Villains: Starting with the Landlady

Page 102

The man clutched his chest. Although the old man seemed to be mentally challenged, he was incredibly strong. When he saw the old man coming, the man tried to knock him down, but he was the one who ended up falling.

"My name? Who am I? Yes, who am I?!"

The old man seemed to have fallen into a state of self-forgetfulness and madness, then started yelling and screaming, frantically pounding his head with his fists.

His outburst terrified the others. When the old man did a handstand and pounded himself with his other hand, it even produced a dull thud, and an invisible surge of internal energy emanated from him, forcing the onlookers to retreat!

Good heavens, someone who can generate such fluctuations by hammering himself, even if his martial arts are not the pinnacle of the world, it would be more than enough to instantly kill this bunch of small fry!

The group exchanged glances, no longer daring to ask for compensation, and prepared to make their escape without another word.

"Ouch, my head hurts so much!" The old man suddenly opened his eyes and looked at the crowd. "You're all the ones who made my head hurt! Go to hell!"

After saying that, he suddenly rolled over and squatted on the ground, bending his arms to shoulder height, croaking like a large frog pouncing. A terrifying surge of internal energy erupted again, and everyone was terrified, scattering in panic as they tried to flee!

"Ouyang Feng, you old poisoner, how dare you harm people here!"

Ling Yun knew it was time to use his facial recognition, so he shouted at the old man.

In this world, Ouyang Feng had gone mad again for some unknown reason. At this moment, he looked in Ling Yun's direction, and with a sudden burst of strength from his thigh, he rammed straight towards him.

"Well done!"

Ling Yun drew his wooden sword, without even enchanting it, but instead imbued it with his internal energy, and aimed it directly at Ouyang Feng.

Just as Ouyang Feng was about to collide with him, the surging force that was powerful enough to smash through a house was drawn away by Ling Yun's wooden sword, like a stone falling into the sea, until it fell to the ground with a thud.

This is the combined effect of Ling Yun's [All Rivers Run into the Sea] and [Nine Swords of Dugu]. The Nine Swords of Dugu can neutralize the opponent's attack and internal force. Combined with the powerful absorption of All Rivers Run into the Sea, in just a few seconds of fighting, Ling Yun wiped out the opponent's attack and even absorbed a lot of his internal force.

Although Ouyang Feng had gone mad, he wasn't stupid. He knew he was no match for Ling Yun and desperately tried to escape, but Ling Yun held him back.

Every time he tried to break through in one direction, Ling Yun would herd him back like a duck, keeping him busy for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, but he was still jumping around in the same spot.

Knowing he couldn't escape, and with Ling Yun delaying his kill, he simply lay down on the ground, admitting defeat and refusing to move.

The city lord of Xiangyang was a Han Chinese. Although this area was still under the influence of the Qing Dynasty, he was loyal to the Han people. It was for this reason that the martial arts tournament was held here.

Soon, the guards maintaining order in the city and the city lord arrived. They looked at each other in bewilderment when they saw the old man who had been bound hand and foot and had his inner strength drained by Ling Yun.

“Lord of the City, this man is none other than Ouyang Feng, the Western Poison. He has long since gone mad, his acupoints have been sealed by me, and his internal energy is depleted. I will leave him under your care.”

Ling Yun stood with his hands behind his back, a calm and composed expression on his face.

"May I ask your honorable name, young hero?"

"My name is Murong Fu."

As soon as these words came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

"So it's Young Master Murong, I've heard so much about you!"

The city lord cupped his hands in greeting to Ling Yun, and after a few pleasantries, the city lord had Ling Yun follow them back to the city lord's mansion, saying that someone wanted to see him.

If the martial arts tournament is a grand event in the martial arts world, then the Huashan Sword Competition is even more prestigious, gathering the top masters.

Many masters disdain participating in this large and crowded martial arts tournament and instead choose to compete at the summit of Mount Hua.

Reaching the summit of Mount Hua right under its nose is no easy feat, but the successive leaders of Mount Hua have become numb to it. Why do you big shots insist on competing right above us? Doesn't that make our Mount Hua sect look stupid?

Several decades have passed since the last Mount Hua Sword Tournament, and this Ouyang Feng, the Western Poison, was one of the top five in that competition, and together with the other four, they were known as the Five Greats.

Huang Yaoshi, the Eastern Heretic; Ouyang Feng, the Western Poison; Duan Zhixing, the Southern Emperor; Hong Qigong, the Northern Beggar; and Wang Chongyang, the Central Divine.

Among them, Wang Chongyang single-handedly surpassed the other four masters, becoming the number one in the precipice. According to Ling Yun's estimation, Wang Chongyang at that time had probably already reached the realm of oneness with heaven and man, and was qualified to enter that mysterious organization of strong people.

However, later Wang Chongyang fought against the Mongol army and fought a great battle with the demon god Temujin, forcing Temujin's army to retreat. He severely wounded Temujin and retreated, but Wang Chongyang himself also perished in sorrow.

While Temujin was recuperating, the Jurchens—also known as the Manchus—seized the opportunity to invade, forcing the Mongols to retreat and seizing the coveted Central Plains.

More than twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye, and the throne has been passed to the twenty-year-old Kangxi. The Liao Kingdom is now eyeing the country covetously, and the legendary Temujin, who can fight an entire army by himself, has made a breakthrough and plans to make a comeback. With internal and external troubles intensifying, the Qing Dynasty has reached its most dangerous moment.

Therefore, Emperor Kangxi launched a purge of the Han Chinese underworld. According to his philosophy, internal stability must come before external resistance, and he did not want any internal unforeseen events to occur when he was fighting against the Liao army.

This familiar operation reminded Ling Yun of a certain legendary chairman.

In this world, the Liao Dynasty is a combination of the Mongols and the Khitans. The current Khan is Temujin, a Mongol, but many vassal kings have their own territories, and most of them are Khitans.

One of the princes was surnamed Xiao.

Wang Chongyang spent his life fighting against foreign enemies, but he never expected that after his death, he would be greeted not by the Mongol cavalry, but by the Jurchen tribe, which no one had initially taken seriously.

What's worse, all his disciples and followers were actually granted amnesty and made to work for the Qing Dynasty. At the very least, the Quanzhen Sect wouldn't attend this so-called martial arts gathering to show their loyalty.

Upon arriving at the city lord's mansion, the city lord arranged for Ling Yun to stay in a side room. Not long after, Ling Yun heard a steady sound of footsteps approaching.

The footsteps landed heavily and steadily, with uniform strides and extremely calm breathing.

He turned around and saw a middle-aged man around 40 years old walk in. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a large chest and straight back, thick eyebrows and big eyes. Apart from his simple clothes, he looked somewhat similar to Qiao Feng.

"Haha, greetings, Young Master Murong!"

"Murong greets Hero Guo!"

Name: Guo Jing

【Age: 41】

[Main Character's Fate: Upright and righteous, with a strong sense of filial piety. Born into poverty, he developed a simple and righteous character from a young age. Later, he was instructed in martial arts by the Seven Heroes of Jiangnan, became a disciple of the Quanzhen Sect, and befriended Hong Qigong and Huang Yaoshi, learning excellent martial arts skills. By chance, he became the Golden Sabre Prince Consort, but due to hatred for his family and country, he suddenly realized his mistakes, returned to the Central Plains, and married an ordinary woman to live a simple life. In middle age, he defeated many heroes and obtained the title of leader of the martial arts world. He led a group of powerful figures to resist the Qing Dynasty, repeatedly achieving military exploits, but ultimately failed to defend Xiangyang and died in defeat. Special Ability: Ambidextrous.]

[Recent Opportunity: Defeating powerful figures and once again becoming the leader of the martial arts world]

【Luck: 2000】

[Combat Strength: A+]

[Affection: Admiration (or Love)]

Many people are debating who is stronger, Guo Jing or Qiao Feng, since both are top-notch masters and can both use the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms.

Guo Jing's advantage lies in his dual-wielding technique combined with the Nine Yin Manual, surpassing Qiao Feng in internal energy configuration and unique skills. Qiao Feng, however, simplified the original twenty-eight palm techniques into eighteen, which he later passed on to Xu Zhu. The version that Hong Qigong and Guo Jing learned in the original novel was precisely the one modified by Qiao Feng and Xu Zhu.

However, Steve Jobs possessed innate war god attributes, growing stronger with each battle. Even in the initial version, when facing the Sweeper Monk, he managed to break the Sweeper Monk's ribs. He had his own interpretation of the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms and could perform the "Three Waves of the Yangtze River," overlapping the three palms after a brief pre-cast animation to pursue the enemy.

So if we had to say whether the two would be evenly matched, it would probably be a 50/50 chance. But Qiao Feng has never been defeated since his first appearance, so it would be difficult to judge whether the two would fight.

Chapter 256 Guo Jing

"Young Master Murong, I have invited you here because there is something I want to discuss."

"Please speak, Master Guo."

Ling Yun sat opposite Guo Jing. Regardless of his future path or his previous refusal to become the Golden Knife Prince Consort and return to the Central Plains, Ling Yun could see that Guo Jing was a good person, or at least someone who recognized his roots.

“I know that Young Master Murong has been working hard for the restoration of his kingdom. Although you are not Han Chinese, we now have a common enemy.”

"clear."

"Exactly."

Guo Jing sat facing him, pondered for a moment, and said, "Although I know that we may still be on opposite sides in the future, I still hope that we can cooperate well this time."

"What are your thoughts, Master Guo?"

"If I happen to obtain the title of Martial Arts Alliance Leader this time, I will hold back the Qing army." Guo Jing's gaze was calm, as if he had already thought it through. "And if Young Master Murong obtains this title, I will persuade those martial arts heroes to help you resist the Qing together."

Ling Yun then realized that he was not a Han Chinese, but a Xianbei!

Even if he obtains the title of martial arts alliance leader, the Han people probably won't have much good fortune.

Fortunately, he was lucky enough that Guo Jing was willing to help him, and that was enough.

"So, what price will Murong have to pay?" There's no such thing as a free lunch. If Guo Jing were to help on his own, it could be due to his personal charisma. But if he wants to persuade the Han Chinese martial arts world, he'll have to shed some blood himself.

"I hope that after Young Master Murong restores his kingdom, he will not harm the Han people. If disputes do arise, he will not be too cruel to them. I thank you!"

"Don't worry, Master Guo, Murong knows."

Ling Yun shook his fan and, after discussing some details with Guo Jing, turned the conversation to several potential rivals.

"Actually, what I'm most worried about is the former leader of the Beggars' Sect, Xiao Feng."

Guo Jing frowned and said, "Although I have never met him, I can tell from his reputation in the martial arts world. Since Young Master Murong was able to easily subdue the old poisoner, I suppose Xiao Feng, who is as famous as you, can also do it."

Ling Yun nodded. Although Qiao Feng was only A+ in combat strength, his attack power was probably already at S level, and he also had the ability to become stronger the longer he fought, which was truly terrifying.

"In addition, the Emei Sect lost the Heaven-Slaying Sword some years ago, and Abbess Miejue is not worth mentioning. As for the Ming Cult leader Yang Dingtian, he was assassinated and his whereabouts are unknown. The current leader Yang Xiao is of mediocre strength, so there is not much to pay attention to."

With so many people and the space so chaotic, Ling Yun wasn't sure if anything unexpected would happen at this martial arts tournament, but he didn't mention it. He simply chatted with Guo Jing for a few more minutes before saying goodbye and leaving.

When he returned to the inn, he found Feng Bo'e dealing with several women.

"Hey, I recognize you! You're Murong Fu's retainer. Tell me where he is right now!"

Yue Lingshan charged aggressively at Feng Bo'e. Looking at the group of Huashan disciples beside her, Feng Bo'e shook his head helplessly: "I really don't know where my young master went. I went to register him, but he had already been registered. When I came back, I found that he was gone!"

"Liar!" Yue Lingshan exclaimed, hands on her hips. "He's definitely inside, you just won't tell us!"

Feng Bo'e immediately realized that the pretty girl had something to do with Ling Yun, which was why he spoke so softly; otherwise, he would have cursed her long ago if someone had spoken to him like that. His pleading eyes darted around, and he quickly spotted Ling Yun watching the scene from a distance.

"Young Master, you're finally back!"

Ling Yun closed his folding fan and walked towards the Huashan group with a smile.

Huang Rong was also in the group. She and Yue Lingshan both wanted to rush over and throw themselves into Ling Yun's arms, but there were too many people around, and their every word and action represented the Huashan Sect, so they dared not make any rash moves.

Ling Yun didn't care at all. He put one arm around each of the two girls and nodded to the side, saying, "Greetings, Sect Leader Yue and Madam Yue."

Comrade Yue also arrived with Lin Pingzhi and Linghu Chong. The three of them had already begun practicing the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual, severing the root of their troubles, and now looked incredibly smooth and shiny. If it weren't for the sake of the Huashan Sect's reputation, they would have already dressed in women's clothing.

"Young Master Murong, shall we go inside and talk?"

Yue Buqun's voice was shrill, and Ling Yun naturally knew why he was like that, so he followed the others inside.

Arriving at a large table below the inn, Ling Yun learned through conversation that most of the Huashan disciples were preparing to begin practicing the Evil-Slaying Sword Manual. However, this manual was unsuitable for women, as an excess of yin energy would cause an imbalance of yin and yang, leading to internal energy disorder. Therefore, only men could learn it.

However, Ling Yun gave them a handwritten copy of the Nine Yin Manual and let them begin to practice the techniques within.

Before long, Wang Yuyan and the other two women, having rested, also came downstairs.

At this moment, the three women from Gusu and the three women from Huashan met. After exchanging glances, the six women quickly realized that they were all having affairs with Ling Yun. Some of them became sullen, while others became jealous. Only Ning Zhongze generously mediated between them and introduced them.

When Yue Buqun and the others saw that this had turned into a chaotic scene in Ling Yun's harem, they quickly made an excuse to leave.

"Oh my, I didn't expect there to be three more sisters! Brother Yun, you're amazing!"

Huang Rong held his arm, her tone filled with strong sarcasm as she spoke.

Ling Yun tactfully drank his tea, but before he could put down the cup, Wang Yuyan took it from him: "This tea is cold, cousin. You forgot, you've had a sensitive stomach since you were little and can only drink hot tea. Sister Huang Rong didn't even remind you... Oh, perhaps Sister Huang Rong doesn't know yet."

Wang Yuyan succinctly pointed out the extent of her familiarity and intimacy with Ling Yun, momentarily overshadowing Huang Rong.

"Brother Ling, will you be going back to Mount Hua after this conference?" Yue Lingshan blinked her eyes and looked at Ling Yun expectantly.

"No, young master has many things to do and needs to return to Yanziwu." A'Zhu took the hot tea from Wang Yuyan and placed it in front of Ling Yun. "Young master, please have some tea."

The back-and-forth between the women gave Ling Yun a headache. Fortunately, this was an ancient feudal society where having multiple wives and concubines was normal. Not to mention, he was the future king of the Great Yan Kingdom. Could he be considered a king without several thousand beauties in his harem?

Ning Zhongze chuckled inwardly, then helped Ling Yun out of the predicament: "Alright, let Yun'er rest for a while. He's probably tired too. There are still a few days until the competition, so we should get along well with him and not cause him any trouble. Otherwise, he might be distracted during the competition because of us, which would be a huge offense."

Ning Zhongze held the highest status and position, and what she said made sense, so the other women all shut up.

However, they were still very curious as to why Old Yue seemed indifferent and even happy when Ling Yun had spoken so arrogantly to Madam Yue's face.

That evening, while Ling Yun was resting, there was a knock on her door.

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[Congratulations, Master, on achieving the "Flounder Kiss" achievement! Milk shelf life extended! Also, due to the collection of new rare items, Ling Yaxuan and her two companions have been upgraded to LV5 (maximum level)!]

[“Danger Warning” can cover all women who have had relations with the master; “Mind Control” effect is greatly enhanced; “X-ray vision” can see through illusions and can see through objects no thicker than 1 meter!]

Ling Yun never expected that one of the most famous artifacts he had been searching for would actually be found in this world!

Chapter 257 An Unexpected Encounter with a Beautiful Woman

A few days passed, and the six women got along quite well. Soon it was time for the conference to officially begin.

Thousands of people gathered in the spacious open-air martial arts arena, creating a lively scene.

This martial arts competition was not going to be a series of matches, because by the time it was all over, the Qing army would probably be at the gates of Xiangyang. So, many arenas were set up, and the matches were decided by drawing lots.