The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

On the surface, the two were exchanging palms in a flamboyant display of Buddhist-like composure, but what they reflected in their pupils was the other's surging demonic energy, which was resisting their own equally surging demonic energy. They wore cold smiles and had fierce expressions!

On the surface, Chu Luren suspected that Kumārajīva was different from himself and did not have the ultimate move of instantly transforming his Zen skills into demonic energy to unleash his power!

Therefore, Chu Luren did not use the "sacrifice himself to become a demon" technique; if he were to use it, it would be to give the Sweeper Monk a surprise!

If Chu Luren had not obtained the "Marrow Cleansing Classic," even if he had fused with "Sacrifice to Become a Demon" and greatly enhanced "Tathagata Seal Technique," he would at most be evenly matched with Kumārajīva without directly using "Sacrifice to Become a Demon." After all, Kumārajīva had also grown considerably after becoming a demon.

In just two months, Chu Luren used the "Marrow Cleansing Classic" to "cleanse" out the previously hidden body-training parts of techniques such as the "Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill" and the "Dragon Elephant Prajna Skill," and then integrated them with his own abilities.

His internal strength increased at a similar rate to that of Kumārajīva, meaning Kumārajīva maintained the advantage. However, he couldn't withstand the fact that Chu Luren's physical strength and solidity had increased significantly compared to before!

Mind, Body, Qi, Technique, and Momentum!

In terms of "mind" and "momentum," the two are roughly equal. However, Kumārajīva is stronger in "qi" (vital energy). In terms of "technique," the Tathāgata Mudra method is definitely more refined than Kumārajīva's own trial and error in combining techniques.

Judging from this alone, the two should be evenly matched, but Chu Luren has a significant advantage in terms of "physical strength"!

Kumārajīva, who came from the Tantric school, was quite skilled in physical training, but compared to Chu Luren, he was simply not up to par!

Normally, when simply exchanging blows to test the essence of Zen martial arts, one wouldn't be able to see much. However, when Chu Luren began to actively approach and engage in close-quarters combat, Kumārajīva discovered that Chu Luren's immense strength had become the decisive factor. This power... reminded him of the Golden Wheel Monk!

Even though Kumārajīva used his agility to try to prevent Chu Luren from getting close, he couldn't withstand Chu Luren's superior physique and his ability to injure people with his own strength—every move was a head-on collision of immense power.

If both sides react, the Chu Luren, with his indestructible body, will inevitably have the advantage; if they get close, the advantage will be even greater...

Chapter 778 I Laugh for Shaolin

Chu Luren and Kumārajīva exchanged more than three hundred blows in front of the Great Buddha Hall of the Southern Shaolin Temple, seemingly oblivious to everyone else. Finally, they pushed each other with a double palm strike and retreated more than ten steps before finally stopping.

It can be seen that Chu Luren's complexion is normal and he still has energy, while Kumārajīva's face is obviously much redder and he is breathing heavily, clearly suffering from internal injuries!

“Master Chu has a profound knowledge of Buddhism, and I am ashamed to admit my inferiority… I should take the lead in Zen Buddhism,” Kumārajīva said in a hoarse voice.

Just as a crow doesn't laugh at a black pig, Kumārajīva naturally wouldn't expose Chu Luren, but at the same time, he didn't forget to dig a pit for Chu Luren, both trampling on Shaolin and drawing hatred towards Chu Luren!

Firstly, Chu Luren's martial arts skills are indeed superior to his own. Secondly... Kumārajīva is not entirely unafraid of the second Buddhist master who knocked on the Heavenly Gate.

Although his identity is unknown, and since he has not yet appeared, we can assume he is a reclusive master who "does not concern himself with worldly affairs," but Kumārajīva is not without fear.

Now that Chu Luren had stepped forward, Kumārajīva also lent him a helping hand.

Master Guanxin and the others had another idea, but this time they first inquired with Shenshan—they were not familiar with matters of the martial world and did not know if this Layman Chu had the possibility of severing his worldly ties.

Upon hearing this, Kamiyama fell silent for a moment, then pointed to the surroundings, specifically to the area where the loudest "bad groups" were gathered...

“Amitabha, does the abbot of Shenshan mean that Layman Chu is different from these…vulgar and mediocre people?” Guanxin tried his best to use polite language.

"No, I was just reminding the Zen Master that these are all subordinates of Chu Tai Sui."

Observe your mind: ...

"Hahaha, Zen martial arts are profound and extensive. Perhaps I'm mistaken. In fact... it might be a gift from heaven." Chu Luren spoke as if his own insights came from a dream of Buddha.

After all that trouble caused by Chu Luren and Kumārajīva, it's clear to anyone with eyes that Kumārajīva's so-called "Indian martial arts" were most likely just Shaolin martial arts he had stolen.

It's one thing that the Tibetan national preceptor is bad, but even Chu Taisui's Zen martial arts are far superior to those of the Shaolin monks. It seems that Shaolin... is just so-so!

As a result, many people who already wanted to obtain Xie Xun, the Dragon-Slaying Saber, and clues to Guihai Yidao from Shaolin became less hesitant.

When Shenshan saw Poloxing, he spoke first: "Amitabha, it is a virtue to admit one's mistakes and correct them. I believe that Senior Brother Poloxing will not blame Shaolin!"

As soon as he opened his mouth, he asserted that "Shaolin made a mistake."

In truth, Shenshan was not entirely at ease at this moment. After all, besides his status in the Zen sect, the more important reason for his actions was to obtain Shaolin martial arts. Polo Star must have seen a great deal of Shaolin martial arts, and the reason Shaolin imprisoned him was most likely because of his extensive knowledge and strong memory.

If you save Polo Star, you will definitely be able to obtain many Shaolin martial arts skills.

He could then further integrate and adapt it to become the inherited martial arts of Qingliang Temple, which would not be unreasonable—since they all originated from India, some similarities are to be expected!

However, the move by Kumārajīva and Chu Lurenlu forced Shaolin to "accept its fate" while also leaving Shenshan feeling utterly bored.

No matter how much Shaolin martial arts I learn, can I reach the level of Kumārajīva or Chu Taisui?

Shenshan knew perfectly well that it was highly unlikely!

“You! We naturally admire the Zen martial arts of the Grand Preceptor and Layman Chu. Our Zen martial arts have always required the use of Buddhist teachings to resolve violence. Although Master Polo Star has memorized some of them, he still needs to… take care of himself!” Yuanxing, who had a fiery temper, spoke up at this moment.

Yuanxing had just fought against Kumārajīva with the Dragon Claw Hand, but unfortunately his combat power was only 6,000, while Kumārajīva's was at least 100,000.

Just then, a burst of laughter rang out: "Hahaha..."

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw that the person laughing was none other than Mr. Fang, the new leader of the Beggars' Sect!

This person's identity is very secretive. It is as if he suddenly appeared in the martial arts world. Relying on his superb martial arts skills and the strong support of Chen Youliang's faction, he became the leader of the Beggars' Sect without any merit or effort.

"Why is Chief Fang laughing?" Kumārajīva had caught his breath and, at least outwardly, showed no sign of it. He replied with a kind and benevolent expression.

"Grand Preceptor, please don't take offense. I'm not laughing at you and Alliance Leader Chu. You two are highly skilled in martial arts and have profound understanding of Buddhist principles. You are truly role models in the martial arts world. Rather, I'm laughing on behalf of Shaolin for the lack of talent in the martial arts world of the Central Plains!" Fang Gang Leader said emphatically.

For a time, people from all walks of life in the martial arts world were in an uproar.

Xuan Ci's face stiffened as he said, "Shaolin and Beggars' Sect have been on good terms for generations and have always been... part of the martial arts world in the Central Plains. Although we have no great achievements, we have always contributed to the righteous path in the Central Plains. Why does Chief Fang say such a thing?"

"The Imperial Preceptor and Alliance Leader Chu have made it very clear that Shaolin's martial arts, in the final analysis, were brought by Bodhidharma, an Indian, yet you call yourselves the martial arts of the Central Plains, and even say that 'all martial arts under heaven originated from Shaolin'... Ha! Isn't this just bullying the fact that there are no martial arts masters in the Central Plains?" The Fang Gang Leader immediately expelled Shaolin from the Central Plains.

"The saying that all martial arts under heaven originated from Shaolin is an overstatement by our friends in the martial arts world. Our temple would never dare to make such a presumptuous statement. Chief Fang is overthinking it!" Xuan Ci retorted.

"Hmph, many people in the martial arts world have learned Indian martial arts and mistakenly believe that it is taught by your Shaolin. They have been deceived and are bound to speak on your behalf! Today, the National Preceptor has exposed one of your lies and defeated your Shaolin using Indian martial arts. If no one in the Central Plains martial arts world can defeat him, wouldn't that ruin our morale?"

As Mr. Fang spoke, he stepped forward and gestured for Xuan Ci to enter: "Today, our gang is here for no other reason than to prove that the martial arts of the Central Plains are no less powerful than those of India!"

This leader of the Fang Gang was really stubborn. He kept insisting that the martial arts were "transmitted from India" and was determined to confirm the claim. He even packaged himself as the representative of Chinese martial arts.

Most of the people present could see that the Beggar Clan leader was up to something, but his words really hit the nail on the head. You can't just fight foreign monks and not fight the martial arts world in the Central Plains.

"No, no! Nobody knows which school or sect Mr. Fang belongs to. What if he comes out of nowhere again? If the martial arts world of the Central Plains is to win, it will have to be the martial arts people of the Central Plains who make the move!" Bao Butong shouted loudly at this moment.

With Chu Luren's guidance, Murong Jiu became more accepting of the idea of ​​"downplaying the identity of the Great Yan remnant clan" and emphasizing the "Central Plains identity," which naturally influenced the four great retainers.

Sure enough, many people present started to clamor, demanding that "Southern Murong" make a move—after all, "Northern Qiao Feng" could no longer represent the Central Plains, and he wasn't even there.

only……

Bao Butong noticed that Mr. Fang's gaze was becoming increasingly strange.

"What's the point of arguing? Who dares to claim they know more about martial arts than our Alliance Leader Chu?"

"That's right, it should be Alliance Leader Chu who makes the move!"

"What is Nan Murong? A lackey of the imperial court!"

Seeing that the righteous warriors of the Righteous Alliance were once again recommending their own leader...

Chapter 779 Giving Shaolin Face

Seeing the chaotic scene, Fang Zheng secretly unleashed his Lion's Roar and said, "Amitabha! If the Beggars' Sect wants to compete with the Southern Shaolin for the position of leader of the Southern Martial Arts Alliance, then Chief Fang, please speak frankly! Neither the Northern nor Southern Shaolin has ever claimed to be the leader of any alliance."

Having directly exposed Mr. Fang's excuse, Xuan Ci understood Fang Zheng's meaning and continued, "Indeed, if that's the case, this humble monk will use the 'Great Vajra Palm' and 'Demon-Subduing Staff Technique' to test the Beggar Clan's 'Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms' and 'Dog-Beating Staff Technique'!"

Mr. Fang paused upon hearing this—the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms? The Dog-Beating Stick Technique?

I'd like to learn...

Even some of the accomplices who were unaware of the truth joined in the commotion.

The Chang Le Gang members laughed, "Hahaha, could it be that the new leader of the Beggars' Sect doesn't even know the Beggars' Sect's Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms?"

"Just how shameful is this palm technique that even the gang leader is unwilling to learn it?"

"Then, Chief Fang, would you like to show us your skills? We'd like to see what kind of kung fu is even more impressive than the Beggars' Sect's Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms!"

As both are southern gangs, the relationship between the Chang Le Gang and the Southern Beggar Gang is predictable—gangs, being a melting pot of all sorts of people and interest groups, have always been more rife with infighting than sects.

Having "escaped" this round of reward and punishment, the Chang Le Gang is on the verge of rising again...

But just then, a sound like a dragon's roar and a tiger's howl came from the direction of the mountain gate.

"Who says the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms are shameful?"

Qiao Feng, a prince who led the way by not shaving his head, rode up with his hair flowing freely. A'Zhu, whose figure appeared delicate next to Qiao Feng but whose expression was calm, also rode beside him.

Behind him followed eighteen riders, all young men dressed in typical Manchu attire with their heads wrapped. Upon seeing that it was actually Qiao Feng, Wei Xiaobao immediately hid—if Prince Feng saw him with the Heaven and Earth Society, wouldn't that be an open rebellion?

Qiao Feng must have intentionally concealed his identity along the way. Otherwise, not to mention anything else, how could a dozen people with queues not be watched when traveling within the territory of the Song Dynasty?

At this moment, Qiao Feng made no disguise. As soon as he entered, dozens of Beggar Clan disciples with four or five bags of weapons immediately surrounded him.

At first glance, Qiao Feng thought they were going to cause him trouble, but to his surprise, these gang members all shouted "Chief Qiao" and bowed in greeting with longing on their faces.

Seeing this, Qiao Feng quickly dismounted and greeted his brothers, saying, "Qiao Feng, a Manchu, has been expelled from the Beggars' Sect for a long time and has no connection with it anymore... What virtue or ability do I have to deserve the old titles you brothers used to give me? Brothers... I hope you are all well?"

At first, he only emphasized that he was no longer a member of the Beggars' Sect, but when he talked about his concern later, his heartfelt feelings were evident.

Everyone then realized that Qiao Feng was, after all, a Manchu, and that their rush over to greet him was somewhat presumptuous. However, they were unwilling to abruptly withdraw their courtesy.

The reason why most of the disciples are at the third, fourth, or fifth level is that most of the younger brothers at the first or second level have only joined the gang in recent years. They don't know Chief Qiao and have little impression of him. On the other hand, the incense masters and hall masters of the sixth generation or above have more seniority and higher status, so they inevitably think more about him...

People like Wu Changfeng, though they also missed Qiao Feng, ultimately only watched him from afar without stepping forward...

Just as Chu Luren was about to step forward, he suddenly heard a commotion rising from the crowd.

"You, surnamed Qiao, killed my brother. I have not yet avenged my blood feud. Today I will fight you to the death."

"That Manchu dog deserves to be killed by everyone! We cannot allow him to leave Jiulian Mountain alive today!"

"If we let him return to the Qing Dynasty, there will be no more chances!"

But then a cacophony of shouts erupted, some cursing Qiao Feng for killing his son, others for killing his father. Some of these shouts were true, some were false; among the false ones, some were genuinely unaware of the truth, while others knew full well that it was all a lie…

Under the Qing Dynasty, no one would dare to mention revenge, but seeing that Qiao Feng actually dared to come to the South, why not seize the opportunity?

Chu Luren frowned slightly upon seeing this, and winked at Boss Wu, who was looking at him from a distance as if seeking instructions. Boss Wu quickly nodded slightly.

"Qi Laoliu! Back in Dengzhou, you bastard robbed a caravan and killed my brothers. Today, I'll make you pay for this in blood!"

“You surnamed Wang, ten years ago you seriously injured my master, and my master died of illness within two years, but you have been living for so long. How can I tolerate you?”

"Brothers of the Ming Cult, are you really going to let bygones be bygones the way you were killed back then?"

"Damn it! Brothers, let's settle scores and avenge our grudges!"

"The notorious lecher Yun Zhonghe is here! Who will kill him with my own hands?"

"I despise the imperial court's lackeys, so I killed that pretty boy on the list of chivalrous heroes!"