175: Chapter 175 No matter how high one's skill level, it's no match for a broken body!

Deep within the Great Song Imperial Palace, Emperor Renzong of Song wielded a brush, painting. A landscape in ink and wash seemed to leap from the paper.

The brushstrokes were delicate and fluid, the Concept profound, clearly the work of a Master.

"Your Majesty, a piece of news has arrived from the Jianghu," a purple-robed official reported respectfully.

"Minister Huang, come and see. What do you think of this painting of mine?" Emperor Renzong of Song did not look up, merely putting down the final stroke before beckoning.

"Ah, Your Majesty's brush brings flowers to life, truly a divine hand in painting!" Huang Shang, well-versed in the emperor's temperament, hurriedly offered praise.

"You truly understand appreciation!" Emperor Renzong of Song laughed heartily, then asked, "What was the matter you mentioned just now?"

"Your Majesty, the Shaolin Temple has been destroyed. The abbot took his own life for breaking precepts. Shockingly, the temple concealed two peerless Masters—one claimed to be Murong Longcheng, and the other actually declared himself to be Ancestral Master Bodhidharma!"

In Huang Shang's view, martial artists gathering to cause trouble was commonplace, and even involvement with Northern Yuan forces was not particularly alarming.

But these two names were truly earth-shattering.

"Murong Longcheng? Bodhidharma? Who are these two?" Emperor Renzong of Song was taken aback. Seeing Huang Shang's grave expression, he couldn't help but feel puzzled.

"Your Majesty may not know. Murong Longcheng was the crown prince who fled during the fall of the Yan State centuries ago. As for Bodhidharma, legend has it he was the founder of Shaolin's martial arts."

As the words fell, Emperor Renzong of Song couldn't help but laugh. "Minister, are you trying to amuse me with a storybook? By your account, wouldn't they have lived for hundreds, even thousands of years?"

"Your Majesty, please think of—Di Shitian."

Huang Shang uttered the three words with a heavy, iron-like tone.

Emperor Renzong of Song's laughter cut off abruptly. He looked at Huang Shang with a dazed expression. "Didn't you say such figures are exceedingly rare in this world?"

"Indeed rare, but not necessarily nonexistent."

"Then what should we do?" Emperor Renzong of Song's face paled.

It was the Great Song that had destroyed the Yan State back then. Now, the other side's crown prince was still alive, with cultivation reaching the heavens. If he sought revenge, who could stop him?

"Your Majesty need not worry. Both Murong Longcheng and Bodhidharma are already dead."

"Dead?"

"Absolutely true."

"This matter was witnessed by many Masters. And the one who acted... Your Majesty has heard of him before."

Emperor Renzong of Song pondered briefly, then a light flashed in his eyes. "Could it be that expert from Northern Li?"

"Precisely."

Huang Shang nodded in confirmation.

Emperor Renzong of Song immediately grew excited. "He has actually come to our Great Song! Do you know where he is at present?"

Previously, upon hearing of this person slaying Di Shitian, Emperor Renzong of Song had intended to befriend him.

Unfortunately, the distance was vast, and he knew such a powerful expert likely lacked for nothing. Even if others offered treasures, they might not catch his eye, so he had reluctantly given up.

Now that the other party had personally arrived in the Great Song, missing this opportunity would likely leave him unable to sleep or eat in peace.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this person journeyed south this time because a Disciple under him was attacked."

"That Disciple is named Wang Yuyan, precisely the Young Miss of the Mantuo Villa in Gusu."

Huang Shang had clearly already gathered some information before coming to report.

"Excellent. Dispatch an envoy immediately to invite Mr. Su to the capital for a discussion."

"If he asks the reason, state it plainly—as long as he is willing to pledge allegiance to the Great Song, I am willing to bestow upon him the position of National Preceptor!"

Emperor Renzong of Song's tone was firm.

Huang Shang's expression remained calm, showing no surprise.

"However... should we first notify Immortal Master Lin of the Zixiao Sect?"

"Lin Lingsu? No need."

"Let's first ascertain this Mr. Su's attitude."

Emperor Renzong of Song waved a hand in refusal.

"As you command. This subject will make the arrangements immediately."

Huang Shang accepted the order and withdrew.

...

At Leigu Mountain.

"Master!"

Several Disciples of Su Xinghe paid their respects respectfully.

"Go and deliver the invitations. You know the list in your hearts."

Su Xinghe instructed solemnly.

Xue Muhua stepped forward cautiously. "Master, during the Shaolin Temple incident earlier, the young lady by the side of the one who acted... she seemed to be the Young Miss of the Mantuo Villa."

"That one?" Su Xinghe's eyes narrowed slightly.

He had long heard about the Shaolin matter and knew the details.

The purpose of this invitation was originally to invite someone to solve the 'Zhenlong' chess game, inherit the school's Legacy, and then eliminate the traitor Ding Chunqiu.

But the person who appeared that day... I'm afraid even Master at his Peak might not have been able to defeat him. Now, with this setup again, was there still any point?

But after a second thought, he ultimately decided to give it a try.

What if?

Moreover, as long as that person was willing to come, if Ding Chunqiu dared to cause trouble and provoked him, perhaps the problem would solve itself!

...

At Mantuo Villa.

These past days, Su Rui often went out with Li Hanyi and Yue Yao, sometimes accompanied by Wang Yuyan.

Scenery picturesque as a painting, beauties by his side.

He had almost forgotten the way home.

However, upon returning to the villa today, Lady Wang immediately sent someone to request his presence.

Once the four entered the hall, Lady Wang took out an invitation from Leigu Mountain and handed it to Su Rui.

Su Rui glanced over it briefly, then looked at Wang Yuyan.

After all, Wuyazi was her maternal grandfather.

Making a trip wouldn't hurt.

But he did not intend to go personally.

Having Wang Yuyan go would be sufficient.

Hearing this, Wang Yuyan was stunned, her gaze turning to her mother, Li Qingluo.

Li Qingluo was also full of confusion.

"My father... is at Leigu Mountain? And gravely injured, paralyzed?"

Her voice trembled slightly, her eyes filled with shock.

Su Rui nodded. "That is indeed the case."

"Yuyan, Mother must make this trip," Li Qingluo said with a determined tone.

Wang Yuyan gave a slight nod, then looked at Su Rui, a hint of expectation in her eyes.

"Teacher... will you not accompany us?"

"No. This is your family matter. It is not appropriate for me to interfere."

Su Rui smiled faintly and refused directly.

"I want to go too," Li Hanyi suddenly spoke up.

Su Rui was slightly surprised.

"There will surely be many Masters on the mountain. I am not at ease with Junior Sister going alone."

She offered a reason.

Hearing this, Su Rui gave a slight nod. He took two jade talismans from his bosom and handed them to Li Hanyi and Wang Yuyan respectively.

"Keep them close to your persons. They will be useful in times of danger."

"Go."

"Yes!" The two women curtsied.

Li Qingluo watched as Su Rui showed such concern and closeness to his Disciples, a trace of envy involuntarily rising in her heart.

But she had no time to dwell on it now.

She finally had a lead on her father's whereabouts. She only wanted to see him as soon as possible.

The three women set off immediately, with AZhu and ABi following to attend to them.

Yue Yao's eyes sparkled, full of curiosity.

Actually, she very much wanted to go too.

Just as she was thinking this, she suddenly felt her body stiffen.

The next moment, an arm encircled her waist, and a familiar presence drew close behind her.

"Husband..." she called out with a slight tremble.

"I am somewhat weary today and wish to rest for a while."

"Will you keep me company?"

Su Rui's voice sounded low by her ear.

Yue Yao's body stiffened slightly, then she gave a gentle nod.

Held by him, she walked towards the inner chamber.

The maidservants observing the scene all lowered their heads and retreated, not daring to linger.

They understood perfectly well that this figure, whom even the lady of the villa treated with great respect, was the Young Miss's Master.

Such intimate actions at this moment—their intent was tacitly understood.

The door closed. Candlelight flickered, casting a rosy hue on Yue Yao's cheeks, her heart racing wildly.

Su Rui raised a hand and waved. A mist-like barrier enveloped the surroundings.

The room instantly darkened.

Holding her hand, he walked slowly towards the bed.

...

At Leigu Mountain.

Wuyazi listened to Su Xinghe's report on the guest list.

"Master, these are roughly the people."

"However, unexpected guests are inevitable. Ding Chunqiu likely will not miss it either."

"Let him come if he will," Wuyazi, suspended in mid-air, spoke slowly. "My life is nearing its end."

"If not for wanting to preserve a thread of Legacy for the Xiaoyao School, what would it matter to perish together with him?"

"Wait!" Li Hanyi stared at the old man hanging from the beam, frowning. "We should be calling you Junior Martial Uncle!"

Wuyazi's gaze grew vacant, his expression dazed.

The joy in his heart was abruptly cut off by these words.

Originally, his daughter's sudden return and his granddaughter's extraordinary, once-in-a-century Aptitude had filled him with excitement.

But Li Hanyi's casual remark left him momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond.

"Grandfather! The Senior Brother of the Free and Unfettered Master is a Disciple of my Master!"

Wang Yuyan added softly from the side.

Wuyazi's mind went blank.

The generational seniority was clear enough, but the statuses were all mixed up.

He looked at Wang Yuyan's helpless expression, then at the spiritually vibrant Li Hanyi before him, momentarily unsure whether to laugh or sigh.

This development was completely unexpected!

"Father, that person is currently staying at my Mantuo Villa."

Li Qingluo, seeing her father's strange expression, also sensed that his Physical Body had likely reached the point of exhaustion.

She knew Wuyazi's identity and cultivation level, and she was even more aware of Su Xinghe's medical prowess, capable of reviving the dead from difficult illnesses.

But if even he was helpless—

The figure of Su Rui suddenly surfaced in her mind.

So she spoke up: "Perhaps... we could ask Mr. Su Rui to intervene."

Hearing this, Wang Yuyan understood her mother's meaning. But she dared not guarantee anything. Her teacher always acted according to his own whims; would he easily heal someone's injuries?

"I will try to beg him," she said softly.

"No need," Wuyazi shook his head with a bitter smile. "This body of mine can no longer hold on. Bones and tendons shattered, spine broken... what hope is there for a cure?"

No matter how profound the cultivation, it cannot overcome a shattered vessel.

He knew his own condition best.

Hearing this, Li Hanyi instinctively wanted to refute.

She had personally witnessed Su Rui restoring life to her father who had been dead for many days. Mere Physical Body injuries, how could they be incurable? But on second thought, this matter ultimately had to be decided by her Master himself. It was not her place to speak, so she swallowed her words.

"For this gathering at Leigu Mountain, I originally ordered Xinghe to widely invite talents from all sides, intending to select one to inherit my lifelong learning," Wuyazi looked at Wang Yuyan, his eyes full of gratification. "Now that you have come, the position of Sect Head is undoubtedly yours. This lifetime's accumulation of Internal Energy, I will also impart entirely to you."

Hearing this, Wang Yuyan said urgently, "Grandfather, I will beg my teacher to intervene. In his eyes, your injuries may not be incurable!"

Impart his cultivation?

That was equivalent to handing over his life.

In his current state, once he dispersed his power, death was certain.

Moreover, Wang Yuyan cultivated Innate True Qi, which complemented the Heavenly Sword Art perfectly. She had never studied any other Cultivation Technique and fundamentally could not receive Wuyazi's Beiming True Essence.

She couldn't say this outright—how could she bluntly state she looked down on her grandfather's Internal Energy?

Just as the stalemate continued, Su Xinghe hurried over.

"Master, most of the guests have arrived. There are indeed a few promising talents, only... Ding Chunqiu has also come."

"Grandfather, I will go avenge you right now!" Upon hearing this, Wang Yuyan turned to leave.

"Yuyan, wait!" Wuyazi hurriedly stopped her. "That Ding Chunqiu, coveting my Beiming Divine Art but failing to obtain it, actually created an evil technique called the 'Art of Disintegration.' Not only is he wreathed in potent poison, but he can also cripple others' Internal Energy. You must not act rashly!"

"Grandfather need not worry. Don't you know my capabilities?" Wang Yuyan's tone was firm. She gently adjusted the peerless sword casket on her back and walked out with determined steps.