Martial Arts Crossover: My Master is Huang Rong

Taking advantage of the opening of the city gates, they quietly left the city.

The land outside Xiangyang was far from peaceful, unlike the city itself. Ruins and scorched earth bore witness to the brutality of war. A faint stench of blood and gunpowder permeated the air, mingling with the earthy smell to create a unique and oppressive odor.

Lin Xuan followed behind Huang Rong. In addition to the sound of the wind, he could hear the cries of eagles coming from an unknown place in the distance, and the faint sound of the dry grass being trampled underfoot.

As Huang Rong walked, she pointed out the dangers, her voice low but clear enough to reach Lin Xuan's ears: "Xuan'er, look at this forest. Mongol soldiers are used to setting up ambushes here. They like to use the terrain to hide themselves in bushes or tall grass, waiting for their chance to strike."

She raised her slender hand and pointed to a dead tree. Her long, white fingertips contrasted sharply with the desolation around her: "And look closely at that dead tree over there. Are there any fresh marks on it from being cut with knives or axes? These are evidence that they made fire on the spot. The more subtle the marks, the more they can expose their whereabouts."

Lin Xuan observed intently, remembering Huang Rong's teachings clearly. These were valuable experiences gained from numerous battles on the battlefield. He quickly noticed details that ordinary people would miss, such as the new cuts on the dead wood, the slightly fresh-looking soil on the ground, and even the faint smell of smoke in the air.

"There's an abandoned village about two miles ahead. Mongol scouts like to use it as a base," Huang Rong said in a low voice.

“There were eleven of them in total. Two of them were on guard duty on the outskirts, one was keeping watch at the village entrance, and the other eight were either resting inside the village or preparing food and water.” She spoke calmly, not taking these people seriously.

She continued, "Remember, our goal today is not just to eliminate them, but also to teach you how to fight. This is your first real battle, so don't worry about anything fancy, just aim for a fatal blow."

"Later, you'll come with me to infiltrate. I'll take care of the sentries on the perimeter first, and then you can rush straight to the village entrance and deal with the scouts looking out." Huang Rong's eyes held a hint of encouragement; she believed Lin Xuan could do it.

Lin Xuan's heart was filled with joy.

Huang Rong glanced at him, seeing that he wasn't nervous at all, but rather his eyes were sparkling with excitement. She smiled gently, patted his shoulder lightly, and gestured for him to follow. Her figure moved through the woods like a ghost, each step as light as a feather, making almost no sound. Lin Xuan followed closely behind, ready to unleash his power at any moment.

Soon, they reached the edge of the abandoned village. Huang Rong signaled Lin Xuan to take cover, while she herself moved swiftly, blending into the night, as if becoming one with the surrounding shadows of the trees.

Through the perception granted by the Yin-Yang Completion Technique, Lin Xuan clearly sensed Huang Rong silently approaching the first sentry. A barely audible groan escaped the sentry's lips, and he fell silent. The second sentry followed suit, equally swift and clean, without uttering a sound. Huang Rong's martial arts had reached a level of consummate skill, killing without a trace; her agility and ruthlessness were breathtaking.

After dealing with the outer sentries, Huang Rong gestured to him, signaling him to take action.

Lin Xuan concentrated his inner strength in his palm, which became slightly warm. His body moved like lightning as he rushed towards the village entrance. He was incredibly fast, weaving through the weeds.

The Mongol scout on the watchtower was indeed oblivious, dozing against the dilapidated earthen wall. Lin Xuan accelerated his sprint, and the scout seemed to sense something, suddenly looking up.

In an instant, their eyes met. A resolute glint flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes, and he clearly saw the surprise in the scout's eyes.

This was the first time he had killed someone since he came into this world.

He unleashed the Falling Flower Divine Sword Palm, taught to him by Huang Rong. The palm wind whistled, striking a vital point with pinpoint accuracy. The scout's body convulsed violently, letting out a short, hoarse cry of surprise before collapsing limply. Lin Xuan quickly withdrew his palm strike; although there was no blood on his palm, the impact was even more intense.

The shock intensified, but he had no time to process it. The Mongol soldiers inside the village were awakened by the shout, and seven or eight figures rushed out, yelling and cursing. Lin Xuan quickly adjusted his breathing, instinctively entering battle mode.

He had no time to ponder the feeling of killing; he instinctively entered battle mode. He remembered Huang Rong's teaching: on the battlefield, hesitation is death. His Yin-Yang Completion Technique displayed astonishing power at this moment; every movement of the enemy, every trace of killing intent, was clearly captured and analyzed in his eyes. He was no longer the boy who felt shocked by his first kill, but a warrior driven to the brink of despair, a born hunter.

He moved with agility, dodging a Mongol soldier's slash aimed at his head, while simultaneously striking the man's throat with lightning speed. This palm strike was swift, accurate, and ruthless, without the slightest hesitation, as if he had practiced it a thousand times. Then, with a sidestep, he evaded another enemy's sweeping spiked club, and with a backhand strike, the force penetrated to the bone, shattering the soldier's wrist. The Mongol soldier screamed, his spiked club clattering to the ground. Lin Xuan gave him no second chance; with a swift turn of his palm, he ended his life.

Each strike carried a sharp and efficient purpose, without the slightest hesitation. His movements became increasingly fluid and deadly. He began to actively seek out the enemy's weaknesses, using his improved speed to move freely through the enemy ranks, each strike taking a life.

Although his palm technique was not as graceful as Huang Rong's, it was full of power and efficiency. Each palm strike was aimed directly at the vital points, carrying the essence of the Falling Flower Divine Sword Palm. His palm wind was like a sword, invincible.

Huang Rong had already rushed into the village. Her movements were swift and unpredictable, like a wisp of smoke, weaving through the enemy ranks. Her palm strikes were powerful and precise, each one as accurate as lightning, killing the Mongol soldiers who came to reinforce her. Her movements were elegant yet deadly, as if she were dancing a dance of death.

Her dark green outfit peeked through the night, her agile figure moving with astonishing explosive power in every leap, yet incredibly light. She was eliminating the enemy at top speed, but in reality, she was constantly watching Lin Xuan out of the corner of her eye, genuinely satisfied with his performance.

Lin Xuan quickly adapted to the battle. He began to actively seek out the enemy's weaknesses and used his speed advantage after his martial arts improved to kill several more people in just a few breaths.

He even noticed a burly Mongol centurion, whose martial arts skills were clearly superior, who was trying to organize a counterattack.

A cold glint flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes. He stopped engaging the other soldiers and charged directly at the centurion. The centurion roared and swung his sword. Lin Xuan didn't retreat but advanced, his palm strike as swift as the wind, aiming straight for the centurion's chest. The centurion couldn't react in time and was struck in the heart, collapsing to the ground with a thud.

After all the Mongol soldiers fell dead, the village returned to deathly silence. Only the breathing of Lin Xuan and Huang Rong could be heard, along with the strong smell of blood in the air.

Lin Xuan's palms tingled slightly, his chest heaved violently, and his face was somewhat pale, but his eyes had become resolute.

He felt the lingering force in his palm, and the heavy responsibility it carried. The shock of his first kill had been replaced by the adrenaline of battle and the thrill of victory; though the aftershocks were still there, they were no longer a hindrance.

Huang Rong slowly walked to Lin Xuan's side. Instead of directly asking him how he felt, she first checked the scene, confirming there were no survivors and nothing had been missed. Her gaze swept over each corpse, confirming they had all died from vital organs, leaving no trace of struggle.

"It was handled very cleanly; no one escaped, and no clues were left behind." Huang Rong nodded, her gaze falling on Lin Xuan's face. His eyes were deep and calm.

"How do you feel?" Huang Rong's voice was calm, but Lin Xuan could sense the profound meaning within it.

Lin Xuan shook his head: "Disciple... feels a little unwell." He did not hide the shock he felt after killing someone, but he knew that it was not fear, but an instinctive reaction to the loss of life.

Huang Rong slowly said, "This is the inevitable reaction of a first-time killer. But Xuan'er, you did very well. In that critical moment, you were able to overcome your hesitation and act decisively, which is the most commendable thing. What is even more remarkable is that you were able to adapt to the battlefield in a very short time, and even take the initiative to find and kill the enemy leader. Such talent is truly rare."

She paused, her tone turning serious: "On the battlefield, there is no room for mercy. They are the henchmen of the Mongols, and every survivor they leave alive could bring even greater disaster to the people of Xiangyang. Every strike you make is to protect our homeland and innocent lives."

"Remember, on the battlefield, besides martial arts skills, what's even more important is observation, judgment, and decision-making," Huang Rong continued to instruct.

"When you killed the lookout scout just now, you were decisive, but a little clumsy. Next time, you need to learn how to hide faster, how to seize the opportunity more accurately, and how to immediately sense potential threats around you after striking, instead of getting caught up in the effect of a single blow."

She pointed to the spot where Lin Xuan had just killed the enemy: "You reacted very quickly when you killed that centurion, but if you could have sensed the intensity of his aura beforehand, you could have made him your priority target and minimized his lethality. You did very well, but there is still room for improvement."

Huang Rong's voice wasn't loud, but it reached the depths of Lin Xuan's heart. "Your perception and learning abilities far surpass those of ordinary people. You must learn to use them wisely, to predict the enemy's movements on the battlefield, to find their weaknesses, and to strike decisively without hesitation. Your performance today has already proven that you possess this ability."

She looked at Lin Xuan, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes, her beautiful eyes filled with expectations for him: "Your performance has exceeded my expectations by far. Xuan'er, you are a born warrior and the hope of Xiangyang. Given time, you will surely become the pillar of Xiangyang's resistance against the Mongols!"

Lin Xuan was filled with mixed emotions after hearing this.

The two discussed battlefield tactics for a while. As night deepened, Huang Rong led Lin Xuan back to Xiangyang City.

Chapter Seven: Guo Fu's Martial Arts Contest – Overestimating Herself

The following afternoon, the warm sun shone brightly, making the blue bricks on the Xiangyang city wall scorching hot. However, in a corner of the Guo Mansion's inner courtyard, deep in the shade of the trees, an unusual smell of gunpowder permeated the air.

Guo Fu specially changed into a bright green outfit today, which accentuated her curvaceous figure beautifully.

Her slender waist was so delicate it could be encircled by one hand, and beneath the restrictive fabric, her breasts were shapely, full, and full of vitality.

Her oval face was fair and radiant in the sunlight, her eyes were like stars, and her eyebrows were like distant mountains. Although she had a touch of spoiled arrogance, it did not diminish her stunning beauty.

Her long, glossy black hair was tied up high, which made her look even more youthful and spirited.

At this moment, she was leaning against a pillar in the backyard, her beautiful eyes filled with obvious jealousy and dissatisfaction as she stared intently at something not far away.

Huang Rong had just finished her morning military duties and was now talking quietly with Lin Xuan by the plum tree, occasionally speaking softly and even with a rare gentle smile.

Especially when Huang Rong's usually calm eyes revealed admiration for Lin Xuan and a hint of barely perceptible dependence, Guo Fu felt a mix of sourness and itch in her heart, as if scratched by a cat's claws.

"Hmph! A disciple who has only been a disciple for a few months, yet Mother favors him so much!" Guo Fu thought indignantly.

She was the apple of her parents' eye from a young age, showered with love and affection. Although her father, Guo Jing, was not good with words, he cherished her like a treasure; her mother, Huang Rong, also doted on her from childhood.

However, Lin Xuan's appearance seemed to change everything.

Huang Rong praised Lin Xuan's diligence and talent. The usually strict and intelligent mother was unusually gentle and approving towards Lin Xuan.

Her mother's attitude towards her was more one of strict guidance and expectations; towards Da Wu and Xiao Wu, she showed the care and concern of an elder. Only towards Lin Xuan did her mother's eyes seem to hold a hint of tenderness and...softness.

This inexplicable intuition, like a thorn, pierced Guo Fu's heart. She couldn't understand why this junior apprentice, who had only been with the school for a few months, could receive such special favor from her mother.

What kind of sorcery did Lin Xuan cast on his mother?

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Finally, unable to contain herself any longer, she took light steps and walked straight towards Lin Xuan.

"Junior Brother Lin is truly skilled, winning my mother's favor." Guo Fu's voice carried a hint of blatant sarcasm, her tone delicate yet every word sharp and eloquent, exuding an overbearing aura.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xuan showed a perfectly measured look of surprise, then respectfully cupped his hands and said, "Senior Sister Guo, you flatter me. I was merely doing my duty."

His humility, however, seemed even more hypocritical to Guo Fu.

Seeing her daughter's tone, Huang Rong frowned slightly and said softly, "Fu'er, don't be rude." Although her tone was soft, it carried an undeniable authority.

Guo Fu was even angrier after being scolded by her mother. Relying on her mother's favor, she was usually fearless, let alone towards this "outsider" who had "stolen" her mother's love.

She turned her beautiful eyes to Lin Xuan, her gaze carrying a hint of provocation: "Junior Brother Lin, I have long heard that you are exceptionally talented, having mastered my mother's martial arts in just a few months. Would you be so kind as to offer some guidance?"

The phrase "benefit your guidance" is extremely harsh and is clearly a public provocation.

Upon hearing this, Huang Rong's expression changed slightly: "Fu'er! Shut up! Lin Xuan is still a novice, how could you..."

"Mother!" Guo Fu interrupted Huang Rong. She stood up straight, her chest rising and falling slightly with each breath, showing the stubbornness and pride unique to young girls.

"Since this is a friendly exchange, we should stop when we've reached our limit. If Junior Brother Lin is hesitant, please speak up; I will not force you."

She emphasized the word "dare not" with particular force, her provocation evident in her words.

Lin Xuan looked at Guo Fu, whose pretty face radiated youthful exuberance and undeniable pride, her eyes flashing with a defiant flame.

He sneered inwardly. This Guo Fu was truly a spoiled young lady, so easily provoked. However, this was exactly the opportunity he needed.

He pretended to ponder, as if he was hesitant, but in reality he was calculating in his mind how to make this "competition" most advantageous to him.

"Since Senior Sister Guo has so kindly invited me, I, your junior brother, will naturally accept. However..." Lin Xuan paused slightly, piquing Guo Fu's curiosity.

"Junior brother, your skills are still rudimentary and your internal strength is shallow. If you were to clash with your senior sister using internal strength, it would probably not benefit her at all, but would instead violate the rules of the martial world."

His tone was sincere, as if he were thinking of Guo Fu: "In my humble opinion, why don't we set aside our internal strength and have a pure martial arts sparring session based solely on the exquisite moves, agile movements, strength, and skills?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Rong frowned again, about to speak up to stop him.

Guo Fu, however, was overjoyed, and her eyes lit up instantly.

Forbidden to use internal energy? This is exactly what she wanted!

She had been learning Peach Blossom Island Kung Fu since elementary school, possessing exquisite moves, solid fist and foot skills, and strength far exceeding that of ordinary people. She believed that although Lin Xuan had only studied for a few months, his internal strength was definitely far inferior to hers. He might be able to please her mother with his cleverness, but when it came to actual fighting, she was certain of victory.

She was proud and eager to prove to her mother that Lin Xuan was "all show and no substance," so she didn't think much about why Lin Xuan would propose such a seemingly disadvantageous condition.

"Okay! It's a deal!" Guo Fu agreed without hesitation, afraid that Lin Xuan would go back on his word.

Her beautiful face was now filled with a confident air of certainty.

Seeing her daughter's expression, Huang Rong opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing. She understood Guo Fu's temperament; once she made a decision, it was difficult to change it.

She also wanted to see just how much Lin Xuan had learned in the past few months, that he dared to compete with Fu'er in "pure martial arts".

The two then went to the martial arts training ground in the Guo residence, which was used specifically for practicing martial arts.

The training ground is paved with bluestone and surrounded by evergreen pines and cypresses, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Guo Fu was the first to stand still, her posture upright, her hands clasped in a fist, her eyes filled with fighting spirit.

She wore a bright green outfit that perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure, radiating youthful health and vitality under the sunlight.

Lin Xuan, still dressed in his ordinary blue robe, remained calm and respectfully bowed to Guo Fu, saying, "Senior Sister, please!"

With Huang Rong's cry of "Begin!", the martial arts competition officially began.

Without the slightest hesitation, Guo Fu launched the first attack. Like a nimble female leopard, she moved with agility and pounced straight at Lin Xuan.

She unleashed the exquisite boxing techniques of Peach Blossom Island, her moves flowing continuously and varied, her finger strikes sharp and fierce, aimed directly at Lin Xuan's vital points.

Her punches and kicks carried the power and ferocity of years of martial arts training. Although she did not use internal energy, her pure physical strength was enough to split rocks and shatter monuments.

Lin Xuan neither dodged nor evaded, his figure swaying slightly. He did not choose to confront Guo Fu head-on, nor did he use any of the exquisite moves that Guo Fu knew.

The footwork he used was extremely basic, yet it carried a hint of the uncanny.

Instead of retreating directly, he shifted to the side with an extremely small movement, barely avoiding the airflow of Guo Fu's fist.

Guo Fu's first punch missed, but her second move followed immediately, the force of the punch carrying the power of her delicate body.

Lin Xuan dodged again with that same tiny movement, as if drifting in the wind.

His movements, though seemingly simple, achieved a state of "neither touching nor separating".

Guo Fu's several moves were all easily neutralized by Lin Xuan, who didn't even manage to touch the hem of her clothes. Her anger was rising.

"Hmph! All you can do is dodge, what kind of skill is that!" she scolded, her attacks becoming even more ferocious.

Her moves became more expansive and powerful; every punch and kick was full of force, accompanied by a whistling sound.

Beneath her silk robe, her delicate body exuded a dazzling power and beauty with every movement. Her full breasts heaved with each breath, and beads of sweat peeked through her smooth forehead and exquisite chin.

Lin Xuan remained calm. The reason he dared to propose forbidding the use of internal energy was because the Yin-Yang Supplementing Technique had undergone a comprehensive transformation of his body over the past few months.

His muscles and bones became more flexible, his muscle density increased, and his reaction speed and explosive power far exceeded those of ordinary people. More importantly, his perception became exceptionally sharp.

He could clearly predict the trajectory of Guo Fu's punches and kicks, and could even sense the slight tremors in her muscles and the direction of her force in advance.

This allowed him to avoid Guo Fu's attacks with minimal movement and effort.

The more aggressively Guo Fu attacked, the harder it became for her to hit her target, and the more frustrated and powerless she felt. Her breathing became heavy, and more and more beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

"This kid is like an eel, impossible to catch!" Guo Fu cursed inwardly.

She suddenly changed her move, her right leg sweeping across Lin Xuan's waist and abdomen like a whip, so fast that the air itself seemed to hiss sharply.

Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly; he didn't completely dodge. Just as Guo Fu's whip kick was about to touch his body, he took a half step back with his left foot, while simultaneously arching his body slightly backward.

His left hand, with an unusual softness yet incredible precision, reached out like a venomous snake.

Just as Guo Fu's whip kick swept across, his fingertips gently traced an acupoint on the outside of her calf.

Those are subtle details that ordinary people would never notice and cannot discern with the naked eye.

Guo Fu felt a sudden numbness in her calf, and a tingling sensation instantly spread throughout her leg. The power of her whip kick dissipated instantly, and her body froze.