The Great Martial Arts World: Hot Topics and Great Heroes

Not to mention that Chu Luren had a previous relationship with the Quanzhen School, this was Guanzhong. Even though the Quanzhen School had kept a low profile in recent years, it would not tolerate others acting recklessly in Guanzhong. The behavior of Songshan naturally displeased Qiu Chuji.

"Amitabha, Master Qiu, please calm down. Benefactor Ding is so agitated because he doesn't want to be taken advantage of by the evil sects. He has no intention of targeting the Quanzhen Sect." Master Shenshan appeared to be mediating, but in reality, he was implying that Qiu Chuji's words were all to protect the authority of the Quanzhen Sect.

“Master Shenshan is overthinking it. Although we don’t know the ins and outs of Ren Woxing’s ‘Star Absorbing Technique’ back then, we do understand some of its key points. Its method of storing internal energy is quite different from ordinary martial arts and cannot be cultivated in the same way as ordinary internal energy… When Young Friend Chu visited the Quanzhen Sect before and discussed martial arts with us, his internal energy was definitely not ‘Star Absorbing Technique’.”

On one hand, Qiu Chuji subtly implied that Shenshan was in urgent need of Songshan's needs and urgently needed to take sides; on the other hand, he used his own reputation to vouch for the Chu Lu people...

Chapter 153 Lesser Return to the Void Force

What is the relationship between Chu Luren's kung fu and the "Star Absorbing Technique"?

There is indeed some connection. The moment Lu Bai bumped into him just now, it triggered Chu Luren's protective true energy - Lesser Return to the Void Protection!

Not long ago, Chu Luren merged the "Phantom Minor Technique" and the "Star Absorbing Earth Minor Technique" into the "Minor Returning to the Void Force"...

Before the fusion, Chu Luren had considered the potential contradictions between the two—although both excelled at deflecting and neutralizing internal force directed at them, however…

The "Star Absorbing and Earth Penetrating Technique" has the drawback of occupying the meridians of both legs, restricting lightness skills and movement techniques, and even causing additional burden on movement. On the other hand, the "Phantom Technique" excels in movement techniques!

From this perspective, the two are clearly in conflict.

The reason why Chu Luren was able to make the difficult decision to merge them was that both were "minor versions," meaning they were products of incomplete learning and their own modifications, essentially inferior versions of the original.

Even if the fusion fails, the Chu Lu people can comfort themselves—there will be another chance to get the official version in the future!

Secondly, Chu Luren wanted to use this type of martial art, which wasn't too expensive, to experiment with enlightenment guidance more.

If the characteristic of "expelling foreign internal energy from the meridians of the legs" is retained, the fusion result will overshadow the advantages of "Phantom Technique". However, if the characteristic of "dissolving foreign internal energy out of thin air through the meridians of the whole body" is retained, it will make up for the shortcomings of "Star Absorption and Earth Penetration Technique".

Moreover, these two martial arts are not the real "Star Absorbing Technique" and "Phantom Divine Skill".

If Chu Luren's conjecture about "martial arts badges" and "fusion" is correct, then the martial arts will within them is only "the martial arts will generated by Xiang Wentian under the inspiration of the Star Absorbing Technique" and "the martial arts will generated by the Six Immortals of Peach Valley under the inspiration of the Phantom Shadow Divine Skill," rather than the original martial arts will of the two techniques.

So... the required comprehension shouldn't be too high. If even Chu Luren can't use it normally, then it proves that the side effects of "enlightenment guidance" are greater than imagined.

The final fusion result was generally satisfactory to Chu Luren—it fully preserved the ability of the "Phantom Minor Technique" to neutralize foreign internal forces, allowing any internal force invading the body to be neutralized as long as it was not too much stronger than his own, although it would consume his own internal force.

Chu Luren suspected that this was a minor technique of the Six Immortals of Peach Valley, which was not the original version. Otherwise, if it were the real "Phantom Divine Skill," it should not have been able to quickly "dissolve" the problem by consuming one's own internal energy.

Moreover, it primarily neutralizes internal forces that invade the body, and is also effective in neutralizing simple force. However, if it is solidified true qi, such as sword qi or blade qi, which directly causes physical cutting, neutralizing some force is not very effective.

The Peach Valley Six Immortals also practiced external martial arts, but Chu Luren vaguely sensed that the martial arts will of these two "minor techniques" was flawed. In particular, the "Phantom Minor Technique" had a sense of chaos and confusion whenever it was about to resolve a situation, which was probably due to a problem with the Peach Valley Six Immortals' comprehension.

At the same time, "Xiao Guixu Jin" also inherits the "absorption" of "Xiao Xing Ru Di Xiao Fa". Although it is not like the real "Xiao Xing Da Fa" which uses the dantian as a cavity to absorb external internal force, it can use the meridians to transform defense into absorption. Unexpectedly, it may have similar sensations to "Xiao Xing Da Fa".

However, its weakness is also obvious: when circulating the "Minor Return to Emptiness Force," it becomes difficult to release one's own true energy, and when using energy or force to attack, it will affect oneself, making one five-tenths weaker for no reason...

When it comes to actual fighting, one should use a grappling technique like "Dragon Crane Great Grappling" which is not significantly affected – although its offensive power is reduced, it has the ability to neutralize the enemy's internal force, so it doesn't have a major impact on grappling martial arts and is even more practical in some ways.

After all, the essence of grappling martial arts lies in "controlling" the enemy. In this case, neutralizing the enemy's resistance is more important than direct attack.

For Chu Luren, there is another option: remove the badge, that is, stop circulating the "Minor Return to Emptiness Force," and fight normally...

In addition, the "body technique" part is somewhat wasted—Chu Luren still feels that "Kun Soaring in the Void," which has been with him for a long time, is more mysterious. Unless he can understand the internal connection between them, Chu Luren is not willing to rashly integrate them.

Judging from the situation of "Seven Illusory Rainbow Light Finger", if "Kun Swimming in the Void" is properly integrated, there is also a chance to re-stimulate the characteristics of the buried "Northern Darkness Divine Art".

The fused "Minor Returning to the Void Force" does have limitations on comprehension, but it does not affect Chu Luren's ability to use it.

Although it has some flaws in attack, Chu Luren did not waste it and planned to use it as a daily protective technique.

When traveling the martial arts world, it is important to avoid being ambushed. When the "Minor Returning to the Void Force" is in operation, it is like having a "shield" at all times, which makes you feel very safe!

Initially, Chu Luren didn't notice when Lu Bai bumped into him.

Firstly, he lacked experience in the martial arts world, and secondly... Chu Luren had not mastered any of the insight-based martial arts he longed for, nor had he reached the level of superb internal strength. How could he be so easily perceptive?

However, Lu Bai's forceful collision directly triggered Chu Luren's "Minor Return to Emptiness Force". Not only did Chu Luren feel no force, but Lu Bai felt as if he had been hit by the "Star Absorbing Technique"!

However, when the Songshan Sect tried to attack them on the grounds that it was "suspected to be the Star Absorbing Technique", Qiu Chuji directly denied it. Qiu Chuji was indeed very certain that Chu Luren was not practicing the Star Absorbing Technique.

After all, that skill was very different from ordinary martial arts. Qiu Chuji knew at least that Chu Luren practiced a profound internal skill from a Taoist sect, and it was very likely that he had also taken part of the essence of the "Innate Skill". Naturally, it could not be the "Star Absorbing Skill".

Seeing Qiu Chuji say this, everyone naturally believed him. However, the people of Songshan Sect were not so easily fooled. Lu Bai, who had just experienced it, said, "Even if they are not practicing the 'Star Absorbing Technique,' it must be a martial art related to it!"

“Amitabha Buddha, the Star Absorbing Technique is an evil skill that is extremely difficult to master. However… I have heard that Ren Woxing’s confidant, the Left Envoy, also received some of its teachings.” The Venerable Shenshan said in an academic tone.

However, after being reminded of this, the people of Songshan Sect became even more convinced.

Chu Luren didn't rush to deny it, but smiled slightly and said, "So what if my martial arts were inspired by the Star Absorbing Technique? How come... Qingliang Temple will be irreconcilably opposed to the Sun Moon Sect from now on, and anyone who encounters similar martial arts will be detained and interrogated?"

Throughout the entire process, only the Five Mountains Sword Sect and some other sects with whom they had a grudge directly referred to the sect as the "Demon Sect".

Although most other sects also regard it as an evil sect, they don't think it's worth fighting to the death. For example, Mu Gaofeng is also a master of evil sects, but he can openly swagger in front of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, and the Five Mountains Sword Sect doesn't go up to fight him to the death.

Upon hearing this, the Venerable Shenshan paused for a moment—he had long coveted Shaolin martial arts, and thus had other plans with Songshan…

The biggest obstacle for the Songshan Sect to become a first-class sect in the world is its old neighbor, Shaolin. The enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend, but people with common goals are always more likely to cooperate!

However, the Venerable Shenshan was not prepared to cooperate with the Songshan Sect to the point of "fighting to the death with the Sun Moon Sect".

“Excellent, excellent. This humble monk was only worried about Benefactor Chu.” The Venerable Shenshan clasped his hands in denial.

Chapter 154 What Can My Arrogance Do To Me?

"Hmph, Master Shenshan is compassionate, but members of the Demonic Sect have fallen into our hands..."

Before Ding Mian could speak, Chu Luren interrupted him, saying, "I happened to kill Tian Boguang. I heard that Sect Leader Yue was also chasing this fiend, so I came to inform him. Later, when I was a guest, I happened to witness the deposition and establishment of the Huashan Sect's leader, so I came to witness on behalf of the Ancient Tomb Sect... Even if I learned my skills from the leader and Holy Maiden of the Sun Moon Divine Sect, what would your Songshan Sect do? What would the Five Mountains Sword Sect do?"

As Chu Luren spoke, he looked down at Ding Mian with his head held high and chest puffed out. Then he looked around deliberately, raising his voice several notches higher than Ding Mian's, with an expression that said, "What can you do to me?"

“Indeed, regardless of your martial arts skills, young friend Chu came to Mount Hua only because of that lecherous thief Tian Boguang, and he is here representing the Ancient Tomb Sect because of the Mount Hua matter. What do the Five Mountains Sword Sects think about this?” Qiu Chuji said, flicking his whisk.

When Yue Buqun heard Chu Luren recount the whole story, even though he didn't want to offend Songshan to the death, he had no choice but to step forward and say, "Hero Chu is a guest of my Huashan Sect, and also a guest of the Five Mountains Sword Sect. Senior Brother Ding and Senior Brother Lu, please show some respect!"

Not to mention that no one would believe the claim that he "learned from the leader and Holy Maiden of the Sun Moon Sect." Even if the leader and Holy Maiden of the Demonic Sect themselves were to openly visit Mount Hua, it would be against the code of the martial world if the Five Mountains Sword Sects were to gang up on them.

Moreover, the Chu Lu people came because of Tian Boguang's matter, and now they have the noble right to "bear witness".

To ensure everything went smoothly, the Songshan Sect sent seven of the Thirteen Protectors' top experts, showing they weren't afraid of a potential conflict.

However, given Yue Buqun's words, it was not appropriate for them, members of the "Five Mountains Sword Sect," to forcefully intervene.

After all, they came to make others proud, not to embarrass themselves.

Ding Mian looked expectantly at the sacred mountain—if there were any "fair passersby" at this moment who reiterated that "good and evil cannot coexist" and "fighting against the evil cult is the greater good," and gave Songshan a way out, they could still forcefully take action.

However, Shenshan merely clasped his hands in greeting; he had no intention of becoming irreconcilable enemies with the Sun Moon Cult, and others would be even less likely to make such a high-profile move.

Of course, Chu Luren was not worried if they really made a move. Seven of the Thirteen Protectors, even if they were stronger than the Six Immortals of Peach Valley, would only be slightly stronger, especially in terms of coordination. Even if they came from the same school, if the seven of them made a move at the same time, they would definitely affect each other. Moreover, there were other people from other factions present.

If the Songshan Sect were to make a move, Chu Luren was certain that they would be the ones who suffered the most. However, he had no intention of taking the initiative to make a move, after all... enlightenment is very expensive!

They're not going to reveal any secret techniques, and they're all after Yue Buqun, so why does Chu Luren have to insist on stepping forward?

Seeing that they remained silent, Chu Luren put on a smiling face again: "Aunt Qin, Wanqing, let's go sit over there."

Qin Hongmian wanted to deflate this young man's arrogance to prevent him from bullying her daughter, but Mu Wanqing quickly took her mother's arm and followed Chu Luren.

Firstly, Mu Wanqing realized that she and Chu Luren hadn't reached the point of being engaged, so it wasn't good to show her anger openly. Secondly, Mu Wanqing had learned to control her temper over the past few months, and since Chu Luren had just clashed with his "enemy," it wasn't good to embarrass him in front of outsiders.

Seeing this, Qin Hongmian could only sigh inwardly...

"Rumor has it that Young Master Chu was traveling with several 'ladies' before. Is that true?" Qin Hongmian asked Chu Luren after they reached a secluded spot.

Chu Luren was incredibly clever; he immediately sensed Qin Hongmian's displeasure!

Where does Qin Hongmian's dissatisfaction come from?

First of all, she didn't know Li Mochou, but she was very likely aware of her identity as a "cousin of the Murong family"—Chu Luren quickly deduced in his mind that Qin Hongmian must be dissatisfied with Li Qingluo.

"Aunt Qin is talking about Yu Yan, right? Actually, Yu Yan is a very nice person, her mother is Aunt Li Qingluo..."

"What language... cough cough, please continue." Qin Hongmian wanted to scold Chu Luren for calling other women by their names, but upon hearing Li Qingluo, she didn't have time to think further.

“Aunt Li sent people to make things difficult for you and Wanqing before, which was indeed her fault. However, Uncle Duan asked me to deliver a letter to her, and then she asked me to take care of Yuyan, who needs to travel for at least half a year!” Chu Luren decided to sell Uncle Duan decisively.

Upon hearing this, Qin Hongmian's eyes indeed flashed with a thoughtful expression.

"However, if Aunt Qin wants to argue with Aunt Li, that's fine, but... she must not make a scene."

Chu Luren's words of advice at this moment made Qin Hongmian glare at him, but Chu Luren seemed not to notice and added, "Hua Wuque of Yihua Palace has been active in the Jiangnan area recently. If we alarm him, Uncle Duan may be in danger!"

Qin Hongmian, who was originally furious, suddenly showed a look of fear on her face, but quickly concealed it and said, "Hmph! It's good that he was killed by the people of Yihua Palace!"

Chu Luren could tell that this was just something she said in anger, and that she had definitely taken his advice to heart, so he just smiled foolishly in response.

"A heartless person should be killed!" Qin Hongmian looked at Chu Luren and emphasized again fiercely.

"Aunt Qin is right... Calm down, calm down." Chu Luren continued to grin foolishly—after all, she wasn't talking about me.

On the other side, people from various factions arrived one after another, and Mount Song became increasingly tense towards Yue Buqun, frequently making veiled sarcasm and insults against him.

Linghu Chong naturally couldn't stand it, and his words were even more cutting than the other person's...

Lin Pingzhi then tried to find out where Brother Chu was, but found that in the crowd, Brother Chu was standing side by side with a girl with a cold and aloof expression. The latter seemed to be ignoring him, while the former... that is, "Brother Chu", was standing next to her, gently bumping her with his shoulder.

Lin Pingzhi: ...

Indeed, Chu Luren cleverly realized that Mu Wanqing was angry, so he went over to be friendly.

Mu Wanqing turned her head and glared at her, whispering, "Don't rub against me!"

"Who made you angry?" Chu Luren asked with a smile.

"Are you unhappy at the Five Phoenix Blade Sect? How about... we go back to Dali in a while?" Chu Luren hadn't forgotten his promise to Duan Zhengchun to persuade Mu Wanqing to go home.

However, it will definitely be "after a while," since Duan Zhengchun is probably still in Jiangnan. If he returns to Dali immediately, will Mu Wanqing and Dao Baifeng be left alone? The situation would be too awkward!

"You... want to come with me?" Mu Wanqing couldn't maintain her cold expression.

"Well, we'll go to Zhongnan Mountain first and see if we can bring Miss Wang, the one I just mentioned, 'Yu Yan,' along." Chu Luren thought that Wang Yu Yan should also go back to Dali to see her, and then use the title of "Princess of Dali" to infuriate Murong Fu.

Even if Li Qingluo is unwilling, she can consider whether it is necessary to send Wang Yuyan back to Mantuo Manor—Chu Luren is always thorough in his work!

Mu Wanqing: ……

Mu Wanqing, standing to the side, her expression shifted several times before finally gritting her teeth and asking in a small voice, "Do you really hope that I and that Miss Wang can... get along harmoniously?"

"Good! It should have been done much earlier!" Chu Luren shouted.

Mu Wanqing: ? ? ?

Mu Wanqing's mind went blank for a moment before she realized that Chu Luren was orchestrating the conflict between Yue Buqun and Feng Buping on the other side...