The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

After a moment's hesitation, Chu Luren whispered to Yan Nantian, "Retreat!"

Chapter 1042 A Plum Blossom

Chu Luren knew that Zhao Wushi had just absorbed the dragon vein's true essence and hadn't fully digested it yet.

It seems like he shouldn't be given time, but... on my side, Yan Nantian is seriously injured and needs to heal and recover. Moreover, Yaoyue and Dongfang Bubai are not here, so I'm the only one who can fight!

If it were in the sea, Chu Luren might act recklessly, but West Lake... isn't very deep, and the nature of the ocean is completely different. For Tianmen experts, it's as flat as ground, so Chu Luren's advantage as a sea king cannot be utilized.

Considering that his previous arrangements were very likely to be effective, and also the special properties of the Eight Extremes Demonic Art...

Chu Luren felt that rushing in now was not the best option, so he broke through the water wall and took Yan Nantian away.

As expected, Zhao Wushi also needed time; he just kept laughing but didn't give chase...

At this moment, Yan Nantian was also filled with resentment. At first, he discovered that the white dragon was heading towards Lin'an City. For the safety of the people, Yan Nantian risked his life to stop it.

Originally, Yan Nantian thought he was no match for Bai Long, but... Bai Long was actually being forced to retreat one after another!

However, Yan Nantian quickly realized that there was probably someone inside the white dragon's belly, which was why the white dragon was acting so wildly.

Inside the White Dragon's belly, as long as Zhao Wushi can protect himself, he can continuously use the Eight Extremes Demonic Art to seize the dragon's true essence. At this time, distracting the White Dragon is tantamount to helping Zhao Wushi.

When Yan Nantian saw the white dragon, hundreds of cannons were set up on the lake shore...

However, although the firepower of the cannons in this world is unscientific, they are still controlled by ordinary people. Unless they can be concentrated and killed instantly, the gunners will suffer heavy casualties after the white dragon's few attempts.

After hearing Yan Nantian's description, Chu Luren guessed that these cannons must be the batch that Zhao Wushi transported to the capital through the channels of Wanqian Merchant Guild.

The artillery was Zhao Wushi's arrangement, but... it wasn't very effective. Seeing that Lin'an was about to be annihilated, Yan Nantian couldn't stand by and watch hundreds of thousands of people perish, so he fought his way back to the lake with Bailong.

The white dragon grew weaker and weaker, but just as its form shattered, the true enemy was about to appear!

Yan Nantian was now filled with rage. He had originally thought that Zhao Wushi was just power-hungry and was ultimately different from those truly evil people.

However, seeing that Zhao Wushi was willing to lead the White Dragon outside Lin'an City for his own selfish reasons, disregarding the lives of countless people, Yan Nantian was utterly enraged.

Unfortunately, even in his anger, he was no match for Zhao Wushi. If Chu Luren hadn't arrived, he would probably have been left in West Lake!

after that……

This was the first time Yan Nantian had ever been to a brothel.

Her face, which was as white as a boiled egg, had a blush. It was a pity that on her first visit to Qunyu Courtyard, she was carried in by Chu Luren and dragged all the way to the secret room, and she didn't get to experience any services—like renting a horse or something.

Thanks to the Chu Lu people's powerful "milk production" and Yan Nantian's own robust health and ability to "recover from injury," Yan Nantian recovered completely in just one day.

At the same time, Yaoyue also arrived, and the four experts from Chu Luren's side were finally all present.

A storm is brewing in Lin'an City—originally it was only at the court level, but now rumors are circulating among the common people that the appearance of an evil dragon outside the city is an ominous sign, and the emperor... might abdicate!

Regardless of who spread this rumor, the entire city is talking about it.

It's already June 14th, and tomorrow is the wedding of the Divine Marquis. According to many well-founded rumors, the Emperor will abdicate in favor of his uncle tomorrow.

A chorus of praises and condemnations of the emperor's moral failings and the ominous signs that followed spread throughout the capital.

However, on the morning of June 15th, the wedding party was secretly replaced – the emperor, in a moment of magnanimity, staged an empty city ruse. Zhao Wushi probably did not expect that, with the guards outside the palace all being from the Dragon Guard Manor, Cheng Shifei actually led the Imperial City Guard out of the palace through a secret passage!

The emperor was left "naked" in the palace...

The Imperial City Division was established by Cheng Shifei after the assassination incident in Japan. Because Cheng Shifei spent all the money on food, drink and entertainment, he mostly recruited local thugs and ruffians he knew. Later, some righteous men from the Righteous Alliance were also added to the division. This was the only part that was not infiltrated by the Dragon Guard Manor.

As for those transferred from the Imperial Guards and recruited from the remnants of the Eastern Depot, it can be assumed that they have a high number of traitors!

Zhao Wushi was quite ceremonious, having the Grand Secretary, who had previously been the most opposed to the matter, recognize Su Xin as his sworn sister, and then go through the motions at her residence—euphemistically, so that she wouldn't be considered a "commoner's daughter."

Cheng Shifei directly led a group to ambush and kill the wedding procession, took Su Xin away, and the mother and son have already reunited.

Su Xin also regretted marrying Zhao Wushi because... she had also noticed that Zhao Wushi had absorbed the legacy of Gu Santong!

Su Xin didn't understand martial arts, but when Zhao Wushi was being intimate with her, she couldn't help but call out Gu Santong's name. It was probably a woman's intuition!

After that, Zhao Wushi inexplicably felt guilty, which made Su Xin realize something.

……

Zhao Wushi, who had neatly combed up the extra few tufts of white hair, was sitting upright on the dragon throne that the Dragon Guard Manor had privately built.

"Old monkey! You've been caught. The Emperor has decreed that you be imprisoned. Are you going to take the initiative or disobey the decree?" Cheng Shifei said casually as he led his men in.

Upon seeing Cheng Shifei here, Zhao Wushi knew that his final battle before reaching the summit had begun...

"Yan Nantian, Dongfang Bubai, Yaoyue... Chu Luren! Very good, very good! I'm giving you one last chance. As long as you're willing to submit to me, I will treat you with the rank of king and join forces with me to unify the world!" Zhao Wushi ignored Cheng Shifei and looked directly outside.

Cheng Shifei, who led the men in, was merely announcing the event, but Zhao Wushi could sense that four auras outside had already locked onto him!

"I wonder what you promised Wan Sanqian?" Cheng Shifei asked disdainfully.

Zhao Wushi looked calmly at Cheng Shifei and said without any embarrassment, "Brother Wan and I have a gentlemanly friendship and share the same ideals. There is no need for any promises. Brother Wan has forgotten our original grand goals, so I naturally do not feel indebted to you."

"You old monkey, you really know how to talk! The most shameless scoundrel I've ever met has a little more shame than you..." Cheng Shifei began to mock.

Zhao Wushi didn't refute, but instead leaped up and struck Cheng Shifei with a palm. In the blink of an eye, Cheng Shifei instinctively entered the "Invincible Vajra" transformation, clenching his fists and crossing his arms in front of him to block Zhao Wushi's attack.

However, he was quickly sent flying out of the hall, rolling twice...

Zhao Wushi walked out calmly—pursuing him was useless. Although Cheng Shifei, under the invincible Vajra, was far from being his match, killing him would not be something that could be done in a few moves.

Meanwhile, four more people were eyeing them menacingly outside...

As soon as Zhao Wushi stepped out, his aura was completely locked onto by the four people. At this moment, Yan Nantian was standing on the eaves of the main hall behind Zhao Wushi, while Yaoyue and Dongfang Bubai, one in white and one in red, stood proudly on the ornamental columns on both sides of the front courtyard.

Chu Luren was right in the middle, facing him, and just then he reached out and caught Cheng Shifei.

"Isn't Manager Wan now quite like-minded with you? Shangguan Haitang hasn't fallen for him either..." Chu Luren looked at Zhao Wushi with a puzzled expression.

A delayed suona accompaniment began, and Zhao Wushi had no idea that the piece was "A Spray of Plum Blossoms"...

Chapter 1043 Siege

As Zhao Wushi listened to the melody, he felt it was a silent mockery from Chu Luren, and his face grew increasingly grim.

“Zhao Wushi, when I gave you the Heavenly Fragrance Bean, and you didn’t agree to retire, did you foresee that this battle was inevitable?” Chu Luren stepped forward and said.

"I originally intended to follow the example of my ancestors and ascend the throne without bloodshed and with the support of the people, but alas, the world is full of ignorant people... Very well, then I will kill you all first, establish my mighty power, and then unify the world!"

As Zhao Wushi spoke, he reached out and shook hands with Chu Luren, instantly dimming the atmosphere of the surrounding environment.

At the same time, a huge, dark hole appeared as if it were a distorted cutout in a background. Chu Luren immediately felt his meridians become unstable, but he quickly activated his protective technique and managed to withstand it.

The other three also reacted. Yaoyue herself gradually turned transparent, and there was a "black hole" inside, which canceled out Shenhou's "Eight Extremes Demon Art".

"Fragments" gradually drifted up from Yan Nantian and Dongfang Bubai, as if their souls were being crushed and sucked out!

However, Zhao Wushi stopped shortly afterward...

When Dongfang Bubai inhaled the true energy, it felt like being pricked by needles; when Yan Nantian inhaled the true energy, it felt like being scorched by fire. Before obtaining the Dragon Vein True Essence, Zhao Wushi could not actually absorb the true energy of the Heavenly Gate experts, unless... there was some catalyst!

If it were a one-on-one situation now, Zhao Wushi could easily absorb either Dongfang Bubai or Yan Nantian, and then slowly "digest" them.

Even if they are inhaled together, they can always shut themselves off and endure it.

However, there are four... four and a half people on the other side now. Two and a half of them are so powerful that Zhao Wushi can't absorb them because of the nature of their techniques. So, he can't reveal any weaknesses at this time.

When Zhao Wushi broke through the Heavenly Gate, Cheng Shifei definitely got involved – not only was the distance close, but Zhao Wushi himself also benefited from Gu Santong's influence, while Cheng Shifei's martial arts were empowered by Gu Santong, making the connection extremely close!

However, in Zhao Wushi's eyes, Cheng Shifei's martial arts skills, apart from being able to withstand beatings, were far inferior to the other three. He could only be considered half a person, or the ghost of Gu Santong.

Enraged, Yan Nantian unleashed his attack, his palm forming a blade as he swung it, creating a series of seven-colored sword energies, each dozens of feet long, that seemed to slash out of thin air between heaven and earth!

Wide-ranging sword winds are clearly unsuitable for dealing with a formidable enemy like Zhao Wushi. The "Heavenly Sword" is the proper means of attack—after breaking through the Heavenly Gate and allowing Qi to enter, the Qi of Heaven and Earth is transformed into sword Qi...

At this moment, Zhao Wushi roared, and his whole body was also covered with a layer of golden light, which made Cheng Shifei grit his teeth.

Yan Nantian's Heavenly Sword Qi struck it, but was neutralized by the golden light amidst the sounds of metal clashing.

At the same time, it can be seen that Zhao Wushi's right hand is showing signs of becoming avian, and his eyes are also turning into snake-like pupils...

Immediately, Zhao Wushi transformed into a golden-purple stream of light, appearing and disappearing around him as if by teleportation. At the same time, Dongfang Bubai also transformed into a red shadow, swirling a long dragon of true qi needles, constantly entangled with Zhao Wushi!

After absorbing the essence of the Four Ghosts of Xiangxi, Zhao Wushi had obtained the complete "Phantom Shadow Divine Skill" and integrated it with other movement techniques, making his movements as elusive as ghosts.

Yan Nantian's sword energy couldn't lock onto his speed for a moment...

However, in terms of speed and strangeness, Dongfang Bubai's "Heavenly Mother Divine Skill" was not inferior. At this time, instead of confronting Zhao Wushi head-on, he merely protected himself and entangled with him, thus slowing down Zhao Wushi's speed!

In this way, everyone was able to lock onto Zhao Wushi again. Chu Luren also made his move at this time, his sword and saber transforming into eight phantom images of peerless swords of different shapes, all attacking Zhao Wushi together.

Yan Nantian was using sword energy at this time, and Chu Luren was also using a sword, striving for coordination. Moreover, the two of them had their energy completely locked onto Zhao Wushi. As long as their speed was reduced, apart from the occasional clash of their sword energies and minor losses, they were not worried about accidental injury.

Cheng Shifei, relying on his thick skin and tough flesh, rushed forward with his domineering punches after Zhao Wushi was held back by Dongfang Bubai and unable to use his Phantom Technique. At this time, Cheng Shifei still knew quite a few martial arts skills, but... he couldn't use them in front of Zhao Wushi. After all, Zhao Wushi was just as tough as him and even stronger, so he could only swing his domineering punches!

While using the power of extreme stillness manifested as low temperature to erode Zhao Wushi, the Moon Invitation also transformed into a small black hole at its center, weakening the predatory aspect of his Eight Extremes Demonic Art.

but……

Even with four and a half people working together, they couldn't withstand the several-fold bonus Zhao Wushi had gained after plundering the dragon vein's true essence in his territory. After a dozen or so moves, his right dragon claw grabbed Cheng Shifei's chest, and after a series of ear-piercing metallic twisting and rubbing sounds, Cheng Shifei coughed up blood and flew back!

Then Yaoyue also met the attack head-on, but within a dozen or so moves she was at a disadvantage and almost lost her power from her Mingyu body. Fortunately, Dongfang Bubai came to her rescue in time, and she was able to use a dismantling technique to retreat...

At this moment, a layer of white scales began to spread from Zhao Wushi's neck to his face, sometimes turning white and sometimes shimmering with golden light, while his aura also increased once again.

Clearly, the power of the dragon vein had not been fully activated before...

As Yaoyue retreated, Chu Luren immediately took her place. Zhao Wushi and Chu Luren exchanged blows, and although the "special effects" seemed much weaker, each move was full of profound mysteries, representing the essence of countless grappling techniques!

In the end, Zhao Wushi, relying on his dragon vein power, at the cost of losing half a move and having his pulse point seized by Chu Luren, forcibly activated the Eight Extremes Demon Art to hold off Chu Luren.

Although he couldn't draw Chu Luren in, he was able to fight Chu Luren with his internal energy while simultaneously using his suction to interfere with him!

Chu Luren held Zhao Wushi in his hands, but Zhao Wushi was the one with a smug grin, while Chu Luren's face and body were covered in dents.

However, Chu Luren showed no panic on his face. Instead, he glanced at Yan Nantian out of the corner of his eye—Chu Luren had discussed this situation with Yan Nantian before!

Without hesitation, Master Yan leaped down from the air and struck Zhao Wushi with a palm.

Zhao Wushi originally thought that Yan Nantian was just launching a sneak attack and wanted to take the hit head-on, but unexpectedly... Yan Nantian pounced and his whole body seemed to turn into a "fireball" and instantly burst into flames.

It immediately draped over Zhao Wushi's body like a fiery cloak or a wedding dress.

Zhao Wushi let out a miserable scream and used his strength to blast away the Chu deer!

When Chu Luren took a few steps back to steady himself, he looked up and saw that Zhao Wushi's body was constantly flaming from the outside in. Yan Nantian was nowhere to be seen. Moreover... he could see that Zhao Wushi's body was occasionally twisting, as if he had just absorbed someone's energy, but the side effects seemed to be much smaller.