Martial Arts Crossover: My Master is Huang Rong

Chapter 59: The Shifting Stars

A few more days passed.

The sky and the lake of Taihu Lake seem to be tinged with ink, imbued with a sense of solitude.

During the day, Lin Xuan remains the same "Crane in the Clouds".

He frequented Yanziwu, spewing vulgarities and behaving frivolously and lewdly, vividly portraying a genuine lecherous thief.

Although Murong Fu had many doubts, seeing that "Yun Zhonghe" showed no interest in anything serious except for eating, drinking, gambling, and whoring, he relaxed his guard a little.

However, as the daytime hustle and bustle subsided, Lin Xuan's heart drifted to another part of Yanziwu.

Every night, when all is quiet.

He slipped out of his residence silently, like a ghost, and moved with lightning speed, heading straight for the Huanshi Water Pavilion.

That place holds the true essence of the Murong family's martial arts.

Huanshi Water Pavilion, built by the water, is magnificent with its carved eaves and painted beams.

The pavilion contains a vast collection of books, all of which are martial arts classics from various schools of martial arts.

Lin Xuan moved through it all as if he were in his own water.

He didn't just skim through them; instead, he used his photographic memory to absorb all the martial arts techniques from both orthodox and unorthodox schools, making them his own.

He discovered that the Murong family's collection of martial arts techniques was far more systematic and comprehensive than that of the Langhuan Jade Cave in Mantuo Manor, covering almost all the well-known martial arts techniques in the Central Plains.

This undoubtedly greatly expanded his martial arts repertoire.

The greatest gain, however, was the Murong family's secret technique—the Shifting Stars.

Lin Xuan found it on the bookshelf at the deepest part of the attic.

As time passed, he became famous throughout the world for "using their own methods against them."

According to the principles of this martial art, its upper limit is almost invincible; it can withstand and counter any move. Lin Xuan has always been extremely interested in this.

He sat cross-legged on the ground and began to study this unparalleled skill.

His method of study was quite different from that of ordinary people. He did not rush to understand the moves, but instead first copied all the mental techniques, formulas, and diagram variations deep into his mind.

With his extraordinary memory and comprehension, he began to slowly digest the information in his mind.

The essence of the "shifting stars" technique is not simply using someone else's strength against them, but a higher level of "neutralizing force and counterattacking".

It requires practitioners to have a keen insight into the force, direction, internal energy attributes, and even the martial arts philosophy of the enemy's attack.

At the moment of contact, it is not a direct confrontation, but rather the use of one's own internal force to create a subtle vortex of force field, guiding, distorting, or even reversing the opponent's force.

Finally, they retaliate with even greater and more unpredictable force than their opponent had initially possessed.

This martial art doesn't require a high level of internal strength, but it demands the utmost purity, flexibility, and control over that internal strength.

Furthermore, it requires practitioners to have a comprehensive understanding of all martial arts in the world in order to be able to discern the enemy's moves in an instant and find weaknesses and ways to counterattack.

"Amazing!"

Lin Xuan couldn't help but admire it.

"This 'Shifting Stars' technique is a perfect match for my 'Minor Formless Skill'!"

The essence of the "Xiao Wuxiang Gong" lies in its "formlessness and tracelessness," capable of mimicking the internal energy fluctuations and stylistic essence of any martial art. It is like a perfect blank sheet of paper, from which any form of martial art can be freely depicted.

The shifting of stars and the changing of the seasons are like a divine stroke of genius, capable of capturing and reversing any stroke of the pen that falls on the paper.

When the two are combined, their power is more than doubled.

In his mind, a vast training ground instantly appeared.

The fierce power of Shaolin Luohan Fist, the graceful flow of Wudang swordplay, the majestic grandeur of Songshan swordplay, and the elegant fluidity of Hengshan swordplay…

He transformed all the martial arts techniques he had memorized in the Langhuan Jade Cave and Huanshi Water Pavilion into virtual attacks, repeatedly rehearsing them in his mind.

He then incorporated the mental techniques and formulas of "Shifting Stars" into it.

Continuously revise and improve.

When the simulation in his mind became perfect, Lin Xuan finally opened his eyes and began actual cultivation.

In just a few nights.

Lin Xuan had thoroughly understood this unparalleled skill that the Murong clan was so proud of, knowing it completely from the inside out.

He was confident that he could instantly catch any attack from his opponent and deflect it back in a more sophisticated way.

"Using their own methods against them... Murong Fu, I've mastered your 'Star Shift' technique even better than you."

A confident smile curved Lin Xuan's lips, and a glint of light flashed deep in his eyes.

In addition to the tremendous gains in martial arts skills, there were also unexpected surprises.

After memorizing all the books in Huanshi Water Pavilion, his extraordinary perception did not calm down.

The slightest sense of incongruity could not escape his detection.

He began to carefully explore the entire Huanshi Water Pavilion.

Finally, in the deepest part of the attic, in an inconspicuous storage room, he discovered the clue.

It was a row of seemingly ordinary bookshelves, piled high with dusty old books.

But Lin Xuan's senses clearly told him that the wall behind the bookshelf was hollow.

He moved like a ghost, avoiding all possible traps, and silently moved the bookshelf.

Sure enough, a hidden door controlled by an ingenious mechanism appeared before them.

Entering through the hidden door, one finds a rather elegant secret room.

The desk was fully equipped with writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, clearly indicating that this was where Murong Fu usually handled confidential matters.

Lin Xuan's gaze swept across every corner like that of a hawk.

Soon, his gaze settled on an inconspicuous bookcase next to the desk.

He stepped forward, his fingertips gently gliding across the wood grain, feeling the subtle seams between the pieces.

"Here."

He found a barely noticeable bump and pressed it gently.

With a soft click, a hidden compartment on the side of the bookcase silently popped open.

Inside the hidden compartment lay a thick stack of yellowed parchment scrolls, along with several letters tightly sealed with sealing wax.

The wax seal was engraved with a totem of a wolf howling at the moon, full of exotic charm, and definitely not from the Central Plains.

Lin Xuan took it out and quickly flipped through it, reading ten lines at a glance.

These letters and scrolls, without exception, are irrefutable evidence of Murong Fu's dealings with the Mongol high command!

The handwriting on the letter was Murong Fu's.

But the words were so humble they were practically dust, filled with flattery and fawning.

Where is even a trace of the charisma of Murong Fu in the martial arts world?

He painted a grand picture for the Mongols, attempting to use their power to restore his illusory Great Yan Kingdom.

In the letter, he belittled the Song Dynasty, calling its court incompetent, its army weak and vulnerable.

The Murong family was willing to act as internal agents in the heart of the Central Plains when the Mongol army marched south, creating chaos, opening a breach, and helping the Mongol cavalry to advance deep into the country and destroy the Song Dynasty in one fell swoop!

"What a pipe dream!"

Lin Xuan sneered inwardly.

Given the strength of the Mongols, if they were truly going to march south, why would they need a mere Murong Fu to act as an inside agent?

They simply want to exploit him, this mad dog eager to restore his kingdom.

Lin Xuan continued reading, gradually piecing together the whole story.

It turns out that the defection of Murong Fu within Mongolia was not a monolithic movement.

Some of the pro-war faction were indeed quite tempted by Murong Fu's plan, believing that it could create chaos in the Central Plains with minimal effort, thus greatly reducing losses.

But many conservatives scoffed at the idea.

They didn't trust Murong Fu at all.

How can someone who can betray his own country and nation without hesitation guarantee his loyalty to Mongolia?

Opposition reached its peak when Murong Fu made exorbitant demands, requiring the Mongols to provide provisions, weapons, and even direct military support should any action be taken.

"Are they trying to fool people?" Lin Xuan thought to himself.

The letter also revealed a crucial piece of information.

This time, Princess Zhao Min, the daughter of the powerful Prince Ruyang, personally visited Yanziwu as a representative of various factions within the Mongolian high command.

Her purpose in coming here was to finally assess Murong Fu as a person and the feasibility of his entire plan.

She holds the final decision-making power.

As long as Zhao Min nods in approval, all dissent within Mongolia will be suppressed, and the aid plan will be officially launched.

No wonder Murong Fu adopted such a humble posture in front of Zhao Min.

Because he placed all his hopes for the revival of the Great Yan on this young Mongol princess.

He even thought he had found a shortcut to imperial power.

Lin Xuan meticulously restored the place to its original state and closed the cabinet door.

He left the secret room silently with the secret letter and scroll, as if he had never been there at all.

Chapter Sixty: The Princess's Questioning

Swallow's Nest.

The bright moon hung high in the sky, its gentle light spilling into Zhao Min's bedroom.

Inside, the elegant aromatherapy and faint floral scent filled the air, but they could not dispel the deep gloom between her brows.

She sat before her dressing table, her face reflected in the mirror, a stunning beauty beyond compare. Yet, her starry eyes were now covered with frost, exuding a chilling aura that sent shivers down one's spine.

Her cold, jade-like fingers slowly traced her crimson lips. There, it seemed, still lingered the warmth of that despicable, lecherous thief's domineering and disgusting hand from that night, and the unforgettable sense of humiliation.

"Husband...Father..."

These few words alone caused Zhao Min's delicate body to tremble uncontrollably. An indescribable shame and anger surged up like a tidal wave, almost drowning her.

She, the dignified Princess Shaomin of the Great Yuan Dynasty, had never suffered such a humiliation! To be humiliated in her own room in such a way by a lecherous scoundrel who appeared out of nowhere!

What she found even more unbearable was that the lecherous thief had also taken the jade pendant that her deceased mother had left her.

She was once a master strategist, commanding the world like a chessboard. But that night, she was like a caged bird, helpless and powerless to fight back. This defeat and humiliation were branded into her heart, unforgettable.

However, Zhao Min was no ordinary woman. Her inherent pride and composure allowed her to maintain a clear head even when on the verge of rage.

First and foremost, this matter must not be leaked! If word gets out, Zhao Min's prestige and reputation will be completely destroyed. This is not only a personal disgrace for her, but also a blatant disrespect to the Great Yuan Dynasty!

Therefore, she didn't mention the humiliation she suffered. She only privately gathered a few trusted confidants, including the two elders of Xuanming, and several secret agents who were well-versed in the ways of the martial world and skilled in tracking.

Her face was icy as she described the characteristics of a "lecherous thief": tall and thin, highly skilled in martial arts, adept at light footwork, and speaking in a vulgar manner with a slight Western Region accent...

Soon, the spy's report reached Zhao Min. Several detailed investigation reports unanimously pointed to Yun Zhonghe, the "most vicious" of the Four Evils.

The report details Yun Zhonghe's physical characteristics, martial arts style, and his notorious reputation in the martial arts world for being lecherous and vulgar, which almost perfectly matches Zhao Min's description of him as a "lecherous thief."

“Yun Zhonghe…” Zhao Min murmured the name, a dangerous glint in her eyes.

Zhao Min was extremely intelligent. After thinking it over carefully, she suspected that the lecherous thief that night probably did not sneak into Yanziwu from the outside, but that this person was inside Yanziwu!

This thought sharpened Zhao Min's gaze. Yanziwu was Murong Fu's territory. If this person was in Yanziwu, then Murong Fu might also know...

That night, Zhao Min summoned Murong Fu again.

She wore a deep purple palace dress that accentuated her tall and slender figure, yet exuded an aura of majesty that commanded respect.

She sat in the main seat, her temperament as aloof as the moon, her gaze sharp as a knife, making Murong Fu's heart tremble.

"Young Master Murong, the grand plan between our Great Yuan and your Murong family has reached a critical juncture." Zhao Min's voice was cold and devoid of any emotion. "I have invited you here today to inquire whether anything unusual has occurred in Yanziwu recently, or whether any other martial arts figures have taken up residence at Young Master Murong's manor."

Murong Fu's heart tightened. Yun Zhonghe and Yue Laosan were pawns he secretly used in his collaboration with the Four Evils to intimidate the martial arts world and create chaos. This was related to his secret plan, and he hadn't wanted Zhao Min to know.