Comprehensive Martial Arts: My Master Is Huang Rong

Comprehensive Martial Arts: My Master is Huang Rong

Author: I Love Liu Bei

Synopsis:

Transmigrated into a world of martial arts, filled with masters and beauties. Lin Xuan, however, finds himself a frail, starving wretch. With Mongol armies pressing at the borders and Guo Jing and Huang Rong holding the line, hope seems slim, yet opportunities lie hidden.

Volume 1: Xiangyang's First Cry

Chapter 1: First Arrival in Xiangyang, Astonishing Huang Rong with a Clever Plan

The wind was cold.

Like a blade quenched in ice, it scraped across his cheeks, stealing away the last meager warmth from his body.

Lin Xuan shivered violently, his consciousness yanked from an endless abyss. He opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a bleak, gray sky. Lead-heavy clouds hung low, pressing down, suffocating him.

Beneath him lay cold, damp earth, mixed with the smell of rotting roots and some indescribable, fetid odor.

He struggled to push himself up, his muscles trembling. Intense hunger and bone-chilling cold made his head feel light and his feet heavy. Where was this? He clearly remembered being at home watching videos just moments ago, how had he ended up in this godforsaken place in the blink of an eye?

He looked around. Towering city walls, like a crouching behemoth, stretched out not far away. The flags on the walls were tattered, and a large character, "Guo," was faintly visible.

Lin Xuan's heart leaped. Where was this?

He stumbled toward the city gate, his body so weak that every step felt like walking on cotton. As he neared the gate, the din of voices grew louder. Amidst the clamor, he occasionally caught snippets of conversation—

"Alas, Great Hero Guo has lost quite a bit of weight recently. Defending Xiangyang City is truly not easy!"

"Isn't that the truth? Thanks to Great Hero Guo and Sect Leader Huang holding the fort, we common folk still have a way to live!"

Great Hero Guo? Sect Leader Huang? Xiangyang?

Lin Xuan was instantly struck by lightning! He stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes wide with disbelief. This... wasn't this a world of martial arts?! Guo Jing and Huang Rong defending Xiangyang? Wait, how was he here?

He instinctively touched his face, then pinched his arm—the sharp pain clearly told him this was not a dream, nor some VR full-immersion game.

He had truly, genuinely transmigrated, along with his modern body!

Trembling, Lin Xuan raised his hands and looked closely. His pupils suddenly contracted—these were not the familiar, strong hands of an adult!

These hands were bony and thin, the skin pale, the knuckles slender. They were unmistakably the hands of a young boy who had never known hardship! He subconsciously touched his cheek, feeling the tender skin. He then touched his tattered clothes, which barely hung on him, and found the same thin, weak frame underneath. He caught his reflection by the river and realized he had reverted to his appearance from his youth!

"Damn..." Lin Xuan cursed under his breath. The hunger gnawed at his stomach like countless ants, making him dizzy.

As a person living in the 21st century, he had never experienced hunger or cold. Now, in this state, he had fallen from heaven to hell.

Not only had he transmigrated, but he had also de-aged.

"Shit! If you're going to transmigrate me, at least give me a cheat. Otherwise, with this scrawny body, how many days can I survive here?"

As soon as this thought crossed Lin Xuan's mind, a martial art appeared in his head: Yin Yang Deficit Supplementation Technique.

??? The cheat was already activated.

He looked at the description: This technique was created in ancient times by a reclusive master who deeply understood the principles of Yin and Yang, and the unity of heaven and man. Its original name is lost to time. Because it can supplement the Yin and Yang imbalance within a cultivator and draw upon the Yin and Yang energy of heaven and earth to nourish oneself, ultimately reaching a state of perfection and flawlessness, later generations named it the "Yin Yang Deficit Supplementation Technique."

After cultivating the Yin Yang Deficit Supplementation Technique to a certain level, the cultivator's Yang energy would be tempered and sublimated to an unprecedented degree. Blood Essence would be abundant, and spirit and energy would be full, imbuing the cultivator with an undeniable magnetic charm in every gesture.

What a great item. Lin Xuan felt a surge of strength and his mind cleared considerably.

He knew this was not the time for contemplation. In this chaotic world, survival was the only truth.

He wrapped himself tighter in the ragged piece of cloth that barely qualified as clothing, which he had found from somewhere, and stumbled towards the city gate.

He was starving, had no identification, let alone suitable clothing for this era. He looked like a beggar who had just crawled out of a pile of refugees.

The crowd at the city gate was dense. The soldiers on duty were gaunt but still maintained their alertness, scrutinizing everyone entering and leaving. The air was filled with tension, the shadow of war.

Lin Xuan knew that Xiangyang was currently under siege by the Mongol army, and resources within the city were scarce. His chances of survival as a helpless modern person were minimal.

Just as he was leaning against a wall, contemplating whether to sneak into the city to steal some food or dig for roots outside the city, a clear sound of horse hooves approached, accompanied by a spoiled shout.

"Get out of the way! All of you, get out of my way! Don't block my path, young lady!"

Lin Xuan looked up and saw a fiery red horse galloping recklessly on the official road.

On the horse was a young girl, about sixteen or seventeen years old. She wore an expensive hibiscus-colored dress, her features delicate, but her brow was filled with arrogance and willfulness.

It was Guo Fu.

Lin Xuan recognized her instantly. The eldest daughter of Guo Jing and Huang Rong, a spoiled young lady. This was truly the "protagonist's" entrance.

Seeing the spirited horse about to charge at him, Lin Xuan's body instinctively wanted to dodge, but a thought flashed through his mind like lightning—this was an opportunity! An opportunity to come into contact with the core figures of this world!

Instead of dodging, he walked towards the horse's hooves, appearing to be stunned, and stood rooted to the spot.

"Whoa—!"

Guo Fu clearly hadn't expected this "beggar" to be so fearless. Seeing that she was about to collide, she desperately pulled back on the reins. The red horse reared up, letting out a long neigh, and stopped just a few inches from Lin Xuan. Its warm breath sprayed onto Lin Xuan's face.

"You damned brat! Are you trying to die?" Guo Fu, still shaken, immediately knitted her brows and raised her whip, ready to strike.

Just then, Lin Xuan mustered all his strength and shouted loudly, "Careful, miss! Those men aren't merchants, they're Mongol Tartar scouts!"

His voice wasn't loud, but in the momentary silence, it sounded exceptionally clear. All eyes followed the direction he pointed.

Not far away, five or six men dressed as merchants were mingling with the crowd, preparing to enter the city. Upon hearing Lin Xuan's shout, their faces changed, a fierce glint flashing in their eyes. They instinctively reached for the satchels at their waists, which clearly concealed weapons.

Guo Fu's whip stopped in mid-air. She froze, then followed Lin Xuan's gaze and asked suspiciously, "What nonsense are you spouting? How do they look like scouts?"

"Ordinary merchants, travel-worn, their hands should bear thin calluses from constantly handling an abacus, or thick ones from carrying goods."

Lin Xuan's voice was hoarse from weakness, but his thoughts were exceptionally clear. He had been a veteran martial arts fan in his past life and knew these details inside out.

"But look at these men. The skin between their thumbs and index fingers is thick with calluses, and their knuckles are large. These are marks left from years of gripping knives and bows!"

"And look at their boots. They're not stained with the Kitsuchi from the main road, but with the black mud unique to Blackwater Pool north of the city. Ordinary merchant caravans stick to the main road through the south gate. Who would detour to that swamp? They clearly intend to probe our Xiangyang's defenses from a secluded area!"

His words were well-reasoned and clearly articulated, leaving the surrounding civilians and city guards stunned.

The "merchants," seeing their cover blown, no longer hesitated. They suddenly drew their curved sabers from their bundles, roaring as they charged towards the city gate, attempting to cut their way out.

"Assassins! Quickly! Stop them!" The guard captain was the first to react, shouting loudly. The soldiers immediately raised their spears and moved to surround them.

The scene instantly descended into chaos.

Guo Fu was also stunned by the sudden turn of events. She had never witnessed such a situation and was momentarily at a loss.

Just then, a gentle yet authoritative voice came from behind the crowd.

"Fu'er, step back."

The voice wasn't loud, but it seemed to possess a magical quality, bringing a hush to the chaotic scene. The crowd automatically parted, creating a path, and a beautiful woman slowly walked out.

She wore a simple, elegant light cyan gown. Her attire was plain, and she wore no makeup, yet it couldn't conceal her natural beauty. Her charming face, capable of expressing both joy and annoyance, showed no signs of aging. Instead, it had settled into a unique mature charm, like aged wine, growing more flavorful with time.

Her eyes were bright and lively, as if they could see into people's hearts. With every glance, she exuded a commanding presence, further enhanced by a blend of intellect and allure, creating an unparalleled charm.

It was none other than the leader of the Beggar's Sect, the "Female Zhuge"—Huang Rong.

Beside her followed a simple and honest middle-aged man, burly and square-faced, with an upright and righteous aura about him. He was none other than "Northern Hero" Guo Jing.

Huang Rong first glanced at her flustered daughter, frowning slightly. Then, her gaze shifted to the Mongol warriors who were already surrounded by soldiers, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes.

Finally, her attention landed on the tattered, gaunt-faced youth who still stood ramrod straight.

"It was you who saw through their disguise?" Huang Rong's voice was soft, like a spring breeze brushing across a lake, making people unconsciously relax.

"Replying... replying to senior, it was merely this junior's bold guess." Lin Xuan bowed respectfully, his attitude neither servile nor overbearing. He knew his performance had been a success. Being able to connect with Huang Rong was the first step towards surviving in this chaotic world.

Huang Rong's bright eyes appraised him for a moment, as if trying to see through him completely. Lin Xuan felt an invisible pressure bearing down on him, but he held firm, meeting her gaze with clear eyes.

"What is your name?"

"This junior... is named Lin Xuan."

"Lin Xuan..." Huang Rong murmured softly, a hint of amusement curving her lips. "You observed very carefully and have a meticulous mind. In Xiangyang City, there are many heroes with high martial arts skills, but few possess your insight and intelligence."

Her words carried undisguised admiration.

Guo Jing walked over and nodded at Lin Xuan, saying in his deep voice, "Young brother, you have sharp eyes. You've rendered a service to Xiangyang City."

Guo Fu, having regained her composure, looked at Lin Xuan with a complex expression. There was annoyance at having almost been manipulated, surprise at his intelligence, but mostly, the stubbornness of a young lady. She snorted and turned her head away.

Huang Rong ignored her daughter's childish temper. She looked at Lin Xuan's pale face and dry lips and asked gently, "Are you hungry?"

Lin Xuan nodded honestly.

"Come with me." Huang Rong's tone was unquestionable. She turned to Guo Jing and said, "Jing-gege, leave this matter to Captain Wang. Make sure to interrogate the Mongols about their movements. I'll take this child back to the mansion."

Guo Jing felt it was somewhat improper to be so concerned about an unknown "beggar," but he had always followed his wife's decisions. He nodded, "Alright, Rong'er, you go back first. I'll be there shortly."

Huang Rong smiled slightly and looked at Lin Xuan again. Her lively eyes seemed to hold a pool of spring water. "Let's go, child. From today onwards, you won't go hungry anymore."

Lin Xuan's heart leaped with joy. He knew he had gambled correctly.

Suppressing his excitement, he lowered his head and followed the legendary Female Zhuge, stepping step by step into the city that determined the fate of the entire Southern Song martial arts world—Xiangyang.

Walking behind Huang Rong, Lin Xuan could smell a faint, elegant fragrance emanating from her, like peach blossoms, or perhaps fresh grass, refreshing his mind.

He secretly glanced at her back. Though she wore only a simple, elegant gown, it couldn't conceal her curvaceous and graceful figure. Especially the gentle sway of her waist and hips with each step, outlining the mature woman's unique, heart-stirring plump curves. Each stride seemed to carry a captivating rhythm, exuding ultimate feminine charm and fatal allure.

Lin Xuan's heart involuntarily quickened.

Author's Notes:

Author's Note: This is my first time writing a book. I'll try to update frequently. Any feedback is welcome.

Chapter Two: A Disciple of the Guo Mansion, Entering the Study of Strategy

The meals at the Guo Mansion were, to Lin Xuan, undoubtedly ambrosia.

Clean white congee, served with a few small dishes of pickled vegetables, was simple yet enough to dispel the hunger that had accumulated in his body for days.

He ate ravenously until his stomach felt pleasantly full for the first time in a long while before slowly stopping.

A maid served him after his meal and brought him new clothes. It was a simple, plain cyan coarse cloth gown. Though not ornate, it was clean and tidy, emitting a faint scent of soap.

Lin Xuan quickly washed himself and changed into the new clothes. Only then did he feel like he had returned to being "human," no longer a stinking stray dog.

After tidying himself up, a kind-faced maid respectfully led him to the Guo Mansion's reception hall.

The hall was bright and clean, elegantly furnished, with several potted plants adding touches of green, which somewhat eased the tense atmosphere.

Lin Xuan took a deep breath, suppressed the turbulent emotions churning within him, and walked in steadily.

In the reception hall, besides Guo Jing and Huang Rong, whom he had met at the city gate, there were three other young people.

A young girl, about sixteen or seventeen, with bright eyes and white teeth, a graceful figure full of youthful vitality. A hibiscus-colored satin skirt set her off as delicate and charming, it was Guo Fu.

Beside her stood two youths, similar in appearance but with slightly different temperaments, they must be the Elder and Younger Wu brothers.

The three of them had their eyes fixed on Lin Xuan. Guo Fu's eyes held a hint of undisguised scrutiny and disdain, while the Elder and Younger Wu brothers showed curiosity and a trace of imperceptible vigilance.

"This humble one, Lin Xuan, pays his respects to Great Hero Guo and Sect Leader Huang," Lin Xuan bowed without subservience or arrogance.

Guo Jing's burly physique was like a small mountain. His face was square, his gaze open and honest, and at this moment, he looked at Lin Xuan with kindness.

"No need for formalities, child. You performed a great service today and deserve a good rest," his voice was loud and carried a straightforward sincerity.

Huang Rong chuckled softly and took a few steps forward, her graceful figure swaying as she gestured for Lin Xuan to sit.

Today, she was still wearing a simple, light cyan long gown, with a matching sheer veil over it. Her elegant attire could not conceal her shapely, alluring figure, which was both reserved and captivating.

Her face, in the soft light of the hall, appeared even more ethereally beautiful. Her skin was like congealed fat, her brows like distant mountains, and her eyes flowed with a thousand charms. Maturity and daintiness blended perfectly on her.

"Your performance just now greatly astonished both Jing-gege and me. The details you mentioned about calluses on the tiger's mouth of your palm and the mud on the soles of your shoes are not something an ordinary person would observe so meticulously. Lin Xuan, where did you learn this?" Huang Rong asked softly.

Lin Xuan had long prepared his reply. He put on a sorrowful expression, his eyes dimming: "This humble one's parents died when I was young, and I fled with my clan's uncles and elders. Some time ago, my hometown was ravaged by war, and over a hundred members of my clan perished."

"This humble one was fortunate to escape and came to Xiangyang begging along the way. As for those rudimentary judgment skills... they are mostly crude records from scholars traveling and observing local customs, human affairs, and trade. This humble one merely flipped through them when I had nothing else to do."

"Now that the world is in chaos and people are displaced, how can such meager knowledge be considered to have come from anywhere specific?" His voice was filled with sadness, and as he spoke, his eyes actually reddened slightly. His acting was remarkably lifelike.

Hearing this, the smile on Huang Rong's face vanished, and her gaze towards him held a touch more pity.

She sighed softly, "Alas, this chaotic world brings suffering to the common people. It is rare indeed that you, in such adversity, still have a heart for learning."