hand... Zhang Zhenren felt that this kid was also deliberately seeking revenge because of his sworn brother, and the extent of this revenge was not exactly "framing," so he didn't have too many negative thoughts. On the contrary, he felt a sense of relief.

"This junior wishes to seek instruction in Wudang martial arts from Master Zhang! Furthermore... the Eastern Leader of the Sun Moon Sect has also entrusted me to seek instruction from Master Zhang on his behalf, and has asked this junior to present these items in exchange for the 'Pure Yang Limitless Skill' and the 'Heavenly Silkworm Transformation'." Chu Luren stated this without any concealment.

As for those petty thoughts like "seeking guidance for myself first, and then mentioning the sect leader's request," Chu Luren didn't dare to even consider them.

"Furthermore, before this junior, near Xiangyang..." After briefly recounting the events, Chu Luren brought up a third matter: "...That's right, Master Dugu said that he hopes to have a battle with Master Zhang in six months."

After listening, Master Zhang looked at Chu Luren strangely and said, "You have quite a lot to do."

“They are all helpful…helpful!” Chu Luren said shyly.

"The Eastern Cult Leader has given you his insights into the cultivation techniques; let this old Daoist take a look first," Master Zhang said.

Chu Luren was taken aback upon hearing this—what was Zhang Zhenren's identity? Since the old man had asked to see it, it must mean he had already decided to agree?

It went even more smoothly than Chu Luren had imagined, and Chu Luren was overjoyed...

It makes no sense to give it to Dongfang Bubai but not to teach it to myself, right?

Chapter 572 Extinction in Action

"Thank you for your guidance, Master Zhang! I will certainly live up to your teachings and strive to be a useful member of the martial arts world, someone who upholds order in the martial arts community, and someone who transcends base desires..."

Before parting ways with Master Zhang, Chu Luren spoke with great emotion.

"Alright, alright, just remember not to cause trouble in the future." Zhang Zhenren's demands on Chu Luren were unexpectedly low.

"Didn't Master Zhang ask me to maintain peace in the martial arts world?" Chu Luren asked in surprise.

Master Zhang had not only been writing and drawing on Dongfang Bubai's manuscript, but he had also actually handed over the "Pure Yang Limitless Skill" and the "Heavenly Silkworm Transformation" to Chu Luren, and then spent the whole afternoon instructing him on the principles of Tai Chi...

Sister Master... this must be because of my influence! Chu Luren even felt that Master Zhang might want to take over.

"Hehe." Master Zhang chuckled freely, then continued, "However, although you will not officially become a disciple of Wudang, you will still be considered half a successor of Wudang. If you commit any crimes or acts of treason..."

Chu Luren looked at Zhang Zhenren with increasing bewilderment—that's it? Committing crimes and heinous crimes... these requirements are too low?

"Well, you may leave now. You can stay in Wudang for the next few days. If you have any questions, I can give you some pointers. In a few days... I also need to prepare for my battle with Senior Dugu." Master Zhang sounded quite nervous, but his tone remained relaxed and at ease.

Upon hearing this, Chu Luren also took his leave for the time being.

Later, Song Yuanqiao couldn't wait any longer and asked to see his master to inquire about the Eastern Cult Leader and the Dugu Sword Demon.

Upon learning of Zhang Zhenren's decision, Song Yuanqiao was completely at a loss...

"In the past ten years, although the Sun Moon Cult has not exactly reformed, it has restrained its members and has not caused any major incidents. There are far fewer conflicts between various parties than when the leader was in power. If Dongfang Bubai can achieve enlightenment, he may be able to take another step towards the righteous path. Just for that, it is worth it to have these external things that strengthen the body."

With a tone that said, "As for the rest, you'll have to see how it goes," Song Yuanqiao could only reluctantly agree.

That's right, that's Zhang Zhenren's consideration...

I feel that the Sun Moon Cult under Dongfang Bubai's leadership for nearly ten years is much more "docile" than the ambitious and war-torn Sun Moon Cult led by Ren Woxing ten years ago.

So even though Ren Woxing never provoked Wudang, while Dongfang Bubai did cause trouble at Wudang, Zhang Zhenren still respected Dongfang Bubai more.

In Lao Zhang's eyes, good and evil are already fixed concepts. If it were the abbot of Shaolin Temple, who turned Shaolin into the same as the Sun Moon Cult in the present day within ten years, he would definitely be the number one villain, the kind who needs to be brought out of seclusion immediately to rid the martial arts world of this scourge.

However, if it were Dongfang Bubai who transformed the Sun Moon Cult from ten years ago into what it is today, Old Zhang would be more generous with his guidance—partly hoping that her character would undergo further transformation, but ultimately it was a way of repaying her for those ten years.

Needless to say, Chu Luren's story alone was enough to make Old Zhang willing to teach him martial arts.

As for if Dongfang Bubai or Chu Luren's martial arts skills improve further and they begin to wreak havoc on the martial arts world, then Old Zhang will naturally step out of seclusion himself...

"Is Qing Shu still in the back mountain?" Master Zhang asked specifically.

"This disciple has neglected to discipline his disciple, please punish me, Master." Song Yuanqiao felt ashamed whenever he thought about this.

“It’s not so bad to temper one’s character…pfft.”

Song Yuanqiao: ...

"Master, Abbess Miejue has sent another secret message, and... I'm afraid the Emei disciples will arrive in about a month." Song Yuanqiao brought up another matter.

Abbess Miejue is still actively organizing, hoping to unite various factions and besiege Bright Peak.

Originally, after the incident involving the Four Heroes of the South, Yu Erxia stayed in Sichuan to coordinate this matter. However, now it is clear that Miejue is serious and is not satisfied with Wudang only sending Yu Lianzhou to make a show of things.

Not only did he write repeatedly, elaborating on the advantages and disadvantages, but he also sent his disciples everywhere to persuade them—thus, there was even less room for negotiation.

Moreover, the disciple who came to Wudang was none other than Zhou Zhiruo, who had just been released from confinement!

From Chu Luren's letter, Zhang Zhenren also learned about Zhou Zhiruo and understood that Miejue released Zhou Zhiruo at this time with the intention of forming a friendly alliance.

“Then you fellow disciples, go on this trip… But remember, Wudang is not just Wudang of the martial world, but Wudang of the whole world.” After hesitating for a moment, Master Zhang decided to get involved in this matter.

It wasn't just the "external factor" of extermination; Wudang itself was also far from friendly towards the Ming Cult—Zhang Cuishan's death, Yu Daiyan's crippling, Yin Liting's... label, which one wasn't related to the Ming Cult?

Putting aside other things, Yin Liting and Mo Shenggu have been getting restless lately and want to go to Sichuan to meet up with Brother Yu!

Mo Shenggu was a sentimental person. The incident involving his third and fifth brothers made him extremely resentful of the White-browed Eagle King's lineage. As for Yin Liting, it goes without saying that he had wanted to die together with Yang Xiao for a long time.

Song Yuanqiao was more composed, and Zhang Songxi was cunning and calculating, but they couldn't keep their junior brother from taking revenge forever...