Demon Devouring Gu and Martial Arts Marriage Contest

"Next time we meet, I definitely won’t let you off!"

In the end, the girl in red could not withstand the pressure and burst into tears. Crying as she ran away, she made everyone else feel like the villains.

Li Xiaoyao said indignantly, "No, she was the one who hit people. Why does she get to cry?"

The rescued man and woman came over to thank them and explained what had happened. They had originally been a servant and maid from Lin Family Fortress. The two had eloped, only to be caught by the Lin family’s young miss and beaten.

The girl in red was none other than Lin Yueru, the young miss of the Lin family.

"Even if they eloped, she shouldn’t have hit them! Couldn’t she just talk things out?"

Li Xiaoyao was rather angry.

Having grown up in a small town, he did not understand what it meant for servants and maids to have sold themselves to a household.

Strictly speaking, they barely even counted as people. They were the property of their masters. Even if Lin Yueru had killed them outright, the authorities would at most fine her a little money.

"Thank you, young heroes, for saving us. Yin Hua and I must be going now. Since you have offended the Lin family’s young miss, it would be best if you did not enter Suzhou City."

With that, the eloping pair vanished in an instant.

Xu Changqing looked somewhat worried. "Lin Family Fortress is a renowned force in the Jianghu. We have indeed caused some trouble this time."

Li Xiaoyao lowered his head and said guiltily, "Brother Xu, I’ve caused you trouble."

Xu Changqing shook his head with a laugh. "What are you saying, Brother Li? We did this together, so I share the responsibility. Besides…"

"When Shu Mountain disciples see injustice, they draw their swords to help. It is only right."

Li Xiaoyao nodded like a pecking chick.

Zhao Ling’er asked worriedly, "Daoist priests, should we still enter Suzhou City?"

Xu Changqing turned to Chu Yang. "Junior Brother, what do you think we should do?"

Chu Yang walked straight toward Suzhou City and smiled freely. "What? Is Fort Master Lin’s ass a tiger’s ass that no one can touch? Then today, I insist on giving it a squeeze!"

"If he lets his daughter commit violence unchecked, then it should be dealt with no matter where it happens! If Lin Tiannan failed to teach his daughter properly and has no shame, then let him come trouble us. Are we supposed to fear him?"

The other three were also fired up by his words and followed closely behind Chu Yang.

Xu Changqing smiled. "In that case, if Fort Master Lin truly refuses to act with the bearing of a senior, then Junior Brother and I joining forces to fight him would not tarnish Shu Mountain’s reputation."

Chu Yang quickly waved his hands. "When the sky falls, the tall ones hold it up. Senior Brother, you’re the tallest, so you hold it up first. I’ll take Xiaoyao and the others to cheer you on!"

Xu Changqing: "…"

The four entered the city, and Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling’er were immediately drawn in by its dazzling splendor.

Suzhou City was one of the most prosperous places in the Central Plains. Whether it came to food or entertainment, it was no worse than the capital, perhaps even better.

Once the two entered Suzhou City, they were like country bumpkins visiting a grand estate for the first time. Xu Changqing behaved somewhat better. Though his face remained calm, his eyes kept drifting about as he glanced around.

"It’s getting late. Let’s find somewhere to rest first."

Xu Changqing seemed to have planned this trip in advance. The inn he chose was not particularly famous locally, but it was tastefully decorated. Most of its main structure had been built from bamboo.

It had a bit of Shu Mountain’s style and atmosphere.

It was obvious that he had prepared for this journey into the secular world for a long time!

After dinner, Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling’er said they wanted to stroll around the streets. Once Xu Changqing gave his permission, the two vanished in a flash.

Watching their carefree retreating figures, Xu Changqing could not help saying, "In the end, they are still just two children."

Chu Yang sighed. "It’s somewhat unfair to place the fate of an entire kingdom on a little girl like Ling’er."

Xu Changqing, who never discussed matters of state, unexpectedly nodded, his face full of benevolent warmth.

Senior Brother!

Don’t be like this!

You’re looking more and more like her grandfather, damn it!

After chatting in the main hall for a while, Xu Changqing returned to his room to rest, while Chu Yang quietly waited for the two to return.

If he remembered correctly, Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling’er would find the Demon Devouring Gu in Suzhou City.

After waiting for a while.

Laughter suddenly came from outside.

Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling’er entered the inn while laughing and playing, only to see Chu Yang sitting nearby, watching them with a smile.

Li Xiaoyao said embarrassedly, "Brother Chu, you’re still awake so late. Were you waiting for us?"

Chu Yang nodded. "It’s your first time traveling far from home. You should always be a little cautious."

Both Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling’er were deeply touched.

Zhao Ling’er’s eyes turned mischievously. She took something from the small cloth pouch on her body and held it out before Chu Yang. "Daoist Chu, we found a Demon Devouring Gu. Do you want to take a look?"

Chu Yang took the Demon Devouring Gu and knowingly asked, "What is a Demon Devouring Gu?"

Zhao Ling’er began explaining the Demon Devouring Gu’s origins to him. Since it involved her area of expertise, the little girl spoke with great enthusiasm.

It was too late, so Chu Yang had no choice but to interrupt her. "Can you lend me the Demon Devouring Gu for one night? I want to take it back and study it."

Zhao Ling’er immediately said, "If Daoist Chu wants it, Ling’er can give it to you. It’s fine."

Chu Yang smiled and shook his head. "I’m just a little curious. I’ll return it to you tomorrow."

"All right." Zhao Ling’er agreed readily. Li Xiaoyao said nothing either. The two shared roughly the same thought: no gift could possibly repay Chu Yang for saving their lives.

After returning to their respective rooms, Chu Yang entered the Soul Palace and shared the Demon Devouring Gu with his companions.

Magic Chu Yang was the first to extract and preserve the Demon Devouring Gu’s Lineage Factor.

Xianxia Chu Yang asked curiously, "Can it be replicated?"

Magic Chu Yang was not entirely certain. He picked up the gu insect and studied it for a long time. "The replication technology for magical creatures is basically complete, but we’ve never tried it on demon clans or gu insects. I don’t know whether there’s anything in common between them…"

Cross-species replication was essentially an entirely different field, so Magic Chu Yang did not dare give a definite answer.

This replication technique had been created by Hokage Chu Yang while creating the Ten-Tails.

By using Yang Release under Six Paths Sage Mode, along with the Lineage Factor, one could completely create a living creature.

The success rate would vary depending on individual differences.

Xianxia Chu Yang was only trying his luck. Success would naturally be good, but even if it failed, he could later go to the Nanzhao Kingdom to seek the secret methods for raising gu insects.

It was simply an extra safeguard.

The Demon Devouring Gu in his hand was better left to Li Xiaoyao. He alone could not absorb all the power of the Red Ghost King and the Skeleton General anyway. When the time came, Chu Yang could still get a share.

There was no need to devour a renewable resource down to the last scrap.

Early the next morning.

The four went downstairs for breakfast and saw pedestrians hurrying along the road. The already bustling streets of Suzhou City suddenly became even livelier.

Someone in the crowd shouted.

"Martial arts marriage contest!"

"Lin Tiannan, Fort Master of Lin Family Fortress, has set up an arena to find a suitable husband for the Lin family’s young miss!"

The moment Li Xiaoyao, who was stuffing buns into his mouth, heard "Lin family’s young miss," the image of the girl in red involuntarily appeared in his mind.

"That vicious woman is holding a marriage contest too? What man has such a death wish?"

Li Xiaoyao could not help complaining, only to choke on a bun and struggle to breathe. Zhao Ling’er hurriedly handed him a bowl of porridge, and it took him quite a while to swallow it down.

"Brother Li, watch your words. Although that young miss of the Lin family was in the wrong yesterday, we also did something improper."

Xu Changqing had the temperament of a refined gentleman and did not like hearing people gossip behind others’ backs.

"Got it, Brother Xu. I was just a little upset."

Li Xiaoyao was very good at reading the room and immediately stopped saying anything bad about Lin Yueru.

"Daoist Xu, are we setting out after breakfast?"

Afraid that Xu Changqing would continue reprimanding Li Xiaoyao, Zhao Ling’er quickly spoke up to smooth things over.

Xu Changqing pondered for a while, then said, "I just heard from the innkeeper that a Serpent Demon has been appearing nearby. It has already killed many people and abducted numerous young women. I need to go investigate."

"Why don’t you wait for me at the inn? Once I deal with this matter, we can continue on our way."

Chu Yang’s expression shifted as he asked, "At Hidden Dragon Cave?"

Xu Changqing looked at him in surprise. "Junior Brother, did you hear it from the innkeeper as well?"

Chu Yang nodded. "Why don’t I go with Senior Brother later? We can look after each other."

The moment Li Xiaoyao heard that Chu Yang and Xu Changqing were going to slay demons, he could no longer sit still. He jumped up and said excitedly, "Take me with you! I’ve never seen a demon before!"

Xu Changqing frowned. "Nonsense! If you come with us to eliminate demons, what will Miss Ling’er do?"

Remembering that he truly could not leave Ling’er alone, Li Xiaoyao sat back down dejectedly. Even his food no longer tasted good.

Seeing Li Xiaoyao in such a difficult position, Zhao Ling’er’s love brain started working again. Smiling sweetly, she said, "If Xiaoyao Gege wants to go, then go. Ling’er will take good care of herself. Suzhou City isn’t some den of dragons and tigers, so there’s no need to worry."

At that, Li Xiaoyao perked up again and looked at Xu Changqing expectantly.

Just as Xu Changqing was about to refuse, a voice suddenly came from the nearby table.

"If you young heroes are willing to trust me, why not let me look after this young lady?"

As he spoke, a refined scholar approached and cupped his hands in greeting. "Your willingness to go to Hidden Dragon Cave and eliminate demons is a blessing for the people of Suzhou City. Liu Jinyuan deeply admires you for it."

"Unfortunately, I am merely a scholar and cannot accompany you. I can only help in this way."

Seeing this pretty boy boldly offer to look after Ling’er, Li Xiaoyao’s first thought was that the man had improper intentions.

"Who are you? Why should we trust you?"

Li Xiaoyao looked displeased.

"It is only natural for you not to trust me, Brother." Liu Jinyuan was not offended. Instead, he smiled and said, "I am Liu Jinyuan, this year’s top scholar in the imperial examinations. Lin Tiannan, Fort Master of Lin Family Fortress, is my uncle by marriage. Everyone in Suzhou City knows me. If you do not believe me, feel free to ask anyone."

The moment he heard that Liu Jinyuan was the top scholar, Li Xiaoyao’s momentum weakened sharply. He muttered, "What’s so great about being good at studying? You’re just a bookworm."

Chu Yang stood up with a smile. "There’s no need to ask. I saw the grand scene when Young Master Liu returned home in glory yesterday, so I naturally trust him."

"It’s just that we happened to clash with Miss Lin yesterday as well, so it would be inconvenient to trouble Young Master Liu."

Liu Jinyuan looked surprised. Seeing that these people carried themselves with righteousness and did not seem like bad people, he asked curiously, "You clashed with my cousin? Could you tell me what happened?"

Li Xiaoyao bluntly recounted what had happened the day before.

After listening, Liu Jinyuan shook his head and sighed. "My cousin is far too impulsive. No matter what, she should not have tied people to a tree and whipped them!"

Li Xiaoyao looked as if he had found a kindred spirit and hurriedly nodded. "Exactly! Exactly! You bookworm aren’t too bad. At least you can tell right from wrong."

Liu Jinyuan smiled awkwardly, unsure whether he should thank Li Xiaoyao for saying he was decent or be angry at being called a bookworm.

Zhao Ling’er tugged on Li Xiaoyao’s sleeve, making him sit down and stop talking.

Liu Jinyuan cupped his hands and said, "If you are worried because of this matter, there is no need. My uncle by marriage is the Martial Arts Alliance Chief and broad-minded beyond measure. Besides, I am willing to mediate this misunderstanding."

Xu Changqing looked at Chu Yang. In truth, he also wished to resolve the misunderstanding. After all, Lin Tiannan held a special status and had dealings with Shu Mountain. Offending him lightly would be unwise.

Chu Yang nodded slightly. "Then let’s pay Fort Master Lin a visit."

Liu Jinyuan smiled. "At noon today, my cousin will be holding her martial arts marriage contest before the Lin residence. Why not come with me?"

Everyone returned to their rooms to pack their belongings. During that time, Xu Changqing even went to ask the shopkeeper about Liu Jinyuan’s identity. Only after learning that he truly was the top scholar did he relax.

"How strange. Junior Brother was with us yesterday, and none of us saw Young Master Liu. How did he see it?"

"Could it be another magical treasure bestowed by the Sect Leader?"

"How many magical treasures does Junior Brother have on him, exactly?"

Xu Changqing had always treated Chu Yang as his own brother, but even he could not help feeling a little envious now. He wanted to receive such favor too.

While the others packed their things, Chu Yang chatted with Liu Jinyuan in the main hall.

As the top scholar, Liu Jinyuan possessed an exceptionally rich store of knowledge. He had not expected Chu Yang to be no less impressive. No matter what he brought up, Chu Yang could always offer a few thoughts.

Though brief, they were thought-provoking, as if they had been distilled from countless experiences.

Gradually, their conversation ranged further and further, from astronomy and geography to policies of governance, then to poetry and literature.

Their exchange also gradually shifted from casual conversation to Liu Jinyuan seeking guidance. The admiration on Liu Jinyuan’s face grew ever stronger.

After Li Xiaoyao and the others came downstairs, the group left the inn and headed for Lin Family Fortress.

Along the way, Liu Jinyuan continued asking Chu Yang questions. His attitude grew increasingly respectful, like that of a student before his teacher.

Li Xiaoyao was curious about what they were discussing, so he sneakily moved closer. After listening for a long while, he retreated with a face full of confusion.

Zhao Ling’er asked curiously, "What are Daoist Chu and Young Master Liu talking about?"

Li Xiaoyao shook his head. "I recognize every word they say, but when they’re put together, I have no idea what they mean…"

Zhao Ling’er burst out laughing.

Xu Changqing smiled and explained, "Because Junior Brother’s talent for cultivation was limited, he read many miscellaneous books in the scripture library from a young age. No one on Shu Mountain could talk with him about them. Meeting Young Master Liu today, they can be said to have hit it off at first sight."

The moment he finished speaking, Liu Jinyuan suddenly knelt before Chu Yang and declared loudly, "Teacher, please accept this student’s bow. I beg you, please take me as your disciple."

Xu Changqing’s smile froze.

Zhao Ling’er and Li Xiaoyao stared in shock.

"This is… hitting it off at first sight?"

Only when Liu Jinyuan knelt did Chu Yang realize that he might have said a little too much.

At first, he had truly only been chatting casually. He had never imagined that the bits of knowledge he mentioned would have such an impact on Liu Jinyuan, a man from ancient times.

The problem was that Liu Jinyuan knew too much and had too strong an ability to absorb new ideas.

Talking with him had not felt like talking with someone from ancient times at all.

That was what had given Chu Yang the illusion.

"Young Master Liu, please get up. I was just talking nonsense. Don’t take it to heart!"

Chu Yang reached out and pulled Liu Jinyuan to his feet.

"Everything Teacher said is precious wisdom. Both the nation and its people would benefit from it. How could it be nonsense?!"

"Please teach me, Teacher!"

Liu Jinyuan’s gaze was as resolute as if he were about to join a political party.

"Young Master Liu, do not joke around. My junior brother is a man of the mountains. His sect has rules against involving itself in the affairs of dynasties and the secular world."

Xu Changqing stepped forward with a smile.

Liu Jinyuan carefully examined Chu Yang and Xu Changqing’s clothing, then suddenly realized they were religious cultivators. He immediately beat his chest and stamped his feet, his regret plain to see.

After holding it in for a long time, Liu Jinyuan asked, "Can’t he return to secular life?"

Xu Changqing’s mouth twitched as he glared at him with a dark expression, as if he were about to hit someone.

Li Xiaoyao rolled his eyes. "Are you sick? My Brother Chu is going to cultivate and become an immortal someday. Who would go be an official with you? Only an idiot would!"

Liu Jinyuan closed his eyes in pain. There was no greater agony in life than this.

Such a brilliant talent—if he could serve as an official and bring blessings to a region, it would be a blessing for all under heaven.

Zhao Ling’er did not fully understand, but from Liu Jinyuan’s reaction, she could tell that Chu Yang possessed learning no less impressive than that of the top scholar.

With the fuss over taking a master now over, Liu Jinyuan could only rein in his regrets and continue leading everyone onward.

Before long, they spotted the platform for the martial arts marriage contest.

The spoiled young girl in red from yesterday had transformed into a heroic swordswoman dressed in a fitted outfit.

She radiated valor from head to toe.

Even girls passing by could not help swooning over her.

She was beautiful enough to charm both men and women.

The martial arts marriage contest had been underway for some time, and several challengers who had stepped onto the platform had already been sent flying.

Every one of them had been defeated in a single exchange.

It was clear that Lin Yueru’s martial arts were far from weak. At the very least, she ranked above average within Suzhou.

Liu Jinyuan said cheerfully, "My cousin’s skills are all family teachings. Ordinary people cannot even get close to her. I’m afraid my uncle will return empty-handed again this time."

Li Xiaoyao said, "She’s just so-so. Yesterday, I beat her with one move."

Zhao Ling’er hurriedly covered Li Xiaoyao’s mouth.

Unfortunately, it was already too late.

Lin Yueru, who was on the platform, had already shifted her gaze to Li Xiaoyao. Her expression changed abruptly. "You little thief, you actually dared to come!"

"Yesterday, you took advantage of me not having a suitable weapon and won by luck. If you’ve got the guts, fight me again today!"

Young and hot-blooded, Li Xiaoyao could not stand being provoked. He drew his sword and was about to leap onto the platform.

Only for Chu Yang to press him to the ground with one hand.

"This is a martial arts marriage contest. If you go up there and win, you’ll have to marry her. You brat want the blessings of two wives too?"

Chu Yang smacked him across the back of the head, sending Li Xiaoyao scurrying away with his head covered, tears welling up from the pain.

Li Xiaoyao said indignantly, "She called me a little thief!"

His parents, Li Sansi and his wife, were renowned chivalrous thieves, so he was especially sensitive to the word "thief."

Zhao Ling’er tenderly stroked Li Xiaoyao’s head and softly comforted him.

Lin Yueru did not care about any of that and continued mocking him. "Little thief, you don’t dare come up? Now that you see I have a weapon, you’ve chickened out?"

Li Xiaoyao glared viciously at her, then turned his head and pretended not to hear. Zhao Ling’er continued consoling him at his side.

Xu Changqing cupped his fists toward Lin Yueru on the platform. "Miss Lin, we offended you in the outskirts yesterday. Please forgive us. We came today hoping to put our past grievances behind us."

Lin Yueru said coldly, "Who wants to put grievances behind us with thieves like you? If you don’t dare get on the platform, then get lost!"

Xu Changqing helplessly looked toward Liu Jinyuan.

"Everyone, please calm down. I’ll go explain things to my cousin." Liu Jinyuan gingerly climbed onto the platform. The sight not only made the spectators burst into laughter, but also caused Lin Yueru to frown.

Lin Tiannan, who was seated some distance away watching the contest, looked livid. A perfectly good martial arts marriage contest had been turned into a joke.

Where was he supposed to put the dignity of the Martial Arts Alliance Chief now?

Moreover, as a martial artist, Lin Tiannan had always looked down on Liu Jinyuan. He knew Liu Jinyuan liked Lin Yueru, yet had never had the slightest intention of bringing them together.

"Cousin, what are you doing? Hurry down! This is a martial arts marriage contest!"

The amused stares all around made Lin Yueru anxious, and she kept urging Liu Jinyuan to leave the platform.

"Cousin, I came to explain. Mr. Chu and the others aren’t bad people. You may have misunderstood…"

Liu Jinyuan had only just managed to climb up, and he was already panting heavily from exhaustion.

"I don’t know any Mr. Chu. I only know they’re thieves who bullied someone unarmed."

Lin Yueru glared angrily at Liu Jinyuan.

Liu Jinyuan froze for a moment. "The one who bullied someone unarmed should have been you, Cousin…"

Lin Yueru flew into a rage and thrust her sword at Liu Jinyuan.

She had no intention of hurting him. She merely wanted to drive this bookworm off the platform.

Yet who would have thought that Liu Jinyuan would neither dodge nor evade? He closed his eyes and waited for Lin Yueru’s sword to pierce him.

"Bookworm, dodge!"

Lin Yueru’s thrust had been too hasty. By the time she came to her senses, it was already too late to withdraw her sword.

Lin Tiannan abruptly rose to his feet, ready to intervene and save Liu Jinyuan.

Dissatisfied though he might be, Liu Jinyuan was still his nephew—and the newly crowned top scholar.

If anything happened to him, Lin Family Fortress would bear overwhelming condemnation.

Just as it seemed too late, a figure appeared on the platform even faster than Lin Tiannan and stood before Liu Jinyuan. With a flick of his finger, he knocked the longsword from Lin Yueru’s hand.

Liu Jinyuan opened his eyes and exclaimed in delight, "Sir?!"

Chu Yang shook his head helplessly. "Simps come to no good end. Since you’re not a bad fellow, I’ll save you this once."

Liu Jinyuan immediately bent at the waist and bowed. "This student thanks you, Sir, for saving his life."

On the other side, Lin Yueru trembled with rage. Her weapon had been knocked away again, exactly as it had been yesterday.

Lin Yueru snapped, "Is ambushing people the only thing you lot know how to do?"

Chu Yang could not be bothered with her. Grabbing Liu Jinyuan by the collar, he prepared to take him off the platform.

"Thieves, do not flee!"

Lin Yueru formed sword fingers and, from behind Chu Yang, unleashed the Lin Family Sword Formula. She had lost her reason at this point and cared nothing for the rules of Jianghu.

Lin Tiannan shouted, "Yueru, stop!"

True essence transformed into sword qi and shot from Lin Yueru’s fingertips, aiming straight for the vital point at Chu Yang’s back.

This Qi Sword Finger was the signature technique of the Lin Family Sword Formula.

The Lin family’s ancestor had once been known as peerless in both sword and finger techniques. Not only was his swordsmanship exceptional, but his hand techniques were also first-rate. In the end, he attained the realm where qi and sword became one.

The Qi Sword Finger could be seen as a deluxe enhanced version of the Six Meridians Divine Sword—simpler and even more violent.

Chu Yang did not turn around. He too formed sword fingers and used the Qi Breaking Stance from the Nine Swords of Dugu. Pointing backward, he effortlessly broke the Lin family’s inherited ultimate technique.

Lin Yueru stood dumbstruck.

Lin Tiannan’s body jolted.

A friend’s new book is recommended: the alternate account of a great author with tens of thousands of subscriptions. He transmigrated into a high-martial arts city where mythology was reviving, obtained a Life Simulator and a Chat Group of All Realms, and used simulations to become the all-knowing ruler of all realms!