manynovel Page 101
Page 101
In the center of the training ground stands a huge stone tablet with the four characters "Hulong Manor" engraved on it. The characters are vigorous and powerful, as if telling the story of the manor's glorious history.
The Dragon Guard Manor is not only a complex of buildings, but also a sacred place of martial arts, teeming with masters whose martial arts are unparalleled.
Iron-Blooded Marquis Zhu Wushi was renowned throughout the martial arts world and his fame spread far and wide.
The Dragon Guard Manor was supposed to have four Imperial Guards, but in reality, it was not at full strength, with only three.
Although these three are young, they were all carefully trained by Zhu Wushi. Even in the martial arts world, they are rare masters among the younger generation, capable of standing on their own.
Duan Tianya is the top-ranking of the four imperial secret agents of the Dragon Guard Manor, known as "Number One in the Heavenly Realm".
Duan Tianya is calm and composed, and values loyalty and righteousness. He lost his parents at a young age and was taken in by villains. His mother and sister, unable to bear the humiliation, jumped into a well together. They happened to meet Zhu Wushi, the Iron-Blooded Marquis, who took him in as his adopted son and taught him martial arts.
Later, Shenhou sent Duan Tianya to Fusang to learn ninjutsu. Duan Tianya met the love of his life, Yagyu Yukihime. However, their happiness was short-lived. In order to learn the Illusion Sword, Duan Tianya killed Yukihime's brother, Yagyu Jubei. Despite her family's opposition, Yukihime resolutely prepared to elope with Tianya. In the end, she blocked her father Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's fatal blow for her beloved Duan Tianya.
Although Duan Tianya has not yet recovered from the grief of losing his wife, he has returned to Zhu Wushi's command and has even carried out many missions.
Guihai Yidao is the number one "Earth" rank secret agent among the four secret agents of the Iron-Blooded Marquis of the Dragon Guard Manor. Yidao is taciturn, with a hint of melancholy between his brows. His father, Guihai Bailian, was killed when he was young, and he vowed to avenge his father. Guihai Yidao's life was tragic. In order to learn the Overlord Blade, he had to be ruthless, heartless, compassionate, loving, and friendless.
Shangguan Haitang is the number one "Xuan" secret agent among the four secret agents of the Dragon Guard Manor, and also the owner of the number one manor in the world.
Shangguan Haitang is as beautiful as a peach blossom and as intelligent as a peach blossom. She is a disciple of the young master Wuhen. Not only is she knowledgeable and well-versed in medicine, divination, and astrology, but she is also unparalleled in the martial arts world when it comes to hidden weapons.
Haitang's original surname was Hai. Her entire family was killed by bandits when she was young. She was later rescued by Shenhou and changed her surname to Shangguan to avoid her enemies. She often disguises herself as a man and works for the Dragon Guard Manor.
These three people were not only Zhu Wushi's subordinates, but also his adopted son and adopted daughter.
However, for Zhu Wushi, the so-called adopted sons were just a nice-sounding title to win people's hearts. In reality, these three people were just tools for him to achieve his ambitions.
The previous day's carefree days are over.
His official career was fraught with difficulties, and he was moved to tears.
The bright moon over the sea stirs my heart.
The crabapple blossoms faded, and the plum blossoms began to bloom.
Besides being the number one Xuan-ranked person, Shangguan Haitang is also the owner of the number one manor in the world.
What exactly is the Number One Manor in the World? It's a place that gathers all sorts of extraordinary and unique individuals, similar to a modern Guinness World Record. However, those who have a name in the Number One Manor don't need to work hard for the rest of their lives; they'll be supported and protected by the manor. So, who are these extraordinary and unique individuals? The show features the strongest man in the world, the greatest illusionist, the greatest swordsman, the greatest thief, the laziest person, the greatest gentleman, the greatest doctor… all sorts of bizarre and wonderful "number one" individuals can settle in the Number One Manor.
Swordsmen, divine doctors, and even master thieves are relatively normal, but the laziest person in the world is a bit peculiar, which shows how difficult it is to evaluate and how practical it is.
Of course, their title of "Number One in the World" is somewhat undeserved; they are simply the number one among those who came to participate in the "Number One in the World" competition.
Of course, there are also those who truly deserve the title, such as Jian Jingfeng, the number one swordsman in the world.
In fact, at his peak, Jian Jingfeng could indeed be considered the number one swordsman in the Ming Dynasty.
When Jian Jingfeng roamed the martial world with his sword, no swordsman could rival him. However, after killing his sworn brother Guihai Bailian, who had gone mad from internal energy cultivation, he became disheartened and withdrew from the martial world.
In the world of martial arts in the Ming Dynasty, where talents abound, Jian Jingfeng may not be considered the number one swordsman in the Ming Dynasty, but at a certain point in time, he was undoubtedly the number one swordsman in the Ming Dynasty.
The number one manor in the world is so powerful that it can easily support this group of idle people. After all, it is backed by Zhu Wushi, the Iron-Blooded Marquis, the current imperial uncle, and Wan Sanwan, the richest man in the country.
Iron-Blooded Marquis Zhu Wushi represents the official government, while the wealthy Wan Sanqian represents the business world. One has power, the other money; their collaboration ensures smooth operations. At the level of the "Number One Manor Under Heaven," Wan Sanqian primarily needs its commercial value. This intimidatingly prestigious "Number One Manor Under Heaven" is a living advertisement!
Anyone who can be called the best in the world in any aspect can come to the World's Number One Manor for evaluation. If they successfully obtain the title of World's Number One and can retain it, they can enjoy everything for free in any shop under the name of Wan Sanqian Da Guanren.
This is such an excellent condition for ordinary people, naturally causing a huge stir. More and more people will participate in the "Number One in the World" evaluation, and the publicity value it brings is immeasurable.
At the same time, it also established a reputation for integrity for Wan Sanqian, this great merchant, in front of the world, so that he could enjoy the rights of being number one in any field.
This means that from now on, any shop with a price tag of 13,000 will be associated with integrity, and people will prioritize choosing them. Investing in the "Number One Manor in the World" is a win-win situation; truly befitting the business acumen of the nation's richest man!
Chapter 183: Martial Arts Chronicle: Strolling Around the Capital
Secondly, there's the benefit of Zhu Wushi, the Iron-Blooded Marquis. Zhu Wushi provides protection with an official background and also provides the manager Shangguan Haitang.
Whenever the Iron-Blooded Marquis needed these top talents in the world, he could immediately use them to do his bidding, which was equivalent to having a group of retainers.
Whether all these retainers are useful is not within his consideration. After all, he is not the one who is paying for it. He only needs to ensure that some of the best people in the world are useful.
However, Shangguan Haitang was not at the Number One Manor in the World at this time, but instead appeared at the Dragon Guard Manor.
"Haitang, it seems you have good news to tell me."
Looking at Shangguan Haitang in front of him, Zhu Wushi smiled slightly and said.
Of his three adopted sons, Duan Tianya was the one Zhu Wushi favored the most. Guihai Yidao was just a killing knife, but so far, the one who played the biggest role was his adopted daughter Shangguan Haitang.
Because she manages the Number One Manor in the World, Zhu Wushi does many things through the Number One Manor in the World, and Shangguan Haitang does manage the Number One Manor in the World very well.
To achieve great things, talented people are indispensable, and the number one manor in the world is Zhu Wushi's treasure trove of talent.
Shangguan Haitang cupped her hands slightly, displaying her elegant demeanor, and said, "Father, you are wise. Indeed, there is good news. Luke from the Imperial Sword Manor recently entered the capital."
A glint flashed in Zhu Wushi's eyes, and then he spoke in a calm tone.
"I see. Begonia, prepare yourself, I am going to see him."
Shangguan Haitang left as ordered.
Zhu Wushi sat alone in the main hall, his face dark and inscrutable, but there was a hint of excitement in his eyes.
The reason why Zhu Wushi paid attention to Luke was actually quite simple; it was mainly because of Su Xin.
Legend has it that the Blood Ruyi, a treasure of the Imperial Sword Manor, has the power to bring the dead back to life. Zhu Wushi wants to use the Blood Ruyi's power to awaken his sleeping love, Su Xin.
Ordinary people in the martial arts world would not believe in the so-called Blood Ruyi bringing the dead back to life. They would think it was just a gimmick by the Imperial Sword Manor. Aren't there many such gimmicks in the martial arts world?
However, Zhu Wushi had clear intelligence: two hundred years ago, the master of Yujian Villa was seriously injured in a fight, and medicine was ineffective. He was brought back to life by the Blood Ruyi and lived to be over eighty years old.
Zhu Wushi had visited Yujian Manor many times to borrow the Blood Ruyi, but without exception, Yin Hao refused him each time.
Zhu Wushi thought Yin Hao was just being greedy, but little did he know that the Blood Ruyi originally had two pieces, and only by adding the Blood Ruyi Heart could it achieve the effect of bringing the dead back to life.
Although the Blood Ruyi still exists in the Imperial Sword Manor, its core has long been lost. Now, the Blood Ruyi is just two precious treasures, and it no longer has the miraculous power to bring the dead back to life.
Zhu Wushi was naturally unwilling to accept being rejected, so he concealed his identity, wore a mask, and broke into the Imperial Sword Manor, intending to forcibly seize the Blood Ruyi.
However, before he could even venture deep into the Imperial Sword Manor, he encountered Yin Zhong, who had just returned from healing his injuries in the Mercury Pool and was in excellent condition.
Zhu Wushi's Absorption Technique had reached its peak, with nearly a thousand years of accumulated power. A casual palm strike could unleash an immense amount of true energy.
However, Yin Zhong's skill has been honed over five hundred years, far surpassing Zhu Wushi's mixed and unrefined skill.
Although Yin Zhong was not at his peak due to the injuries left by the Spirit Mirror, he still severely injured Zhu Wushi within three hundred moves.
It's only because Zhu Wushi ran fast that there would be no Iron-Blooded Marquis in this world.
After this battle, Zhu Wushi's fear of Yin Zhong was beyond question, and it also made him give up the idea of forcibly seizing the Blood Ruyi.
However, Zhu Wushi still arranged for people to be stationed near the Imperial Sword Manor.
The news of Luke's departure from the manor for his travels was delivered by someone he had arranged.
Zhu Wushi wanted to use Luke's identity to befriend the Imperial Sword Manor and obtain the Blood Ruyi. Even if he couldn't get the Blood Ruyi, he could at least borrow it.
As for how to use Luke's identity, it was simply a favor.
Or to put it another way, Zhu Wushi wanted to win over Luke, to make him more inclined to side with him, so that he could provide assistance in borrowing the Blood Ruyi.
As far as he knew, Yin Hao, the master of Yujian Manor, and Yin Zhong, the one who injured him, seemed to value Luke, their nephew, very much, treating him no differently than their own son.
Especially Yin Hao, if Luke hadn't been born with the surname Yin, the young master of Yujian Manor might not have been Yin Tianqi.
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The capital city of the Ming Dynasty was bustling with activity and vibrant with activity. After settling their carriage at the inn, Luke and Zhao Yun began to stroll through the city's streets and alleys.
The streets and alleys of Beijing are bustling with activity, and the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life is palpable.
Luke and Zhao Yun walked side by side, as if they were in a flowing painting.
Shops line both sides of the street, with signs hanging high, and a wide variety of goods on display.
The brocades in the silk shops shimmered in the sunlight, and the delicate fragrance wafting from the teahouses mingled with the sweet aromas of the pastry shops, whetting the appetites of passersby.
"The prosperity of this capital city is indeed well-deserved."
Luke exclaimed, his gaze sweeping across the streets, his eyes filled with wonder.
Luke had seen more prosperous places before, but this was the first time he had ever seen such an ancient and bustling place. After all, this was the first time he had come to such a prosperous area in the feudal era since he transmigrated to this world.
Zhao Yun smiled slightly and said, "The capital city is under the emperor's nose, so it is naturally the most prosperous place in the world. However, behind this prosperity, there are also many untold stories."
Zhao Yun's business was scaling walls and leaping across rooftops; although he had never been to some of these places, he had at least heard of them.
The two continued on their way, and the shouts of vendors (Li, Wang, Zhao) filled the air, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
An old man selling candied hawthorns pushed his cart. The candied hawthorns were bright red, like strings of rubies, attracting the attention of many children.
Luke couldn't resist buying a skewer, took a bite, and the sweet and sour taste melted in his mouth, making him squint his eyes.
"The taste of these candied hawthorns is quite different from those near Yujian Manor," Luke said with a smile.
Zhao Yun nodded and said, "The snacks in the capital have their own unique characteristics. Look over there, there's a place selling zha jiang mian (noodles with soybean paste). Would you like to try some?"
Luke looked in the direction Zhao Yun pointed and saw a small stall surrounded by people. The stall owner was skillfully scooping up noodles and pouring on rich sauce, the aroma filling the air.
The two squeezed into the crowd, each ordered a bowl, sat on the simple wooden stools, and began to eat heartily.
"This tastes really good!" Luke exclaimed, his eyes filled with satisfaction.
Chapter 184: Martial Arts Chronicle: The Unsociable Yin Tianqi
Night had fallen, the Jade Rabbit hung high in the sky, and the number of people on the streets gradually decreased.
Luke and Zhao Yun joined hands to prepare to return to the inn.
Speaking of the past few days of travel, Luke and Zhao Yun have made great progress. At least now they can hold hands when they go shopping. Although Zhao Yun, who has not yet turned evil, is shy about this, he does not reject this behavior.
Ultimately, Zhao Yun, who never turned evil, may have a gentle and mild-mannered personality, but she is, after all, a woman of the martial world, and what she lacks in her bones is decisiveness.
Of course, when men and women hold hands in the street, there will inevitably be some pedantic scholars pointing and whispering.
Luke, of course, wouldn't tolerate them. He simply passed by them and suddenly unleashed his aura, causing these poor, pedantic scholars to prostrate themselves before Luke and Zhao Yun.
At first, Zhao Yun didn't know what was going on, but as more and more things happened, even the slow-witted Zhao Yun eventually realized what was happening and couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
After walking for about half an hour, there were no pedestrians left on the street, and the moonlight became even brighter.
However, just as Luke and Zhao Yun were about to return to the inn, a dark figure suddenly darted across the rooftop. The figure was so fast that Zhao Yun only saw a fleeting afterimage.