Comprehensive Martial Arts: My Master Is Huang Rong

Guo Jing, being honest and not suspecting anything, immediately urged her to stay, "Why must Lady Luo leave in such a hurry? The fighting in Xiangyang has temporarily ceased, so you might as well stay for a while longer. This would also give me a chance to fulfill my duties as a host."

Huang Rong glanced at Luo Bing thoughtfully. She then spoke gently, "Since there are urgent matters at your headquarters, we won't force you to stay. Lady Luo, the martial world is vast, and we wish you caution in all things. If you have leisure in the future, you are always welcome to visit Xiangyang again."

Luo Bing nodded gratefully, but dared not meet Huang Rong's gaze. She hastily packed her belongings and prepared to leave.

As she was leaving, she inevitably encountered Lin Xuan at the main gate of the Guo Mansion, who had come to see her off.

He stood facing the wind, still dressed in his usual green robe.

"Lady Luo, I wish you a safe journey," he said. His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached Luo Bing's ears.

Luo Bing's body trembled almost imperceptibly. She lowered her head and gritted out two words, "Thank you."

With that, she no longer dared to linger. She almost fled as she mounted her horse, galloping away without looking back. Her panicked figure seemed as if a fierce tiger was chasing her.

Lin Xuan watched in the direction she had gone, a smile rising to the corners of his lips.

Luo Bing's departure did not cause much of a stir in the Guo Mansion.

The city of Xiangyang welcomed a rare period of peace.

Ever since Lin Xuan had, with thunderous might, destroyed the Mongol Wolf Riders amidst the enemy ranks, the morale of the Mongol army had suffered an unprecedented blow. They finally seemed to realize that within this formidable city, besides Guo Jing, who was like a god of war, there was also Lin Xuan, who was like a ghost or deity, impossible to fathom with ordinary logic.

Consequently, the continuous siege warfare temporarily ceased. The Mongol army retreated thirty li to set up camp, merely encircling the city without attacking, as if waiting for a new opportunity or new orders.

This allowed the entire city's military and civilians to breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Although Guo Jing did not let down his guard, the tension that had gripped him for months finally had a moment of respite. He devoted more energy to repairing the city defenses and training the soldiers.

For Xiangyang, this was a time of peace and prosperity.

That night, in Huang Rong's study. Lin Xuan was discussing matters with her.

The candlelight flickered, casting shifting shadows on the room's furnishings. The study was filled with a faint scent of ink and the delicate fragrance of a woman, intermingling to create a unique, heart-stirring atmosphere.

Huang Rong sat before the desk, her posture graceful, her simple and elegant silk dress outlining her exquisite curves. Her hair was loosely styled, with a few strands of dark silk falling by her ears, adding to her languid and alluring charm. She held a book in her hand but had not turned a page for a long time. Her bright eyes were currently fixed on Lin Xuan, who stood beside her.

"The Murong family has deep roots in Jiangnan, with their influence intertwined like tangled vines. A single letter is not enough to uproot them," Lin Xuan's voice whispered in her ear. "The identity of that high-ranking Mongol official is mysterious. Anyone who can connect with someone like Murong Fu is no ordinary person. If we don't uncover this person's background, they will always be a hidden threat."

Huang Rong, being Huang Rong, immediately grasped the key point when it came to serious matters. "You mean..."

"I want to go to Jiangnan," Lin Xuan's tone was calm and decisive. "To Gusu. Firstly, to deal with Murong Fu, the traitor; secondly, to follow the clues and see if I can uncover the background of that mysterious Mongol. Only by rooting out these hidden vipers can Xiangyang truly be at peace."

Huang Rong fell into thought after listening. She knew that Lin Xuan's words were all logical. Murong Fu's threat and the existence of that mysterious Mongol were indeed swords hanging over Xiangyang's head. Lin Xuan was meticulous, and investigating this matter was indeed the best choice.

However...

A strong sense of reluctance surged within her.

These past few days, she had been lost. By day, she was the revered Sect Leader Huang, but by night, she experienced a forbidden pleasure in the embrace of this overly young disciple, a pleasure that made her feel both ashamed and deeply addicted. She had grown accustomed to this double life, accustomed to his presence.

If he left, she didn't know when they would meet again.

Lin Xuan seemed to sense her reluctance, tightening the arm around her waist. He lowered his head, brought his lips to her ear, and whispered intimately in a voice only they could hear:

"What? Master... you don't want me to go?"

The warm breath, along with the teasing "Master," made Huang Rong tremble again.

She bit her lower lip, her face flushed, her heart in turmoil. Reason told her she should let him go, for Xiangyang, for the greater good. But emotionally, she selfishly wished she could keep him by her side forever.

In the end, reason triumphed over emotion.

"...The martial world is treacherous, and Jiangnan is a place where dragons and snakes mingle," her voice trembled slightly, "You... be careful in all things."

Lin Xuan's lips curved into a smile. He turned Huang Rong to face him, then lowered his head and kissed her deeply.

The next day, in the main hall of the Guo Mansion.

An atmosphere of farewell hung over everyone.

The morning sunlight streamed into the hall, but it could not dispel the faint melancholy.

Guo Fu was the most visibly affected. Her bright eyes were now red like a rabbit's, brimming with tears that she stubbornly refused to let fall. She tightly clutched Lin Xuan's sleeve, her slender fingers almost creasing the fabric, her face filled with reluctance.

A maiden's feelings are pure and passionate, and she did not hide her affection. She tilted her head, looking at Lin Xuan's handsome face, her voice choked with emotion, "Junior Brother, you must come back quickly!"

She even took out an exquisitely embroidered sachet from her bosom. The sachet was embroidered with a pair of mandarin ducks. Although the embroidery was a bit crooked, it exuded a naive charm. She shyly pressed it into Lin Xuan's hand, her cheeks flushed, "This is... I embroidered it myself. You must keep it close to you!"

Lin Xuan accepted the sachet and looked at the slightly crooked mandarin ducks embroidered on it, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

"Alright, I will keep it close," his tone was gentle and intimate, with a brotherly indulgence. "Senior Sister, you must obey Master's Husband and Master at home, practice your martial arts diligently. When I return, we can spar again."

On the side, Guo Jing looked on with relief and approval. He did not know the true purpose of Lin Xuan's journey, only thinking that he had achieved mastery in martial arts and was going to travel the world to broaden his horizons. His burly figure seemed exceptionally tall at this moment. He patted Lin Xuan's shoulder heavily, his voice booming like a bell, "Xuan'er! You are young, and though your martial arts are high, this is your first time venturing out alone. You must be cautious in all things. The martial world is vast, and people's hearts are unpredictable. Remember to uphold righteousness and act heroically, and do not make any mistakes!" He laughed heartily, his boldness and sincerity earning respect. "Master's Husband will wait here for you to return from your travels, and then we will drink three hundred cups together!"

"Thank you for your guidance, Master's Husband. Lin Xuan will certainly keep it in mind," Lin Xuan bowed respectfully, exhibiting the utmost etiquette of a junior.

Guo Jing seemed to recall something, his brow furrowing slightly. He added, "Oh yes, Xuan'er, there's one more thing. My Guo'er, he's been mischievous since childhood. Now that he's joined the Quanzhen Sect, I don't know how he's doing. The Quanzhen Sect has strict rules, and I fear his wild nature might get him into trouble. As you travel the martial world, could you also go to the Quanzhen Sect on Zhongnan Mountain and check on him for me? If he faces any difficulties, do your best to help him."

Lin Xuan's heart stirred at this, but his expression remained unchanged. He replied respectfully, "Master's Husband, please rest assured, your disciple will do his best."

Finally, his gaze fell upon Huang Rong.

Huang Rong had completely shed the flirtatiousness and tenderness of the previous night. She stood there, elegant, in a simple and elegant dress that perfectly accentuated her shapely figure. Her expression was gentle, her gaze soft, like a kind teacher genuinely concerned about her departing disciple. Deep within her clear, water-like eyes, however, lay complex ripples that only Lin Xuan could understand.

She looked at Lin Xuan and said softly in a tone of deep concern, "Xuan'er, Jiangnan is not like Xiangyang. You are alone out there, so you must think of yourself in all things and avoid unnecessary conflict." Her voice was full of admonishment, every word conveying profound care. "Keep your money safe and don't flash it around. Be cautious when lodging at night."

It was like a mother making the final preparations for her child who was going on a long journey. Her words were meticulous, filled with the affection of an elder and the care of a Master, her every sentence revealing her worry and reluctance to let Lin Xuan go.

Lin Xuan met her gaze, his heart filled with understanding. He bowed deeply to Huang Rong, the respectful gesture of a disciple to his Master, and said loudly:

"This disciple, Lin Xuan, will strictly obey Master's teachings!"

The word "Master" was spoken with exceptional clarity and reverence, as if responding to her hidden emotions, carrying a profound meaning only the two of them could comprehend.

After bidding farewell to Guo Jing's family, Lin Xuan led the prepared steed, the magnificent Wuzhui horse, entirely black with hooves like snow. He mounted it with fluid and elegant movements.

He looked back one last time.

He saw Guo Jing's hearty wave, Guo Fu's tearful reluctance, and in Huang Rong's gentle gaze, a flicker of undeniable affection and longing. Her posture remained elegant, but deep within her eyes, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible sadness.

He smiled slightly, a smile tinged with confidence, a touch of carefree spirit, and a hint of anticipation for the future. With no further hesitation, he pressed his legs against the horse's belly and shouted, "Giddy up!"

The horse neighed, its hooves kicking up dust as it galloped towards the city gates, disappearing in a cloud of dust. The sound of its hooves faded, leaving only swirling smoke and dust behind.

The early morning sun stretched his retreating figure into an aloof silhouette, gradually vanishing beyond the city gates.

The romantic tales of Xiangyang were now a thing of the past.

A vaster Jianghu, and more beautiful women, awaited him ahead, quietly.

Author's Notes:

Author's Note: Thank you to Wuxin Lian Fanchen for the reward.

The first volume has concluded, and the story of Xiangyang pauses here for now. The male protagonist begins his journey through the Jianghu. Everyone is welcome to discuss any ideas they have about the plot.

Volume Two: Jianghu Journey

Chapter One: Renowned Throughout the Jianghu

The strong wind howled, and the sound of horse hooves echoed, treading on the bluestone official road.

Lin Xuan, clad in a simple green martial arts outfit, his figure tall and his back straight, galloped on his horse.

On this long journey, Lin Xuan carried a heavy responsibility. His primary objective was to investigate the collusion between Murong Fu and the Mongol Tartars, severing this line of treachery that harmed the nation and its people.

Concurrently, he was entrusted by Guo Jing to check on Yang Guo's recent condition at the Quanzhen Sect on Zhongnan Mountain. Of course, he would also take the opportunity to see the legendary Little Dragon Girl, who seemed untouched by worldly affairs.

The Yin Yang Deficit Supplementation Technique had taken root deep within him, perfectly integrated with the Nine Yin Manual, transforming him completely. At this moment, his internal true qi was like an inexhaustible sea, boundless and unending.

With every movement, an indescribable magnetic charm emanated from him. It was the masculine energy naturally released by the cultivation technique permeating his entire body, serving as an invisible aid to him.

This charm was not deliberate, yet it could make those who approached him unconsciously feel at ease, even developing a subtle sense of attachment and submission. Simply sitting there, he seemed to draw everyone's attention, making women feel favorably inclined and involuntarily wanting to be close to him.

Along the way, he did not deliberately flaunt his abilities, even consciously restraining his sharpness, traveling like an ordinary young master from a wealthy family. However, his very presence was like a magnet, always attracting various gazes and incidents.

One day, while traveling on a mountain path, the mountain wind howled, and the trees rustled ominously. Suddenly, he heard a woman's terrified screams and rough male curses from ahead, interspersed with the crisp clanging of colliding weapons. Lin Xuan reined in his horse, his brow furrowed.

He pushed aside the bushes by the roadside and saw not far ahead that a merchant caravan was surrounded by a group of fierce-looking bandits. More than half of the caravan's guards had fallen, their blood staining the mountain path.

The bandit leader, a burly man with a face full of coarse flesh and a steel saber in hand, was grinning as he dragged a young woman from a carriage. Her clothes were disheveled, her face pale with fear, and she struggled desperately, but to no avail.

"Let me go! You beasts!" the woman cried out hoarsely, her eyes filled with despair.

"Heh heh, little lady, just yield to me! I promise to make you happy!" the bandit leader leered, lightly drawing his saber across her neck, the threat evident.

A cold glint flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes. He did not draw his sword, nor did he even make a sound as he moved. His figure flickered, and he appeared beside the bandit leader like a phantom, as fast as teleportation.

The bandit leader's vision blurred. Before he could react, Lin Xuan's fingertip flicked. An invisible surge of energy, like an arrow released from a bowstring, accurately shot towards the bandit leader's wrist.

"Ah!" The bandit leader's wrist went numb, a sharp pain struck, and his steel saber clattered to the ground. He was terrified beyond measure. Before he could even see who had appeared, Lin Xuan casually struck out with his palm.

This palm strike appeared effortless, yet it contained the formidable internal energy of the Yin Yang Deficit Supplementation Technique. The palm wind roared, unstoppable.

"Pfft!" The bandit leader flew out like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto rocks several yards away. He coughed up blood, struggled a few times, and then fell silent, clearly dead.

The remaining bandits were greatly alarmed. They had never witnessed such strange and powerful martial arts, and for a moment, they were too stunned to advance.

A cold glint flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes. His figure moved like lightning. Before the bandits could react, he had already weaved through them. Several muffled groans were heard, followed by the continuous sound of swords and sabers falling to the ground.

When his figure steadied, all the bandits lay on the ground, either with a bloody gash on their throats or a sunken chest, all dead on the spot, their eyes still filled with disbelief and terror. On the mountain path, only the smell of blood and a deathly silence remained.

The rescued woman and the surviving merchants stared blankly at what had just happened. Having survived a brush with death, their eyes were filled with shock and gratitude. They had never seen such an exceptionally talented young hero, whose movements were as swift as lightning, whose actions were decisive, yet carried an air of detached transcendence.

Lin Xuan said nothing. He simply took his horse and continued on his way, leaving behind a scene of chaos and the bewildered gazes of the merchants.

After several more days of travel, Lin Xuan passed by a small village. It was early afternoon, and under the large banyan tree at the village entrance, a group of children were playing.

Suddenly, a fierce-looking strong man, wielding a wooden stick, rushed over menacingly and began beating a thin boy, cursing loudly, "You little brat, stealing my chicken! I'll beat you to death!"

The boy cried out in pain, and the surrounding children scattered in fear, but no one dared to step forward and intervene. Lin Xuan frowned upon seeing this.

The boy deserved to be punished for stealing the chicken, but the strong man's beating was too brutal. If he didn't intervene, the boy might be beaten to death.

He didn't act directly. As he passed by the strong man, he subtly released a trace of internal energy. This energy, like an invisible ripple, instantly enveloped the strong man.

The strong man felt an inexplicable chill surge from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. The wooden stick in his hand felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, and he could no longer swing it. His body stiffened, cold sweat pouring down his face. He felt as if an invisible force was choking him, making it difficult to even breathe.

He looked around in terror, seeing nothing, but felt an immense pressure surrounding him, making him want to submit, completely eradicating his ferocity.

Lin Xuan glanced at him indifferently, a hint of cold killing intent in his eyes. The strong man instantly sobered up, and the wooden stick fell from his hand with a clatter.

Just as he was about to beg for mercy, his chest felt constricted, a sharp pain struck, and his vision went black. He collapsed straight to the ground, unconscious. The surrounding children were stunned in fear, but none knew what had happened.

Lin Xuan led his horse away, leaving behind the fallen strong man and the boy's terrified sobs.

His actions, though not intentional, became a hallmark of his journey through the martial world.

He arrived at a small town named Qinghe Town. The town was built by the water, with blue bricks and black tiles, and black-canopied boats moored along the bank, exuding a water-town charm.

Lin Xuan settled in a teahouse, ordered a pot of clear tea, and sat by the window, listening to the hushed whispers of passersby and the impassioned voice of the storyteller.

"...And so, outside Xiangyang city, three thousand elite Mongol Wolf Riders, fierce beyond compare, left nothing but barren land in their wake! Just as the morale of the Xiangyang army and its people was at its lowest, a young hero suddenly appeared and turned the tide! He skillfully set up a wondrous formation and, amidst the chaos of battle, slew the enemy chieftain. In a single night, the three thousand Wolf Riders were annihilated, leaving not a single survivor!"

The storyteller slammed the table and exclaimed, spittle flying, eliciting thunderous applause from the packed teahouse.

"What was the young hero's name, and who was this divine being?" someone shouted, their voice full of longing.

The storyteller chuckled mysteriously, stroking his beard to build suspense, before suddenly fanning himself with a flourish, his voice shaking the very roof tiles, "It was none other than Young Master Lin! Known as 'Little Zhuge' Lin Xuan!"

"Young Master Lin, the Little Zhuge! What a name! A true prodigy of our time!"

"Such a young hero is truly a blessing to our Great Song! I hear even Great Hero Guo and his wife have praised him highly!"

The teahouse buzzed with discussion, the atmosphere lively. Lin Xuan picked up his teacup and took a sip.

He paid for the tea and stood up to leave. As he reached the entrance of the inn, the innkeeper, who had been nonchalantly wiping the counter, showed a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

It wasn't that he had overheard the teahouse gossip, but rather Lin Xuan's extraordinary demeanor that unconsciously made him feel a sense of pressure, as if the person before him was no ordinary traveler.

The innkeeper subconsciously put down his rag, his gaze filled with a mixture of curiosity and awe. He looked at Lin Xuan, seeing his upright posture and handsome features. Though his clothes were plain, he possessed an air of detachment from the mundane world, especially his deep, penetrating eyes that seemed to see into people's hearts.

"Sir, are you looking for lodging?" the innkeeper's voice unconsciously lowered a few decibels, tinged with a hint of caution.

Lin Xuan merely nodded slightly and replied calmly, "Indeed."