Martial Arts Crossover: My Master is Huang Rong

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Author's note: This has been revised; the full version can be found in the group.

Chapter 46: News from Mongolia Again

The lakeside cottage at Mantuo Villa is bathed in golden sunlight today, exuding warmth and coziness.

Madam Wang and Lin Xuan were enjoying tea and chatting in the garden of the villa.

She sat opposite Lin Xuan and personally poured him a cup of Biluochun tea. The delicate aroma of the tea, like fine threads, swirled upwards in the steam, carrying the unique sweetness of Biluochun and a faint hint of herbal fragrance, gently brushing against his nose.

"Junior brother, please have some tea," Madam Wang said softly, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment. "This Biluochun tea is newly made by our estate. Junior brother, please try it and see how it differs from what's sold in the market."

Lin Xuan picked up the teacup, took a sip, and praised, "Clear and sweet, with a long aftertaste, it is far superior to ordinary fine teas. Senior Sister's refined taste is rare in this world."

Upon hearing this, Madam Wang smiled faintly, and the gentle light in her eyes rippled outwards like the first melting of spring water.

"Junior brother, you flatter me. I'm just taking a break and studying some herbs and tea." Her tone carried a hint of tenderness. "If you weren't here, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to appreciate the taste of this tea."

"Senior Sister manages the manor so well and has such refined tastes; she is truly a heroine among women." Lin Xuan smiled faintly, subtly avoiding the ambiguity in her words.

He then turned his attention to the flowers and trees of the manor: "I've heard that Senior Sister has many rare flowers in her manor. I wonder if Junior Brother would be fortunate enough to enjoy them with Senior Sister?"

Madam Wang knew he was changing the subject, and a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by anticipation.

“Why not? Our village’s various camellias are a specialty of Suzhou. If you are interested, Junior Brother, I will certainly show you the way.” As she spoke, the image of walking side by side with Lin Xuan through the flowers appeared in her mind. That beautiful imagination made her cheeks blush slightly.

"But, junior brother, how well do you know about flowers and plants? Don't let your senior sister show off her limited knowledge in front of an expert." She added, finding a natural excuse for her and Lin Xuan to be alone together.

"Junior brother knows a little about flowers and plants, but compared to someone as knowledgeable as senior sister, it's just scratching the surface. I do hope to learn a thing or two from senior sister." Lin Xuan's reply was just right.

Ever since Lin Xuan brought Madam Wang endless joy that night, the aloof Madam Wang seemed to have let down her guard. She no longer deliberately avoided Lin Xuan, but instead treated him more intimately, even taking the initiative to invite him to enjoy tea and chat with her in a lakeside pavilion or a garden full of flowers, as if to make up for the past estrangement.

Lin Xuan's attitude towards Madam Wang was neither proactive nor dismissive.

After nightfall, if Madam Wang invited him to the tea room for a late-night chat, Lin Xuan would go. In the tea room, at Madam Wang's request, he would continue to "massage" her.

Each massage brought Mrs. Wang complete relaxation and bliss.

Just then, another person came into the garden.

Wang Yuyan arrived today wearing a pale yellow silk dress, swaying gently in the breeze.

She watched her mother and Lin Xuan chatting and laughing in the pavilion. On her mother's face, there was a shy, girlish smile that she had never seen before, and her eyes were full of tenderness.

Brother Long is my mother's junior apprentice, and there's nothing wrong with the two getting along well.

But she and Lin Xuan were about the same age, and during their time together, she had come to regard Lin Xuan as someone important to her. Seeing her mother so close to Lin Xuan now, she felt a little awkward that she couldn't quite explain.

She approached the pavilion quietly, a hint of curiosity on her face, but she also stole a glance at Lin Xuan before calling out softly, "Mother, Brother Long, what are you talking about?"

When the two turned to look at her, she turned to Lin Xuan, her tone becoming slightly expectant: "Brother Long, didn't you say today that you wanted to discuss the secrets of that set of hard qigong with me? Yu Yan was just thinking about when she could ask you for advice, but I didn't expect you and Mother to be having such a long talk here."

Lin Xuan looked at Wang Yuyan's charming yet clever appearance and chuckled inwardly, but remained outwardly composed. He maintained his smile and turned gently to Madam Wang with a hint of apology.

“Yu Yan is indeed quite interested in martial arts, as I have noticed. With her so focused, I cannot let her down.”

Madam Wang gently put down her teacup, her gaze sweeping over her daughter before settling on Lin Xuan. Though her expression darkened slightly, she quickly regained her composure.

She said gently, "Yu Yan is indeed obsessed with martial arts. It's her good fortune to receive guidance from you, Junior Brother. Alright, you go with Yu Yan first. As for the rare flowers and plants in the manor, we can admire them together next time when you have some free time."

She said she would have some free time next time, her tone carrying a hint of anticipation.

Watching her daughter affectionately link arms with Lin Xuan and walk together toward the Langhuan Jade Cave, Madam Wang felt an indescribable sense of melancholy.

The days passed slowly at Mantuo Villa.

During the day, Lin Xuan would accompany Wang Yuyan to study martial arts in the Langhuan Jade Cave, allowing Wang Yuyan's martial arts knowledge system to be comprehensively reviewed and improved.

Occasionally, he would also give Shuang'er pointers on practicing the Nine Yin Manual and accompany her to play by Taihu Lake.

At night, he would accept Madam Wang's invitation to perform massage, allowing Li Qingluo to become completely immersed in the experience.

Even amidst this carefree life, Lin Xuan didn't forget his mission. He continued to utilize the Beggars' Sect's intelligence network to monitor Murong Fu's movements at all times.

That day, Lin Xuan took Shuang'er to play by Taihu Lake. They were boating on the lake. A gentle breeze rippled across the surface, and the shimmering waves danced in the sunlight, as if carrying Shuang'er's laughter into the distance.

Shuang'er excitedly pointed to the fishing boats in the distance, her face beaming with an innocent smile. Lin Xuan looked at Shuang'er's carefree smile and felt a warmth fill his heart.

Just then, a white carrier pigeon flew in from the distant twilight and landed precisely on Lin Xuan's arm. A tiny bamboo tube was tied to the pigeon's leg—a special method used by Beggars' Sect disciples to transmit urgent intelligence.

Lin Xuan took the thin strip of paper out of the bamboo tube.

The note contained an urgent intelligence message written in concise handwriting:

"Mysterious men in black are frequently seen entering and leaving Yanziwu in Gusu at night, their actions furtive and suspicious, seemingly in league with Murong Nan. They are numerous and possess extraordinary martial arts skills. They appear to be plotting something big."

After reading the note, a look of seriousness flashed across Lin Xuan's eyes.

Murong Fu has finally begun to act?

"Young Master, what's wrong?" Shuang'er noticed the change in Lin Xuan's expression and asked with concern.

Lin Xuan gently shook his head and put the letter away. He looked towards the faintly visible direction of Yanziwu in the depths of Taihu Lake, his eyes gleaming.

"It's nothing, just some trivial matters in the martial arts world. It seems it's time to take my leave."

It was already evening when they returned to Mantuo Manor. Lin Xuan immediately went to see Madam Wang and Wang Yuyan.

The main hall inside the manor was brightly lit by candlelight, yet it was filled with an atmosphere of impending separation.

Lin Xuan looked at the stunningly beautiful mother and daughter and said in a deep voice, "Senior Sister, Yu Yan, I came here to handle some matters in the martial world. Now that the matter is urgent, I must leave."

When Madam Wang heard the word "departure," her heart skipped a beat, and her breath caught in her throat. She tried her best to maintain the demeanor of a manor lord: "Junior brother, is there any danger on your journey? Judging from your expression, you don't seem at ease."

Lin Xuan smiled slightly and comforted her, "Nothing in the martial world is ever completely easy. But don't worry, Senior Sister, I can handle it."

Madam Wang stepped forward, her brows furrowing slightly, her concern deepening: "Would you like to send some of the manor's elite warriors to accompany you, Senior Sister? Although our Mantuo Manor is not involved in the conflicts of the martial world, we still have many skilled fighters who can lend Junior Brother a hand."

"Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister." Lin Xuan shook his head. "It's just some ordinary matters, which I can handle on my own. Besides, Senior Sister has to stay at the manor to take care of Yu Yan. These days, I've already troubled you a lot by being able to catch up with you and give Yu Yan some pointers on martial arts."

Madam Wang felt a warmth in her heart, but also a deeper sense of loss. How she wished she could have an excuse to keep him here, or to travel with him. She bit her lower lip, hesitating to speak, but ultimately swallowed back the words of pleading.

Wang Yuyan stepped forward, her eyes brimming with tears as she gazed at Lin Xuan, her voice tinged with reluctance: "I wish Brother Long all the best, and please come back to visit Yuyan when you have time!"

She discovered that although the time she spent with Lin Xuan was not long, since his arrival, her world was no longer just about martial arts and the faint shadow of her cousin Murong Fu.

Lin Xuan's companionship brought her unprecedented joy and warmth. She hadn't even thought of Murong Fu for a very, very long time.

As Lin Xuan was about to leave, a piece of her heart, which had just been warmed by him, was ripped out again, leaving a huge void.

Lin Xuan looked at Wang Yuyan's beautiful face, gently patted her shoulder, and said in a tender voice, "All good things must come to an end. But don't worry, we'll meet again soon."

He turned to look at Madam Wang, his gaze carrying a profound meaning: "Senior Sister, of course, we will meet again soon."

Madam Wang's eyes flickered, and her voice trembled slightly.

“Junior brother, I am so grateful for your care these past few days. I do feel much better. I will remember this. If you encounter any inconvenience or difficulties during your departure, please send someone back to Mantuo Manor to let me know. No matter what, the gates of Mantuo Manor will always be open to you.”

As she spoke, her gaze was fixed on Lin Xuan, as if she wanted to etch his image deep into her soul.

Lin Xuan nodded slightly, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. Looking at the deeply affectionate mother and daughter before him, he thought to himself: When the truth comes out, and these two understand who Long Aotian really is, what expressions will they have then?

"Senior sister, Yu Yan. We'll meet again." Lin Xuan said no more. He turned around and took Shuang'er's hand.

"Shuang'er, let's go."

"Yes, young master." Shuang'er replied obediently, curtsied to Madam Wang and Wang Yuyan, and then followed closely to Lin Xuan's side.

The two stepped out of the main hall, their figures quickly disappearing into the deep night of Mantuo Manor.

On the lake, a covered boat is already waiting.

The boatman respectfully helped the two onto the boat, then gently rowed the oars, and the small boat slowly parted the moonlit reflection of Taihu Lake, heading towards Suzhou.

At the bow of the ship, Lin Xuan stood with his hands behind his back, his sharp gaze fixed on the distant Swallow Dock hidden in the night.

Murong Fu, Murong Fu, let's see what tricks you're up to?

Chapter 47: Nighttime Intrusion into Swallow's Nest

The night at Taihu Lake is a deep, inky black.

Outside Suzhou, in a lakeside inn, Lin Xuan and Shuang'er had settled in.

After dinner, Lin Xuan took the teacup, his fingertips touching its warmth. The fragrant tea dispelled the damp chill of the night wind blowing across Taihu Lake outside the window. He took a small sip, his gaze falling on Shuang'er's slightly lowered eyelashes.

"Shuang'er, you should rest first. I have some things to take care of late at night, so don't wait for me." Lin Xuan's voice softened.

Upon hearing this, Shuang'er unconsciously twisted the hem of her dress with her slender fingers. Although she didn't ask any further questions, a trace of worry, difficult to conceal, flashed across her clear eyes. She softly replied:

"Then young master must be careful and return safely."

As night deepened, the moonlight, as silvery as silver, spilled across the vast surface of Taihu Lake, casting a cool, luminous glow upon its inky blackness.

Lin Xuan changed into a jet-black outfit, perfectly blending his figure into the night.

His face was covered with a black cloth, revealing only his eyes, which were as deep as an ancient well and as sharp as a hawk, as if they could pierce through the night and see through everything.

He concealed his aura, his steps so light they seemed weightless, like a night owl spreading its wings, silently leaping out of the inn's window.

In just a few leaps and bounds, we arrived at the shore of Taihu Lake.

In the distance, to the northwest of the island where Mantuo Manor is located, willow-lined embankments and pavilions are faintly visible. That distinctive manor is none other than the Murong family's territory—Yanziwu.

The waterways of Yanziwu are complex, and although there are many sentries and guards, they are far less formidable than the Mongol army's battle formations.

Lin Xuan's lightness skill was superb. He lightly touched the lake surface with his toes, and his figure was like a piece of duckweed skimming across the water, hardly stirring up the slightest ripple.

He avoided the patrol boats and torches, and found a secluded bamboo path to reach the island.

As soon as Lin Xuan set foot on the island, he felt an unusually solemn atmosphere.

The night was deep, but Swallow's Nest was brightly lit and filled with people. The number of patrolling guards and servants was far greater than usual, and each of them exuded a calm and collected demeanor, clearly well-trained and highly vigilant.

An indescribable sense of chilling tension permeated the air, a quality not found in ordinary martial arts gangs.

Lin Xuan's figure moved like a ghost among the pavilions, waterside terraces, and artificial hills, silently infiltrating the core area of ​​Yanziwu.

The enhanced senses from the Yin-Yang Supplementation Technique are like an invisible net, completely enveloping the surroundings.

Even through several courtyard walls, the faintest breathing sounds, the rustling of grass in the wind, and even a hint of unusual fragrance could not escape his perception.

He sensed several profound internal energies faintly appearing, clearly indicating the presence of a martial arts master.

Suddenly, Lin Xuan's steps came to a quiet stop behind a rugged artificial hill.

Not far ahead, a brightly lit pavilion with carved railings and painted beams stood out. Several figures emerged from the pavilion, and the one in the lead made Lin Xuan's gaze freeze instantly.

He was a handsome young man.

Even when disguised as a man, that face could not conceal its unparalleled elegance.

Her eyebrows were as delicate as distant mountains, yet her eyes, though seemingly calm, possessed a sharp and profound quality. Her nose was straight and elegant, and her lips, though naturally red, exuded an undeniable air of heroism when slightly pursed.

Her skin was as white as jade, gleaming with a lustrous sheen under the lamplight, as if reflecting the desires in people's hearts. A wonderful fusion of heroism and allure clung to her, not deliberately crafted, but naturally occurring, making her unforgettable.

Her long, jade-like neck peeked out from the collar, appearing even more delicate and charming against the backdrop of the loose men's clothing.

Lin Xuan's eyes were sharp, taking in everything.

The deliberately restrictive brocade robe did not completely conceal her exquisite curves. Beneath the thin gauze, her budding breasts possessed a delicate elasticity unique to young girls and a breathtaking allure before maturity.

Her slender waist, which could be encircled by a single hand, was faintly visible beneath the leather belt, revealing a lean yet powerful figure. As she walked gracefully, the swaying of her robes subtly revealed the shapely, rounded curves of her hips, sparking the imagination.

She was clearly an exceptionally beautiful and spirited woman!

Behind this "young master," two figures familiar to Lin Xuan followed closely.

The Two Elders of Xuanming! Lu Zhangke and Hebi Weng!

Lin Xuan's heart skipped a beat. These two old guys—he'd been struck by one of their palms last time—and now they were meeting here?

The two elders of Xuanming were now completely submissive, treating this woman as their master. Combined with her extraordinary demeanor and the identities of the two elders of Xuanming…

Lin Xuan instantly had the answer in his mind: Princess Zhao Min, the daughter of the Prince of Ruyang of Mongolia, who was exceptionally intelligent.

She's actually already in the Central Plains, and in Yanziwu no less. Interesting.

Lin Xuan held his breath, completely concealing his aura and merging it into the shadow of the artificial mountain, remaining completely still.

Just then, another figure appeared at the end of the corridor. He was dressed in a blue robe, handsome, but with an inescapable air of gloom.

It was Murong Fu.

Murong Fu quickly approached Zhao Min, a respectful smile on his face, his posture not arrogant.

"I am deeply sorry for not welcoming you properly, Princess. Did you enjoy my advice last time?" Murong Fu asked, bowing slightly, his tone tinged with a hint of probing.