Martial Arts Crossover: My Master is Huang Rong

Author's note: There will be extra chapters to satisfy everyone.

Chapter Thirty-Six: Heroes Arrive in Xiangyang

The atmosphere in Xiangyang City became tense again after the brief celebration.

Atop the city wall, Guo Jing patrolled day and night, his posture more solemn and heavy than ever before, the worry between his brows undiminished. Although Huang Rong was secretly deeply in love with Lin Xuan, experiencing unprecedented satisfaction and clarity of mind, in public she remained the composed, shrewd, and strategic leader of the Beggars' Sect. She personally oversaw the city's defenses and allocated resources, polishing Xiangyang, this pearl of the Southern Song Dynasty, to an even more impregnable state.

However, relying solely on the existing forces within Xiangyang City was clearly insufficient to withstand the Mongol army's fierce offensive. The assistance of the various martial arts sects became their only hope.

In recent days, the official road leading south from Xiangyang has been bustling with people. These are no longer displaced refugees or ordinary merchants, but groups of martial arts heroes, dressed in various styles of clothing and exuding an air of extraordinary bearing. Some are riding horses with whips cracking, others are walking swiftly, all heading straight for the gates of Xiangyang. They are fellow martial artists who have heard the call of Guo Jing and his wife to join forces against the foreign invaders.

The sun blazed down that afternoon. At the city gate, a bustling crowd filled the air. Lin Xuan, dressed in a long blue robe, stood tall and handsome at the reception desk on one side of the gate. His brows held a composure and calmness beyond his years; his eyes were deep and clear, and he exuded a unique, reassuring, and magnetic charm.

In the past, Guo Jing or Huang Rong would personally greet the guests, but now the war is urgent, Guo Jing needs to be in command, and Huang Rong is immersed in plotting. Therefore, this important task has fallen on Lin Xuan's shoulders.

"Young Master Lin, I have long admired your name!" A middle-aged man dressed in Huashan Sect attire, with a lean face, long beard, and a solemn expression, walked slowly towards them.

Beside him stood a woman of dignified beauty and refined elegance. She possessed bright eyes and white teeth, a delicate and gentle appearance. Though no longer the youthful charm of her younger days, she exuded a unique mature woman's grace and beauty. While not as slender as a young woman, her figure possessed a fullness and elegance honed by time, and every gesture was graceful and dignified. This was none other than Yue Buqun, the "Gentleman Sword" leader of the Huashan Sect, and his wife, Ning Zhongze, the "Jade Maiden of Huashan."

Yue Buqun stepped forward and bowed respectfully. Although his tone carried a hint of the arrogance of a martial arts master, his eyes revealed unmistakable respect. This surprised the Huashan disciples accompanying him, as their sect leader had never treated a young man with such courtesy before.

Lin Xuan returned the greeting respectfully, his demeanor neither humble nor arrogant, but composed and measured. "Sect Leader Yue, Heroine Ning, the garrison of Xiangyang warmly welcomes you both. The people and soldiers of Xiangyang are deeply grateful for your righteous assistance from afar." His voice was clear and gentle, like a mountain spring, possessing a calming power.

"I have long heard that Young Master Lin has repeatedly offered ingenious strategies in Xiangyang, defeating the Mongol army, and his reputation has spread throughout the Central Plains. Now that I have met him, he is indeed as rumored, a young talent with extraordinary bearing." Ning Zhongze smiled gently, her gaze filled with maternal tenderness and appreciation as she looked at Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan thought to himself: Ning Zhongze truly has the temperament of an orchid, and her mature beauty is also captivating.

Ning Zhongze had long been curious about Lin Xuan, who was Huang Rong's only disciple and had made tremendous contributions.

Lin Xuan humbly cupped his hands again, saying, "Miss Ning, you flatter me. The safety of Xiangyang rests on the shoulders of all people. I have only done my humble best. It is all thanks to my master and master's strategic planning that this turning point was achieved." He attributed all the credit to Guo Jing and Huang Rong. This humility further increased Yue Buqun and his wife's goodwill towards him. They knew that Guo Jing and Huang Rong were highly respected figures in the martial arts world, like Mount Tai and the Big Dipper. As their only direct disciple and holding an important position, Lin Xuan's status was evident.

"Young Master Lin, there's no need for modesty. The names of Hero Guo and his wife are well-known. But we have all heard of Young Master Lin's ingenious plans on Mount Hua. To have such breadth of mind and wisdom at such a young age is truly rare!" Yue Buqun stroked his beard and praised, a complex light flashing in his eyes.

Lin Xuan felt a slight chill run down his spine, but returned a calm smile without showing any emotion. He looked at Yue Buqun, the Huashan Sect Leader, who was known as the "Gentleman Swordsman." On the surface, Yue Buqun was indeed gentle and humble, displaying the demeanor of a grandmaster, and his actions were impeccable. However, as a transmigrator, Lin Xuan knew that this so-called "gentleman" was merely the best facade to conceal his ambition. He was not a true gentleman, but a hypocrite.

Lin Xuan simply smiled and changed the subject. "The Mongol army has recently mobilized some of its elite troops, and their offensive will likely be even more intense. The arrival of Sect Leader Yue and Lady Ning is a timely help. My master has prepared rooms for you both. Please settle in first. Later, we will have a detailed map of Xiangyang's defenses and information on the Mongol army's movements, which we will discuss in detail."

Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze nodded repeatedly, indicating their understanding.

As they were talking, another group of heroes arrived at the city gate. They were dressed in bright clothes, many of them carrying long swords, and riding magnificent horses. Leading them was Luo Bing, one of the leaders of the Red Flower Society, accompanied by Wuchen Daoist, the second-in-command of the Red Flower Society, and several skilled fighters.

"Young Master Lin, I've long admired your name!" Luo Bing's melodious voice rang out, carrying the hearty spirit of a wandering swordswoman. She possessed a graceful figure, a beautiful face, and expressive eyes. Though past her prime, she still retained her charm. Her taut, fitted clothing accentuated her slender waist and full curves, making her appear even more mature and alluring, like a beauty straight out of a Jiangnan ink painting—spirited yet possessing an inner allure. At this moment, her bright eyes surveyed Lin Xuan, a hint of curiosity and admiration in them.

Lin Xuan returned the greeting, his eyes conveying just the right amount of respect and familiarity. "Heroine Luo, Daoist Wuchen, and all the heroes of the Red Flower Society, Xiangyang warmly welcomes you all. It is an honor for Lin Xuan." He knew the reputation and chivalry of the Red Flower Society, but he also knew that this was their first meeting. His attitude was upright, his gaze clear, and he did not overstep his bounds in the slightest.

Lin Xuan sized up Luo Bing from the Red Flower Society. She was indeed a beauty, with expressive eyes and a figure that, far from being concealed by her sharp, fitted outfit, appeared even more sculpted and curvaceous. Every smile and gesture exuded the carefree spirit of a江湖儿女 (jianghu heroine) and the allure of a mature woman, making it hard to look away.

No wonder she's a woman on par with Huang Rong!

"Young Master Lin is indeed as rumored, young and promising, with an extraordinary demeanor." Luo Bing's voice was clear and pleasant, carrying a hint of undisguised admiration. "We all heard about the destruction of the Mongol army's supply lines in Jiangnan last time. Everyone said it was Young Master Lin's brilliant strategy and ingenious plan!"

Behind her, several heroes of the Red Flower Society echoed her sentiments, their conversation quite lively. They were all men of the martial world, valuing loyalty and skill above all else. Lin Xuan's extraordinary abilities made them look at this young "Little Zhuge Liang" with new respect.

Lin Xuan simply smiled modestly and attributed the credit back to Guo Jing and Huang Rong.

His impeccable humility only deepened Luo Bing's positive impression of him. She had seen too many arrogant young people in the martial arts world who became conceited after achieving some success, and Lin Xuan's composure and ability to know when to advance and retreat impressed her greatly.

"Young Master Lin, there's no need to be modest. The title 'Little Zhuge Liang' isn't for nothing!" Luo Bing said with a charming smile. Her bright eyes sparkled with a hint of carefree spirit and playfulness typical of women from the martial arts world. "You're so young yet you already possess such strategic acumen. Your future is limitless!"

Lin Xuan sighed inwardly. The title 'Little Zhuge Liang' was indeed useful. In the martial world, reputation was paramount; with such a title, one could achieve twice the results with half the effort. He simply bowed again, saying nothing more. He knew that appropriate humility could win favor, but excessive refusals seemed hypocritical. He turned his gaze to the various martial artists who were arriving one after another, maintaining a polite smile throughout, greeting each one with clarity and order, making them feel right at home.

The martial arts figures who arrived were of all kinds: swordsmen from the Kunlun Sect, leaders of various branches of the Beggars' Sect, and even some unknown but highly skilled rogues. Most of them were seeing Lin Xuan for the first time, but without exception, they all showed him great respect during their conversations.

This respect stems primarily from the exalted status of Guo Jing and Huang Rong. Their reputation throughout the land was immense, and they had protected Xiangyang for many years. Those in the martial arts world invariably spoke highly of them.

Secondly, there were Lin Xuan's remarkable military achievements in Xiangyang. The Mongol army repeatedly attacked the city without success, their supply lines were destroyed, and their scouts were captured—all thanks to Lin Xuan's ingenious strategies. His reputation had already spread throughout the Central Plains through the Beggars' Sect and traveling merchants. People in the martial arts world mostly praised him as a "young prodigy," "deeply insightful," and "unparalleled in wisdom," with some even comparing him to a reincarnation of Zhuge Liang.

Throughout the reception, Lin Xuan maintained a humble and respectful attitude. He listened carefully to each swordsman's introduction, understanding their purpose and strengths. He would slightly adjust his wording according to the characteristics of their respective sects, ensuring everyone felt respected and comfortable.

"Young Master Lin, we are all rough men of the martial world, ignorant of military affairs, but we know only how to serve our country to the death!" A burly swordsman from beyond the Great Wall, with a loud voice, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Lin Xuan and said, "If Young Master Lin has any orders, we will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Lin Xuan smiled gently, “You flatter me, sir. I will remember your chivalrous spirit as you have traveled a long way. Xiangyang is not the result of my efforts alone, but rather the result of the combined strength of heroes from all over the world. Your martial arts are all highly skilled, and you can be very effective whether defending the city walls or launching raids outside the city. I will discuss with Master Guo and Chief Huang to arrange the most suitable positions for each of you based on your strengths.”

His words acknowledged their arrival while subtly placing the reins of command in the hands of Guo Jing and Huang Rong, while positioning himself as a supporting figure—a display of remarkable composure. This reassured the assembled heroes, who felt no sense of being slighted.

During the reception, Lin Xuan keenly perceived the subtle relationships between the various factions. Some factions were historically at odds, while others were on good terms. When arranging accommodations and meetings, Lin Xuan skillfully avoided situations that could trigger conflict, striving to be considerate of everyone and ensure their satisfaction. His insight and emotional intelligence, beyond his years, secretly amazed many seasoned martial arts practitioners.

As night fell completely, the last group of heroes settled down. Lin Xuan personally arranged their meals and rest, and instructed the guards to strengthen their vigilance to ensure that these reinforcements who had come from afar had a safe place to rest.

Standing atop the city wall, Lin Xuan gazed at the faint glow of fire visible from the distant Mongol army camp. The night wind ruffled his robes, carrying a chilling atmosphere unique to battlefields. He could feel the oppressive aura emanating from the elite Mongol troops; this was going to be a more brutal and arduous battle than ever before.

Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Wise Commander of Troops

This afternoon, the atmosphere in the main hall of the Guo residence was unusually solemn.

The hall was packed with people. Guo Jing sat upright in the main seat, his expression solemn.

Beside him, Huang Rong was dressed in a dark, fitted outfit that accentuated her slender and graceful figure.

The outfit hugged her voluptuous curves perfectly, making her look both dashing and charming like a mature young woman.

Those eyes, usually so bright and lively, were now filled with the light of wisdom.

Seated at the next seat were Lu Youjiao and other elders of the Beggars' Sect, as well as various martial arts heroes who had recently arrived in Xiangyang.

The Huashan Sect leader, known as the "Gentleman Sword," Yue Buqun, and his wife, known as the "Jade Maiden of Huashan," Ning Zhongze, sat side by side.

Yue Buqun had a thin, refined face and a serious expression.

Ning Zhongze was gentle and dignified. She wore an elegant light-colored dress and had a beautiful figure. Even though there was a hint of worry in her eyes, it could not hide the tranquility and gentleness of a mature woman, like a white lotus in its first bloom.

The second-in-command of the Red Flower Society, Master Wuchen, and the female knight Luo Bing were also prominently featured.

Master Wuchen possessed an air of otherworldly elegance, while Luo Bing exuded a heroic and spirited aura. Her tight-fitting outfit perfectly accentuated her slender yet shapely figure. Her eyes were expressive and radiant, brimming with untamed vitality and charm, making her dazzlingly beautiful.

In addition, there were twenty or thirty renowned figures from various schools and independent martial arts masters, all of whom were famous in the martial arts world.

Lin Xuan, on the other hand, sat in the guest seat below Huang Rong. He wore a blue long robe, had a handsome face, and a calm demeanor, exuding a composure beyond his years.

"I, Guo, am deeply grateful to all you chivalrous gentlemen for risking your lives for Xiangyang!"

Guo Jing spoke first, his voice loud and clear, filled with sincerity and gratitude. He stood up and clasped his hands in a fist salute to the crowd, who returned the salute.

The atmosphere then turned serious. Lu Youjiao was the first to present an urgent report that he had just received.

"Master Guo, Chief Huang, everyone!" Lu Youjiao's voice was heavy. "Just now, our scouts brought reliable news: the Mongol elite 'Wolf Riders,' about three thousand strong, are rushing towards Xiangyang! They will arrive at the walls of Xiangyang within half a month at the latest!"

"What?! Three thousand 'wolf riders'?!"

A collective gasp and murmur rippled through the hall. Though their numbers might not seem large, the very name "Wolf Riders" carried an air of oppression.

"Three thousand 'wolf riders'—those are the elite troops of the Mongol army, each one capable of taking on ten men!"

A swordsman from the Western Regions cried out in alarm, his voice filled with obvious horror.

Yue Buqun frowned, stroking his long beard, and said, "I've heard that these 'Wolf Riders' are ruthless in battle, unlike ordinary Mongol troops. They excel at surprise attacks and also use sorcery to bewitch people. If they really join forces with the main army, the pressure on the defense of Xiangyang will increase dramatically!"

Ning Zhongze's expression was solemn, and she bit her lip lightly.

Guo Jing's face was grave, and he sighed heavily: "That's right. This 'Wolf Cavalry' is a formidable enemy that our Xiangyang city has never encountered before. If we confront them head-on, our casualties will be extremely heavy. As for my wife and I, we need to stay in Xiangyang to coordinate the city's defenses and the main force of the Mongol army on the front lines, so we can't leave."

The atmosphere in the lobby grew increasingly oppressive.

Although the heroes of the martial arts world were highly skilled, they were powerless against three thousand elite cavalrymen. They were good at individual combat but felt helpless in dealing with such a massive war machine.

They offered several strategies, one after another, including defending the city to the death or launching raids outside the city, but all of them seemed fragmented and lacked overall consideration.

"Three thousand 'wolf riders,' though not as numerous as tens of thousands of Mongol troops, demonstrate their superior elite status. To confront them head-on with our martial arts skills would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock!"

A renowned figure in the martial arts world shook his head and sighed, his eyes filled with helplessness.

"If we can break into the enemy ranks and capture their leader first, we might be able to dampen their morale!" another swordsman said angrily, a murderous glint in his eyes.

Seeing that the discussion had reached a stalemate, Huang Rong had anticipated their thoughts.

She and Guo Jing exchanged a glance, and with just a look, they had already conveyed the solutions they were constantly considering.

"Heroes, please hear me out."

Huang Rong spoke, her voice gentle yet powerful and steady, instantly silencing the noisy hall and drawing all eyes to her.

“I have carefully studied the movements of the Mongol army and the tactics of the ‘Wolf Riders.’ In a direct confrontation, our army would indeed find it difficult to win.” She paused, her gaze sweeping over the martial arts masters present, her eyes gleaming. “But while the ‘Wolf Riders’ are strong, they are not invincible!”

"They are extremely fast, but their supply lines are relatively weak; they excel at raids, but their cavalry advantage is limited in complex terrain."

"Therefore, after much deliberation, I have decided to change our strategy. This time, we will not confront the 'Wolf Riders' head-on; we will—win by surprise!"

Huang Rong's voice was resounding and carried a captivating charm that touched everyone present.

Everyone perked up and looked at Huang Rong, waiting for her to continue.

"Our main force will continue to defend while attacking, both inside and outside the city walls, to tie down the main Mongol army."

Huang Rong said.

"What we need is an elite force—the elite of the elite, a force adept at penetrating deep behind enemy lines, skilled at surprise attacks and disruptions, adept at winning with fewer troops and striking down multiple enemies with a single blow!"

Huang Rong's gaze swept over the experts such as Yue Buqun, Ning Zhongze, Luo Bing, and Daoist Wuchen, and finally, her gaze landed on Lin Xuan.

"This elite force doesn't need to be large, but it must consist of highly skilled martial artists, meticulous minds, and the ability to adapt to various complex and ever-changing battlefield environments. They must even be able to understand and execute the most daring and unconventional strategies!"

Huang Rong's voice grew increasingly impassioned, her eyes filled with a burning desire for victory; her wisdom and decisiveness were truly captivating.

Everyone in the hall nodded in agreement; such a task was indeed most suitable for the martial arts masters present.

They are individually exceptionally skilled in combat and adept at capturing enemy generals and seizing enemy flags. Lin Xuan's previous surprise attack on the supply route had already proven the feasibility of this strategy.

"What Chief Huang says is absolutely right!" Yue

Buqun spoke first, his gaze sweeping over Lin Xuan, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

"only……"

Yue Buqun stroked his long beard, his tone hesitant, tinged with a hint of reluctant pride, "Such an important task, who should be in charge of this surprise attack? Given the experience and prestige of all the seniors present..."

This question caused a great stir. People whispered and murmured among themselves.

Although there are many martial arts masters, those who truly understand troop deployment and strategic planning are extremely rare.

What's more, it's a dangerous mission to command nearly a hundred elite heroes deep behind enemy lines.

Huang Rong looked calmly at Lin Xuan, her eyes brimming with an indescribable trust and determination—an absolute affirmation of Lin Xuan.

"I propose that Lin Xuan take command of this surprise force!"

Huang Rong's voice rang out again, clear and distinct, carrying an unquestionable authority, like metal striking stone.

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent for a moment, followed by an uproar.

"Young Master Lin?!"

"This...Young Master Lin is still young, I'm afraid..."

"He's just a teenager, how could he possibly shoulder such a heavy responsibility and command so many senior experts?"

Although Lin Xuan had made numerous military achievements and gained a great reputation in Xiangyang, his young age was always a hurdle in everyone's mind.

After all, many of those present were seasoned veterans of the martial arts world, established figures with long-standing reputations. The thought of them taking orders from a mere upstart was bound to cause resentment among many.

Yue Buqun frowned, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

He was about to speak gently to persuade her when Ning Zhongze gently tugged at his sleeve.

Ning Zhongze gave her husband a wink, signaling him to calm down.

Her gentle face now held a hint of curiosity and contemplation, and her quiet eyes were carefully scrutinizing Lin Xuan.

Huang Rong raised her hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

Her voice rang out again, clear and firm, carrying an undeniable authority: "I know you all have concerns, but Lin Xuan's talent and courage are far beyond what ordinary youths can match!"

"Last time, during the surprise attack on the Mongol army's supply lines, from intelligence gathering and terrain selection to luring the enemy into ambush and setting up tunnels, every detail was personally planned and commanded by Lin Xuan. If it weren't for Lin Xuan, that ingenious plan would never have succeeded!"

Guo Jing also spoke up at the opportune moment, his voice booming like a morning bell: "Indeed! Xuan'er is a hundred times better than me when it comes to strategy! He's even more imaginative than Rong'er!"

"This surprise attack on three thousand 'wolf riders' is of great importance and is no ordinary matter. Only Xuan'er's ingenious plan can defeat the enemy!"

Guo Jing's affirmation made many hesitant swordsmen put aside their doubts.

Lin Xuan stood up, and his aura suddenly changed. His usual gentle and humble demeanor was replaced by a calm and powerful confidence, like a sharp sword about to be drawn.

He was tall and slender, with long, ink-black hair that fell casually over his shoulders, yet it didn't look messy at all; instead, it added to his otherworldly charm.

His eyes were deep and clear, like an ancient well, yet they seemed to see into people's hearts, possessing an irresistible magnetism that drew everyone's attention like a whirlpool.

He didn't rush to argue, but slowly walked to the sand table and lightly tapped it with his fingertips. His tone was calm, like a spring breeze caressing his face, yet it could penetrate the heart; every word was precious and carried an undeniable power.

"Esteemed seniors and fellow warriors, Lin Xuan is well aware of his youth and lack of experience. However, with Xiangyang in imminent danger and the nation facing peril, Lin Xuan is determined to do his utmost. I would like to take this opportunity to explain our concept for the 'Wolf Riders' operation and why we need this elite squad of approximately one hundred men."