In early March, Huo Tianqing challenged Ximen Chuixue to compete for the top spot on the Tiger List. After a hundred-move battle, he died.
Then, the two elders of Shangshan, Tiansong Yunhe, and many experts from the Tianqin Sect stormed Ximen Manor and slaughtered all the servants, young and old, numbering over a hundred. At that time, the entire manor was stained red with blood.
After killing Shanxi Yan, a pair of iron-palm warriors who were famous throughout Guanzhong, Ximen Chuixue killed Tian Song Yunhe, a renowned figure in the martial arts world. At the same time, Ximen Chuixue was completely powerless to fight anymore.
At the critical moment, Lu Xiaofeng displayed the true strength of a master on the Heavenly Ranking, withstanding the deadly blow that the two elders of Shangshan were determined to deliver, and directly saving Ximen Chuixue's life. Afterwards, his friend Sikong Zhaixing took Ximen Chuixue away.
In this battle, half of the experts of the entire Tianqin Sect were killed or wounded. Afterwards, a total of one million taels of silver was distributed throughout the martial arts world. Regardless of the method, anyone who killed Ximen Chuixue would receive this enormous sum.
"Not bad, not bad. Although I don't know how you planned this, Shi A, I have to say that the entire Tianqin Sect has been cornered. They've even brought out a million taels of silver. Add to that the lure of being number one on the Tiger Ranking, and the martial world is really getting lively now," Lin Yang said with a smile.
"Yes, as you know, public opinion can be devastating. Now, Ximen Chuixue's reputation in the martial arts world is completely ruined. Even Lu Xiaofeng, who has friends all over the world, is having a very uneasy time."
"I really didn't expect that Lu Xiaofeng and Ximen Chuixue could turn the entire martial arts world into such a mess," Cai Yan said with some surprise.
Originally, she thought that Ximen Chuixue, alone, might die soon. If that happened, the turmoil would stop again.
But who could have imagined that this person would grow stronger and more courageous with each battle, coupled with his excessive bloodlust? A slight provocation would lead to situations where he would draw his sword and kill without a second thought.
Now, all the major sects in the martial arts world have been offended by Ximen Chuixue. Moreover, they have no choice but to bite the bullet and avenge their disciples and friends. As for who was truly to blame, that's a complete mess. At this point, the only option is to continue the killing until one side finally stops.
"Haha, this is nothing. There are plenty of people in the martial arts world who will kill each other at the slightest disagreement. As long as you take advantage of this and the information asymmetry, it's really too easy to set up a conspiracy," Shi A said with a smile.
In his view, this group of江湖人士 (jianghu figures) were far too immature. They were all incredibly short-tempered, like powder kegs ready to explode at any moment; they were simply too irrational.
"However, it's not enough. The martial world is still not chaotic enough. Although, young people and even many small sects are caught up in the struggle for a place on the Tiger Ranking every day, unable to extricate themselves."
"However, major sects like Shaolin, Wudang, Huashan, and Kunlun remain unscathed, sitting firmly on their laurels. In fact, those cunning old foxes will use this as a test for their disciples. Those who succeed in the test will naturally become even more powerful," Shi A said, suddenly frowning.
If you say that by now those major martial arts sects haven't discovered the imperial court's underhanded tactics, Shi A would be the first to disbelieve it. Moreover, how could things have gone so smoothly without the imperial court's own intervention and the covert support of these major sects?
After all, most of those who died were independent practitioners. Disciples from the major sects with strong foundations and backgrounds had a much higher survival rate. Moreover, it would also eliminate those promising and thriving smaller sects—why not?
"It's alright, they're not moving because nothing truly worth taking action has come up. So, all we need to do is bring out some real stuff."
"That depends on you, Brother Shi. Extract some valuable information from the first, or even second and third tiers of martial arts knowledge in the main world. Ideally, it should be something that allows you to break through immediately after acquiring it, along with some quick-learning methods. Of course, you must leave some backup plans among these methods," Lin Yang said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Shi A's eyes widened instantly, and he couldn't help but gasp. Wow, these scholars are truly insidious beyond belief. But why am I so excited about this method myself?
No, I'm a good person. I must have been bewitched by this scholar, Lin Yang!
"Don't worry, Feipeng, this is my specialty. I guarantee I'll make them reach the Acquired Realm in one day, the Innate Realm in one month, the Innate Realm peak in three months, and die in six months." Shi A's eyes gleamed as he patted his chest and said.
"Moreover, these martial arts figures are also excellent test subjects. Brother Shi can use them for experiments. I believe that once you have this data, your strength will also improve by leaps and bounds," Lin Yang said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Shi A's eyes lit up even more. Yes, even his fellow disciples didn't have such favorable conditions. Lab rats were everywhere, experiments could be conducted at will, and there was no responsibility. Moreover, these lab rats were all volunteers.
In the main world, even a simple lab mouse would be incredibly expensive. A series of treaties would need to be signed to eliminate all concerns before anyone would agree.
Moreover, these guinea pigs are often hopeless and of poor quality. The worst part is that even with so many flaws, you still can't afford to use them.
If you miss this opportunity, where else can you find such a good deal?
"Okay, thanks to Feipeng for reminding me. I'll go prepare now." With that, Shi A left happily.
"How did you come up with such a despicable idea? But, it's a willing buyer and a willing seller, so no one can find fault with it. It seems I need to bring out my Su Nu Kung Fu as well." Cai Yan looked at Lin Yang's head and said with a smile.
Hearing this, Lin Yang couldn't help but laugh. This was all from the original owner's memories. Although it was somewhat immoral, it was still a matter of mutual consent. You didn't force anyone, and the other person was completely willing. What can you say about something so consensual?
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Chapter Thirty-Two: The Martial Ancestor's Secret Scroll
Chaos reigned, utter chaos erupted, the entire martial arts world descended into complete disarray. If the previous incident involving Ximen Chuixue's murders was merely a minor disturbance, then this was now a massive, all-encompassing chaos that swept across the entire martial arts world, affecting all sects.
The story begins with a group of tomb raiders. They inadvertently unearthed a cenotaph. Inside, numerous treasures of various styles, unlike anything they had ever seen before, were buried with the deceased. In addition, there were many paintings and calligraphic works of art, among other things.
However, none of these are the most important things. The most important thing is that these tomb raiders actually unearthed hundreds of martial arts manuals from the cenotaph. That's incredible! Hundreds of high-quality, expensive, and uniquely made martial arts manuals would be an enormous fortune in the martial arts world.
Furthermore, by reading these ancient texts, the tomb raiders discovered that the tomb's owner was actually a disciple of the Martial Ancestor. Inside the tomb was also a scroll containing divine martial arts techniques personally written by the Martial Ancestor.
Through slight cultivation, this man, who was originally just a second-rate tomb raider, suddenly entered the Innate Realm. Later, based on fragments of information in these ancient books, he even found the tombs of the remaining seventeen disciples of the Martial Ancestor, totaling eighteen volumes.
However, at that moment, he was betrayed. He was ambushed by his own companions. As a result, during the battle, these martial arts manuals were revealed. Thousands of martial arts manuals instantly set the entire martial arts world in an uproar.
...
Beside a precipice, a pitifully thin little girl with skin so dark it was almost unrecognizable was running ahead. As she ran, her hands were tightly clutched to her chest, as if protecting something. Behind her followed four large monks.
"Haha, little girl, you've offended our Ghost Manor, and you still dare to come out? Hand over the Martial Ancestor's Secret Scroll obediently, and I'll give you a quick death!" A burly, fierce-looking monk with a bare chest said viciously.
"Yes, little vixen, why don't you hand her over? Do you perhaps want to consummate your relationship with me?" the monk beside him laughed loudly.
Besides them, there were two monks beside them. Together, the four of them were the famous Five Arhats of Shaolin. However, now, only four remain.
Strangely, the four Arhats, usually so fierce, made no move, offering only verbal threats. Furthermore, a closer look revealed that while they appeared nonchalant, they were actually commanding attention, their energy and spirit at their peak. They seemed to be on guard against something.
"Heh heh, you hypocritical old monk, I could smell your sour stench from a distance. What, you're all here, yet you're too scared to come out?" Tiger Arhat said loudly.
"Amitabha"
A Buddhist chant, as resounding as a grand bell, suddenly rang out. At the same time, a profound, compassionate, and luminous aura followed. The four Arhats immediately focused their attention on their dantian (lower abdomen), releasing their inner energy to firmly block the chant.
What's strange is that this highly aggressive Buddhist chant had absolutely no effect on the little girl beside him. It must be said that, even before the person appeared, this lion's roar alone was enough to prove his profound skill.
"Great Compassion, you are as hypocritical as ever. If I hadn't exposed your true intentions, you would have waited until I killed this young girl before trying to seize the Martial Ancestor's Secret Scroll!" Tiger Arhat shouted.
Upon hearing this, the little girl, who had been overjoyed and felt saved, suddenly turned pale. Over the past few months, in order to preserve this scroll of the Martial Ancestor's secrets that she had obtained by chance, the clever little girl had witnessed the wickedness of many people.
"Amitabha, I never imagined that my momentary leniency back then would lead me to such a grave mistake. Today, let this old monk resolve this error." As soon as he finished speaking, the Great Compassion Manifestation himself rushed over.