The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

Although both were taller than him, Qiao Feng was clearly much taller than Chu Luren...

Feng Bo'e, however, hadn't had enough of fighting yet, and said in a cheeky tone, "Chief Qiao's kung fu is indeed better than mine, Feng Lao Si's. But just now I was poisoned and didn't hold the knife properly, so I'm a little unconvinced."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng laughed heartily and said, "It's alright, let's try again!"

The fierce sword that Feng Bo'e was originally carrying was knocked away by Qiao Feng and sent flying more than ten zhang away, passing through a strong bamboo and getting stuck in mid-air...

Without turning his head, Qiao Feng reached behind him and made a grasping motion. A sound like a dragon's roar emanated from his entire body, as if the energy in Qiao Feng's meridians was not true qi, but a real dragon!

Then, Qiao Feng's true energy was misty, and one could vaguely see the color of scales and armor, and even the shape of dragon claws. With a movement of the true energy dragon claws, he actually used his true energy to pull the single sword that was stuck on the bamboo several feet away and let it fly into Qiao Feng's hand.

Unlike techniques like the Star Absorbing Skill, no one around felt any suction force. It was as if Qiao Feng had stretched his arm more than ten feet away, only drawing his sword and doing nothing else.

"Please!" Qiao Feng said, handing over the knife.

Feng Bo'e's heart trembled, and he involuntarily accepted the knife from Qiao Feng with both hands, saying in a daze, "This... could it be the legendary 'Dragon-Capturing True Qi'? After mastering the 'Dragon-Capturing Skill', can one really reach such a level?"

"Ha, I dare not claim to have achieved great success; I have only just begun to understand the basics," Qiao Feng said modestly.

"The Dragon-Capturing Skill? This doesn't seem to be something we don't have in the Langhuan Jade Cave..." Chu Luren asked Wang Yuyan in a low voice.

Wang Yuyan was also taken aback by Qiao Feng's skill. After hearing Chu Luren's words, she hesitated for a moment before saying, "The Dragon-Capturing Skill is as famous as the Crane-Controlling Skill. It is rumored to have deep roots in Buddhism. It is said that when practiced to its peak, it can clearly transmit subtle forces ten zhang away. It is known in major sects such as Shaolin, Tantric Buddhism, and the Beggars' Sect..."

However, I've never heard of anyone reaching such a level. In fact, in recent decades, there have been very few masters from various schools who have practiced this skill. Even the old leader of the Northern Beggars' Clan, Hong, didn't master this internal energy.

Chu Luren then understood that this "Dragon-Capturing Skill" seemed to be a skill primarily based on internal energy cultivation, which explained why it wasn't available in the Langhuan Jade Cave.

After all, the versions of Langhuan Jade Cave are all pirated and do not include the part about internal energy cultivation.

Wang Yuyan was also somewhat lost in thought at this moment—everyone in the martial arts world said, "Murong in the South, Qiao Feng in the North," and the two were ranked third and seventh on the Heavenly Ranking, respectively. Wang Yuyan had always believed that Murong Fu's martial arts were at least no weaker than Qiao Feng's, but now it seemed...

After Qiao Feng revealed this skill, he further intimidated the surrounding Beggar Clan disciples.

However, at this moment, among the disciples of the Great Wisdom Branch, a middle-aged man with a rather refined appearance stepped forward. Although he was also wearing a tattered and patched coat, it was very clean and had a scholarly style. This was none other than the strategist of the Southern Beggar Clan, the leader of the Great Wisdom Branch who was previously highly regarded by Qiao Feng, and known as the "Ten Directions Scholar"...

"Reporting to the Chief, Vice Chief Ma's great revenge has not been avenged. Why did the Chief let the enemy go?" This fellow said "Reporting to the Chief," but neither his tone nor his expression showed any respect.

Upon seeing this, Qiao Feng knew even more that the current turmoil within the gang must have been caused by this person...

"Of course we must avenge Vice Chief Ma, but if we choose the wrong enemy, not only will our gang become a laughingstock in the martial arts world, but the real culprit will also go unpunished!" Qiao Feng argued calmly.

Of course, when asked for evidence, Qiao Feng only mentioned the suspicion that "there was no motive," without providing much other evidence.

The other party insisted that Qiao Feng had no evidence, so it was undoubtedly Murong Fu who did it. Qiao Feng's decision to let the Murong family go meant that he had ulterior motives!

"Vice Chief Ma's chokehold grappling technique is unparalleled in the world. Apart from Murong Fu... only the people of Yihua Palace can match it, right? If the Chief has such doubts, it is not unreasonable. We have also invited the 'Great Hero of Jiangnan' this time. If the Chief doesn't trust the other brothers in the gang, can he trust Great Hero Jiang?"

"Don't you trust the brothers in the gang? Everyone in our gang, from me down, is a good brother who values ​​loyalty... What do you mean by that, Chief Chen?" Qiao Feng's tone was not cold, but it became solemn.

"Why is Chief Qiao so eager to release the murderer who killed Deputy Chief Ma?" Chief Chen retorted bluntly.

Chu Luren was also surprised—Master Chen? Isn't it Master Quan?

Chapter Seventy-Eight: Turning Hands to Create Clouds and Rain

Chen, the leader of the helm, was already revealing his rebellious intentions by relentlessly interrogating Qiao Feng.

"Master Chen? What's his background?" Chu Luren asked Wang Yuyan curiously, since asking Duan Yu would be pointless.

"Chen Youliang, the Ten Scholars, is said to be resourceful and his martial arts skills are no less than those of the Ten Elders of the Beggars' Sect." Wang Yuyan said, glancing at Chu Luren with a puzzled look, seemingly wondering how he didn't even know this, unlike her, a homebody.

Chu Luren had indeed just found out...

Previously, due to overconfidence, he assumed that Quan Guanqing was the leader of the Dazhi branch without ever verifying it.

"Brother Chu, is Chief Qiao in trouble?" Wang Yuyan asked with some concern.

Firstly, they were worried about the safety of A'Zhu and Bao Butong. Secondly, the Beggars' Sect leader had finally gained some trust in Murong Fu, so how did this end up becoming the trigger for internal strife within the sect?

"Don't panic, Brother Qiao... you should be able to handle it yourself," Chu Luren reassured him.

Qiao Feng wasn't just arguing; he wasn't actually talking to Chen Youliang face-to-face. Instead, surrounded by his disciples, he paced back and forth, using the time it took to exchange a few words to observe their expressions. He noticed that the four elders were also unwilling to make eye contact with him.

Qiao Feng felt even colder...

Although the Dog-Beating Stick Formation was powerful, Qiao Feng was already very familiar with it. Even though there were three or four hundred disciples who had followed Chen Youliang, Qiao Feng was confident that he could escape.

Qiao Feng was disheartened. It was one thing that Chen Youliang had a strong desire for power, but why did even the four elders, and even Wu Changfeng and Xi Sanqi, who had a good relationship with him, turn against him?

What's even colder is...

The two elders, Bai Shijing, the law enforcement elder, and Lü Zhang, the transmission elder, have not yet arrived. The other four branch leaders, Da Ren, Da Yong, Da Li, and Da Xin, have also not arrived yet... Could they have been murdered?

If it was truly because of him that the Beggars' Sect had split to this extent... Thinking of this, Qiao Feng felt even more heartbroken!

However, it can be seen that Jiang, the leader of the Righteousness Branch, was indignant at this time, and it should still be on his side. Therefore, most of the elders and leaders who were not present were also kept in the dark.

Just as Chen Youliang was confidently confronting Qiao Feng, Qiao Feng suddenly noticed a man standing in the corner who looked somewhat guilty. Qiao Feng recognized him as the Seventh Hall Master of the Da Ren Branch—Elder Nine Bags, Branch Master Eight Bags, Seventh Bags is mostly a Hall Master.

Qiao Feng immediately had an idea and directly questioned the surrounding disciples: "Where are the two elders, the one who transmits skills and the one who enforces the law? Where are the other branch leaders? Zhang Quanxiang! Come out here! Where is your branch leader, Fang? Did you harm him?"

Zhang Quanxiang was timid to begin with, and this time he only dared to lie to Chief Fang because Elder Chen personally ordered him to. Now that Qiao Feng had shouted, Zhang Quanxiang was immediately trembling and said, "No, no! The elders and chiefs are fine, it has nothing to do with me, it has nothing to do with me..."

Seeing this, Chen Youliang was about to speak to bring the situation back on track when Qiao Feng, who had been facing away from Chen Youliang, suddenly took two steps back, each step covering more than ten feet. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Chen Youliang, grabbed his chest at the Zhongting acupoint, and said sternly, "Have you tricked the two elders and the other leaders into going elsewhere?"

Just as Chen Youliang was about to speak, he felt Qiao Feng's true energy rushing into his chest, heading straight for his knees, and he involuntarily knelt down...

"Alright, since you already know you're wrong, then let's wait for the two elders, the one in charge of skill transmission and the one in charge of enforcement, as well as the other branch leaders, to arrive before we settle things! Zhang Quanxiang, quickly bring the other branch leaders and elders here safely to reduce their punishment!" Qiao Feng said, patting Chen Youliang on the shoulder.

This slap sealed his speech acupoint, leaving Chen Youliang kneeling there helplessly!

Qiao Feng also realized that Chen Youliang was the mastermind behind this internal strife, and only by controlling him could the chaos be quelled.

Jiang, the leader of the Righteous Branch, had long been unable to hold back. Seeing the gang leader take action, he immediately responded, "Our gang is unfortunate to have produced such an unworthy scoundrel. It is the time for everyone to repay the gang leader with their lives. We must obey the gang leader's orders. Anyone who dares to cause trouble will first have to ask me, Jiang, if I will grant them permission!"

As he spoke, Chief Jiang looked at the four elders, as if to say, "I'm talking about you." The other disciples of the Great Wisdom Branch were bewildered to see their chief plead guilty, while Chief Jiang's subordinates, though few in number, were all eager to try.

Qiao Feng, unwilling to see internal strife within the Beggars' Sect, feigned a loud laugh: "Hahaha, it's just a misunderstanding. We're all brothers, let's talk it out. Chief Jiang, there's no need to be nervous. I believe everyone is just feeling down and wants to talk to me. Saving lives is the priority. Chief Jiang, take your men and go with Zhang Quanxiang... Also, send someone to inform Yipin Hall that the duel will be rescheduled for seven days from now."

After hesitating for a moment, Chief Jiang finally agreed.

"The other disciples are all seated. Everyone should remain seated and not get up without permission. Once the other elders and branch leaders arrive, you can speak freely!" Qiao Feng gestured to those around him to reassure them.

Seeing how Qiao Feng had persuaded the Beggars' Sect disciples, who were on the verge of a disaster, to stay in line with his hand, Duan Yu was captivated. Even Bao Butong and others, who had previously held prejudices against Qiao Feng, were filled with admiration.

Although Qiao Feng had just told them to leave, how could they be at ease with the matter concerning the Murong family's mysterious case? They simply moved a little further away to avoid any misunderstanding from the Beggars' Sect.

Just as everyone was about to sit down, one disciple hesitated, looking at another person who also seemed about to speak...

Qiao Feng also recognized the man; it was none other than Quan Guanqing, a confidant of Chen Youliang!

"Does Master Quan have something to say?" Qiao Feng noticed Quan Guanqing at this moment.

"help……"

Just as Quan Guanqing was about to speak, his knees suddenly sank as if he had been hit with a stick, and he knelt down straight down!

He had just shown a panicked expression when a strange kind of true energy surged up from his knees, choking him. Just as he was about to make a move, a tingling sensation ran through the meridians of his arms, and the Sanjiao acupoint on his lower back suddenly jerked as if he had been kicked hard. He immediately knelt down in a kowtow-like manner...

Qiao Feng vaguely noticed something and guessed who had made the move, but his eyes remained fixed. Instead, he waved his hand and said, "Good, good, good. It seems you have some self-reflection. Reflect on yourself first. It's not too late to expose Chief Chen's crimes when the other elders and the branch leader arrive."

Indeed, it was Chu Luren who made the move!

However, Chu Luren was already outside the circle of the Beggars' Sect disciples, and was even half a circle away from Quan Guanqing. Logically speaking, if he were to make a move, it was impossible for no one to notice.

However, Chu Luren secretly manipulated the universe with the power of "Curved and Straight as You Wish," and after the finger force left his body, it circled halfway before attacking Quan Guanqing from behind, all while trying to make the finger force invisible and formless...

Previously, there were clues to why Qiao Feng had subdued Chen Youliang. When Quan Guanqing was about to speak, the four elders were also watching Qiao Feng. However, this time, even if they sensed something, they were completely clueless and unable to discern the truth!

Seeing that their leaders had backed down so quickly and had already apologized, the other disciples of the Great Wisdom Branch dared not say anything more and obeyed Qiao Feng's orders, sitting down on the spot.

The four elders looked at each other, but apart from Chen Guyan, the other three avoided eye contact and showed no intention of making a move. Seeing this, Chen Guyan could only sit down angrily...

Chapter Seventy-Nine: Discussing My Life's Righteousness

"Brothers, I am very happy today. I have made two good friends in Wuxi City... This is Brother Duan Yu of the Duan family of Dali, and this is Brother Chu Luren of Chu in Hunan, whose righteousness is as firm as gold and stone. Brothers, come this way, let me introduce you to the heroes of my Beggars' Clan!"

Qiao Feng didn't stay idle during this break, so as not to let the atmosphere get awkward, and to act as if nothing had happened, he introduced Chu Luren and Duan Yu to the elders of the Beggars' Sect.

He recounted the heroic deeds of each elder, their immense contributions to the Beggars' Sect, and the kindness they had shown him. Even Chen Guyan, who was usually a loner, was not neglected.

Upon seeing Qiao Feng's earnestness, Wu Changfeng, Song Qingxi, and Xi Sanqi all felt ashamed and blamed themselves for believing Chen Youliang's nonsense!

Just as Wu Changfeng was being introduced, a series of hurried footsteps were heard from the northeast, along with faint shouts of indignation. It was Bai Shijing, Lü Zhang, the other branch leaders, and a group of disciples from other branches who had arrived.

After politely introducing Wu Changfeng, Qiao Feng turned around and greeted Bai Shijing and the others.

Clearly, the methods they used to trap Bai Shijing and the others were not honorable. At this moment, many people were indignant and couldn't help but curse. However, they all fell silent when they were in front of the gang leader.

Seeing that everyone was alright, Qiao Feng felt relieved. He first ordered the disciples of each branch to sit down according to their seniority, thus reducing the tense hostile atmosphere.

However, after everyone sat down on the ground, Elder Bai Shijing was the first to stand up. He first asked Qiao Feng for instructions, and then the four elders, with stern voices, demanded: "May I ask Elders Song, Xi, Chen, and Wu, what is your intention in ordering us to be locked up on a small boat in Taihu Lake?"

The four men blushed with embarrassment and dared not argue. After a few words of debate, Qiao Feng learned that Bai Shijing and the others had been tricked onto several boats on Taihu Lake. The boats were loaded with firewood and sulfur, and they were threatened that if they resisted, they would be burned alive!

Qiao Feng frowned deeply upon hearing this, while the three elders, Song, Xi, and Wu, who seemed to have been unaware of the situation beforehand, also began to complain about Chen Youliang.

Bai Shijing had a stern face, as if no one could get close to him. He started to unravel the mystery, pointing out the disciples who had been tricked into boarding the ship by falsely conveying the gang leader's order. He ordered each of them to first reveal who had instigated them, and then ordered them to commit suicide!

According to the Beggars' Sect's rules, if someone in the sect commits a capital crime, they can choose to commit suicide. As long as they are willing to commit suicide, they will still be brothers after death. If they do not do it themselves and let the enforcement disciples kill them, then they are killing a sinner or a traitor.

Afterwards, Bai Shijing ignored the mastermind Chen Youliang, who had already been subdued, and instead looked at the other four "old brothers"...

Despite their familiarity with each other, Bai Shijing remained ruthless and had them all tied up. The three elders, Song, Xi, and Wu, who had already wavered, did not resist. Wu Changfeng, who was always straightforward, even said, "I, Wu Changfeng, am foolish and cannot tell whether you, Qiao Feng, are loyal or treacherous. However, for the crime of violating the gang rules and committing treason, I, Wu Changfeng, will pay you with my life!"

Chen Guyan was not convinced. Even when he was tied up, he kept grumbling, "If we had all attacked at once, we might not have lost, but you are all afraid of Qiao Feng!"

Bai Shijing appeared determined to kill, and even Chu Luren, who was wearing tinted glasses, felt a sense of urgency, as if he deliberately didn't want them to speak and only wanted to kill them all.

However, Qiao Feng couldn't stand it and felt aggrieved. Instead, he stopped Bai Shijing and sincerely asked Wu Changfeng, who was in a state of despair, "I don't believe Elder Wu would turn against me for no reason. Where have I done wrong, brother? Elder Wu, could you tell me?"

Seeing this, Wu Changfeng was even more conflicted. He could only shake his head with a bitter face: "This matter cannot be spoken of! If it is, the Beggars' Clan will never be able to hold its head high in the martial arts world again. Originally, we wanted to kill you with one blow to end it all, but now... Chief Qiao, just kill me!"

Upon hearing this, Qiao Feng felt even more aggrieved—how could I not have known that I had made the Beggars' Sect so disgraced?

"Just because I saved the Murong family? You were the ones who betrayed us first!" Qiao Feng's eyes were red with anger.

However, Qiao Feng was still unwilling to hastily convict him and insisted on clarifying the matter through reasoning.

He first talked about his acquaintance with Gongye Qian, one of the four great retainers of the Murong family, and then about witnessing Feng Bo'e's impulsive actions. In short, he wanted to argue that since Murong Fu's subordinates were so righteous, Murong Fu himself must also be righteous. He had his reasons for carefully investigating the death of Deputy Chief Ma...

Of course, Chu Luren didn't really understand Qiao Feng's logic.

However, Qiao Feng actually managed to persuade all four elders who had previously opposed him, on the surface.