Chapter 157 Mingjiao Five Elements, Sword Armor and Cool Knife Come
weird
Yes, weird.

This is the current situation in the Ming Dynasty, and it is also the feeling of many people.

From the surface, the new saint appeared in the world, shaking the nine continents, and the entire Ming Dynasty was thriving.

As Wang Yangming appeared in the capital, everyone's attention was drawn here.

Whether it was the court or the martial arts world, everything was peaceful.

But many people clearly felt that beneath this calmness, there seemed to be some huge waves hidden.

People in the capital city don't feel it very clearly yet.

After all, when Wang Yangming came to Beijing, with this great god around, even if anyone had any ulterior motives, they would have to restrain themselves.

But other places give people an extremely weird feeling, especially the martial arts world.

It seems that the martial arts world and the imperial court are two separate paths that have nothing to do with each other.

But in fact this is not the case.

Especially in the Ming Dynasty.

The Hongwu Emperor, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, was born in a humble family. Before he became famous, he had been involved in the martial arts world and had connections with Buddhism, Taoism, and even some underworld forces.

This made the Ming Dynasty naturally have a wild atmosphere after its founding.

Among all the countries, the Ming Dynasty is the one with the closest ties to the martial arts world.

To be precise, the underworld of the Ming Dynasty was more like an extension of the imperial court.

Like the East Factory, the Hulong Villa, and even the Jinyiwei, although they are special power agencies of the imperial court, to some extent, they are also quite like martial arts sects.

The various factions in the Ming Dynasty's underworld seem independent, but in fact they are all inextricably linked with the factions in the imperial court.

This situation is extremely special among all the countries in Kyushu.

Like other countries, whether it is Zhao Gou of Liyang, Hou Wei of the Sui Dynasty, or even similar departments of Beiliang, Beimang, and even the Song Dynasty, although they are also full of masters, they do not have the characteristics of the Ming Dynasty.

And now, some unpredictable events seem to be happening in the underworld of the Ming Dynasty.

Of course, since the day the martial arts world came into being, there has never been true peace.

Just like the news that Gao Changsheng learned some time ago, the various forces led by Lu Xiaofeng's friends and the Yaoyue Yihua Palace were in fierce conflict.

And now, another bigger storm has begun to brew, or it can be said that it has already been brewing, and now all we have to wait for is the time for it to break out.

News in the underworld always spreads quickly.

It was impossible to hide the fact that a mysterious person broke into the Emei Sect and stole a large number of secret manuals.

There are also reports that the Sword of the Heavenly Sword, which has always been kept in the hands of the head of Emei, is also likely to have been taken away.

The person who did this was most likely a master from the Zoroastrianism. Some even suspected that it was Yang Xiao, the Left Emissary who was now in charge of Guangmingding, who did it personally.

You have to know that Emei is a major martial arts sect after all. Even if Dugu Yihe is not at the mountain gate, not just anyone can bully them.

Although the Zoroastrian Ming Cult was once prosperous, it has been getting weaker and weaker since the disappearance of Yang Dingtian. Now, apart from Yang Xiao, there are no other masters on the Bright Summit.

Especially since Yang Xiao had a criminal record. He once secretly broke into Mount Emei, defeated Master Miejue's senior brother Gu Hongzi, and snatched the Sword of the Heavenly Sword.

However, that time, Yang Xiao did not take the sword away, but just threw it there casually. It was this behavior that directly angered the childhood sweetheart of Master Miejue to death.

So after this incident happened, not only Master Miejue, but everyone in the martial arts world who knew a little about this matter, was the first to suspect Yang Xiao and the Zoroastrianism.

Then, everyone's attention turned to Emei.

Break into the mountain gate and loot books, not to mention the sect's treasured sword.

This would be an absolute shame and humiliation no matter which sect it happened to, let alone a righteous sect like Emei.

Especially Nun Miejue, who was famous for her hot temper and ruthless behavior.

Not to mention, the biggest suspect is Yang Xiao, the Zoroastrian who the other party hates the most.

Just think about it and you will know that Master Miejue will definitely not give up.

What happened next was just as everyone expected, and even exceeded most people's expectations.

All the direct disciples of the Emei Sect left the mountains and headed straight for Huashan, Kongtong, Kunlun and other major righteous sects, while Master Miejue herself went straight to Wudang Mountain.

The message revealed by such a large-scale action is already obvious.

It is obvious that Master Miejue is preparing to fight a decisive battle with the Zoroastrianism in one go.

If this happened in the martial arts world, it would be considered a shocking event.

For a time, the entire martial arts world was in turmoil.

And in the capital of the Ming Dynasty.

There was also unrest in the court.

In the palace, Zhu Houzhao slumped in a chair, constantly rubbing his eyebrows.

As Wang Yangming came to Beijing, everything was developing in his favor.

But everything can't go so smoothly after all.

Just now, he went through a hardship.

In the court, officials from the six ministries united and made an unprecedented remonstration.

In particular, some old antiques who had gone through several dynasties almost died in the court.

The reason was that he handed over the Jinyiwei to Gao Changsheng without saying a word.

Although many upright civil officials have always looked down upon institutions like the Eastern Depot and the Imperial Uniform Guard, it does not mean that they are unaware of the importance of the power that the Imperial Uniform Guard holds.

Such an organization was actually handed over to people from other countries. No wonder civil and military officials united together for the unprecedented time.

Dozens of old men with white hair and beards were yelling at the tyrant at the top of their lungs. That was definitely not a pleasant feeling.

"Your Majesty, this incident..." Lu Bing at the side spoke in a low voice.

Zhu Houzhao waved his hand and said, "I understand. Someone is behind this. It's obvious that my uncle is getting restless."

The matter was revealed in just one sentence, and it was obvious that Zhu Houzhao did not want to continue communicating on this matter.

"No movement from Gao Changsheng's side?"

Lu Bing shook his head.

"This person's behavior is really strange. He has been staying in Huashan without any deliberate actions."

"Moreover, after the Jinyiwei left the capital, they also ran around everywhere, and there was no sign of anything at all."

"I have contacted Qinglong and several others, but they were also vague and did not understand Gao Changsheng's purpose."

At this point, Lu Bing paused and said, "I suspect that the Jinyiwei may just be a cover, a target used by Gao Changsheng to attract our attention."

Zhu Houzhao nodded.

At this moment, Cao Zhengchun on the side also suddenly spoke.

"I do have a guess."

"Oh? Tell me about it?" Zhu Houzhao turned his head.

"A big event has happened in the martial arts world. Nun Miejue of the Emei Sect is contacting various sects to besiege Guangmingding, and the Huashan Sect is one of them."

"Also, Dai Qisi has now joined Gao Changsheng, who is the former Purple-Robed Dragon King of the Zoroastrianism."

"Combining all of this, could it be that Gao Changsheng's target is the Zoroastrianism?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhu Houzhao and Lu Bing's eyes lit up at the same time.

Zoroastrianism has long been in decline, and as for the combat power of its top leaders, it is definitely impossible for it to attract Gao Changsheng's attention.

However, there is one thing that makes Zoroastrianism very different from other martial arts sects, and that is that the Five Elements Flag under its jurisdiction is organized entirely in the form of a regular army.

In other words, although Zoroastrianism is a martial arts sect, it is a sect that controls the army.

It is normal for Gao Changsheng to be interested in the military.

"Your Majesty..." Lu Bing spoke urgently.

If Gao Changsheng's target is really Zoroastrianism, or if he succeeds in doing this, it will not be a trivial matter.

If someone like Gao Changsheng had an army in his hands, God knows what he could do.

But Zhu Houzhao waved his hand.

"No rush..."

"Your Majesty, if it comes true, it will be too late." Lu Bing said anxiously.

"It's just speculation after all."

Zhu Houzhao chuckled.

"Since Taizu, Zoroastrianism has always been under the supervision of the imperial court. After all, how could the imperial court not pay attention to an army that has always been out of control?"

"Moreover, previous emperors have also suppressed Zoroastrianism to varying degrees."

"Today, Zoroastrianism is only confined to a corner of the Western Regions."

"If it weren't for their army, which has always been fighting against the northern tribes, and their location, which could have served as a barrier for the Ming Dynasty, the Five Elements Flag of the Zoroastrianism would not have survived to this day."

Zhu Houzhao's voice was unusually calm, and there was no trace of panic on his face.

"The Five Elements Flags are indeed good. What Cao Banban said makes some sense. Gao Changsheng may indeed be interested in them."

“But at the moment, that’s unlikely.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Cao Zhengchun and Lu Bing both looked puzzled.

Although the two men were in high positions and had great power, they were court officials, but in fact their thinking was more like that of martial artists.

Neither of them knew much about military matters.

Zhu Houzhao shook his head and chuckled.

"The Ming Cult is now located in Kunlun Mountain in the Western Regions. Whether it is the Bright Summit or the Five Elements Flag, they are all firmly locked outside the pass by our Ming army."

“Even if Gao Changsheng really controls the Ming Cult and takes down the Five Elements Flag, it won’t do much for him.”

"Kunlun is so far away from Liyang of the Sui Dynasty. Even if he gets the army, what good will it do? It's nothing more than useless."

"Gao Changsheng went to such great lengths to enter the Ming Dynasty. It is impossible that he did so just for a Five Elements Flag that he will not need for the time being."

Cao Zhengchun and Lu Bing also breathed a sigh of relief.

During this period of time, they were exhausted from trying to figure out Gao Changsheng's intentions.

"However, Cao Banban's words reminded me that Gao Changsheng's purpose this time might really be related to the army, or to the war." "Now Gao Changsheng's affairs in the Ming Dynasty are no longer a secret. I think that Beimang Liyang can't be indifferent, and Gao Changsheng can't just sit there and wait for death. He must have made some arrangements."

"Could it be that one of the links he arranged is in our Ming Dynasty?"

"But no matter how much I think about it, I can't imagine where he will set his target."

At this point, Zhu Houzhao slowly raised his head and said, "Cao Zhengchun, Lu Bing, use your spies to check for me which troops in the Ming Dynasty are unstable or may have problems, especially those near Liyang."

"Yes."

Just when Zhu Houzhao and others were discussing the matter of Gao Changsheng in the palace.

In an inn somewhere in the city.

Xu Fengnian, who was slumped in a recliner and enjoying the service of a maid, also raised his head at this time.

"Someone visiting?"

Xu Fengnian looked up at the servant who was reporting in front of him, with a look of confusion on his face.

"Could it be that Iron-hearted Divine Marquis again?"

"Didn't I tell you that I will discuss those messy matters with the people from the Shangyin Academy when they arrive?"

"I don't understand those twists and turns, and I don't bother to care about these intrigues. What's the point of him coming here now?"

"Go, go and tell them that I have something to do and ask them to come back in a few days."

Xu Fengnian waved his hand and said casually.

But the servant in front did not leave, but stammered and said:
"Master, that's not someone from Hulong Villa. It's an old man wearing gray clothes."

"Oh? Did he say his name?" Xu Fengnian changed his posture and asked.

The servant shook his head upon hearing this.

"It was not stated, but the old man was holding something in his hand."

"What?"

Xu Fengnian was obviously interested. He sat up from his chair and asked.

"Northern Liang Knife."

Hearing this, everyone was stunned.

The Beiliang Sword is the standard weapon of the Beiliang troops and, to some extent, also represents Beiliang.

"Oh? Could it be someone sent by Xu Xiao? If so, why don't you tell us your name? Let's go out and take a look."

Xu Fengnian stood up slowly.

And just as he stood up, Jian Jiuhuang, who had been dozing off not far away, suddenly opened his eyes.

"Master, I'll go out with you to take a look."

"Hmm? Old Huang, you lazy bastard, when did you become interested in old men?"

Xu Fengnian laughed, but did not reject the other party's proposal.

A group of people rushed out of the inn.

And soon he saw the old man mentioned by the subordinate.

He was an extremely ordinary-looking old man, with a dark complexion and a slightly hunched body. Although he was holding a knife in his hand, he looked more like an old farmer in the country.

But that's just the kind of person he is.

But it made the chattering group of people fall into silence at the same time.

The old man did not reveal any aura, he just stood there quietly.

But everyone in the field felt, for no apparent reason, as if their hearts were suddenly pressed down by a huge mountain.

Perhaps the only one who still reacted was Lao Huang.

Suddenly, he flashed and flew directly in front of Xu Fengnian.

The eyes that were originally vulgar and turbid suddenly became sharp, and they looked at the old man in front of them with great vigilance.

However, the old man ignored Old Huang who was blocking his way.

A pair of eyes passed over the other person and fell on Xu Fengnian.

An extremely complicated expression appeared on the old face.

"Okay, okay, you've finally grown up..."

A soft sigh slowly came out.

And as the sound fell.

The alert aura on Old Huang's body also dissipated for the most part.

After all, from the emotions revealed in these words, it can be seen that this person should be a friend rather than an enemy.

However, he did not move and still stood in front of Xu Fengnian.

"you know me?"

Xu Fengnian was obviously a little confused.

He had no impression of the old man in front of him, but the other party's tone clearly revealed that he was very familiar with him.

"More than knowing you, I have watched you grow up with my own eyes."

The old man sighed.

"May I know your name, senior?"

Xu Fengnian frowned.

Hearing this, the old man suddenly smiled, but his laughter was filled with endless sadness.

"This old man is Qi Lianhua."

Just five simple words.

Everyone in the field was collectively shocked.

"Qi Lianhua."

"You are Qi Lianhua, the sword armor."

Everyone, including Xu Fengnian, exclaimed at the same time.

Each of the Thirteen Great Men of Li Yang Spring and Autumn Period is a top figure who is famous in the world.

In particular, Qi Lianhua and Li Chungang's sword and saber skills are more respected by martial artists in the martial arts world.

However, Qi Lianhua suddenly disappeared later, which made this Daojia less famous than Li Chungang, and he was even gradually replaced by Gu Jiantang.

But in many people's minds, these two people have always been equally famous, and Qi Lianhua, the swordsman, is still the number one in swordsmanship.

"Armor, armor..."

Qi Lianhua shook his head bitterly.

"You should call me...Grandpa."

"what?"

When the voice fell, everyone exclaimed again.

Grandpa.

Everyone knows who Xu Fengnian's mother is.

Princess Wu Su of Beiliang was the most powerful swordsman in the Wu family's sword tomb and a famous female swordsman in the martial arts world.

One used a sword and the other used a knife.

One of them came from the Wu family sword tomb, and the other was the Li Yang Dao Jia who roamed the world alone.

No matter how you look at it, these two people don't seem to be related.

But now Qi Lianhua meant that the two were father and daughter.

This kind of news is really hard to believe.

"Senior, please don't joke like this." Xu Fengnian spoke repeatedly.

If it were an ordinary person, Xu Fengnian would have probably gotten angry if someone had made fun of his mother.

But at this moment, he inexplicably had a premonition that what the person in front of him said might be true.

"Forget it, forget it. I really don't deserve this title." Qi Lianhua didn't continue.

"I came here for no other purpose than to see you."

After saying that, Qi Lianhua suddenly raised his hand and threw out a package: "Take it."

Xu Fengnian instinctively reached out and took it: "This, this is..."

"Just some old stuff. Maybe it will be useful to you someday."

After saying that, he looked at Xu Fengnian deeply, and without saying another word, he turned his head and slowly walked away into the distance.

"Wai...Senior, where are you going?"

Qi Lianhua walked away without responding, but just waved his hand desolately.

But everyone clearly noticed that the other party's aura was slowly turning fierce.

For a moment, a guess emerged in everyone's mind.

This Li Yang Dao Jia has returned to the martial arts world, most likely to fight with someone.

And judging from the opponent's attitude just now, this famous swordsman did not have the confidence to win against this man.

Being in the Ming Dynasty, he can be involved with Li Yang, and can also make Dao Jia feel fearful.

People who meet these characteristics will never be considered as second-rate people.

"Gao Changsheng."

Everyone unconsciously uttered a name.

Xu Fengnian also raised his head, his eyes complicated as he murmured:
"Xu Xiao, is this your work again?"

(End of this chapter)