Martial Arts Showdown: My Wife Asked Me to Be the Champion

Chapter 106 Divine Judgment, the bizarre test left behind by Zhang 3...

Chapter 106 Divine Judgment, the Bizarre Test Left Behind by Zhang San...

"Come here! Look at this! Even an emperor can't be this unreasonable!"

Beitang Xin'er threw the imperial edict at Liu Qingci. Normally, Liu Qingci would have already made a scene, but now he didn't dare to provoke her and didn't dare to utter a sound.

Hua Baifeng and Cheng Lingsu stood completely on Beitang Xin'er's side, while the three women glared angrily at Liu Qingci.

Xu Qingya comforted him, "Don't blame Qingci. This is the emperor's order and has nothing to do with Qingci. Moreover, His Majesty is right. There are too many dilapidated river embankments that have been neglected for years. The fact that only one embankment broke out this year is a stroke of luck for the court."

In life and in business, the worst thing you can do is mistake luck for ability. If one section of the dike breaches this year, I can provide timely disaster relief. But if two or three sections breach, can I manage them all? We must cultivate a group of talented people.

Writing books is still very important.

This is called "establishing one's words"!

If this can save more people, it will be my merit. Xin'er, Lingsu, Baifeng, I know you are angry. Here's what we'll do: Qingci, come here and keep me company. Consider it a reward for me.

The imperial decree says I can have anything I want.

"You'd be happy to serve me as your maid for a few days, wouldn't you?"

Liu Qingci said coquettishly, "Hmph! How dare you make me your maid! You have quite the nerve! But I can't disobey the Emperor's decree. I mean what I say. Being a maid is nothing to me!"

Hua Baifeng muttered to herself, "If I were to spread this conversation to Linglong Pavilion, not only would others not say anything, but Qin Nanqin would definitely be furious. Ling Su, what do you think?"

9

Cheng Lingsu raised an eyebrow: "I think Little Phoenix will be driven mad before Nan Qin is! Brother Xu's charm is too strong; even getting a maid requires a long queue. Someone's going to fall behind!"

Beitang Xin'er glanced at Hua Baifeng.

Hua Baifeng glared at Liu Qingci through gritted teeth.

Cheng Lingsu looked at both of them at the same time!

The situation in Bianliang has returned to normal, and the entire disaster area is full of vitality and prosperity. The officials who come after will only need to follow the established practices and work in accordance with these ideas to complete the reconstruction.

Money, supplies, manpower, and reconstruction plans are all in place. As long as no one deliberately causes trouble, things can be done well, and Xu Qingya doesn't need to worry about it.

After a brief discussion, Xu Qingya and Liu Qingci decided to set off for Beijing to report to Liu Dinghuan in person.

The Imperial Guards' packing up their camp was witnessed, and upon learning that Xu Qingya was about to return, the martial arts forces along the way celebrated with gongs and drums, feeling immense pressure.

In just one month, Xu Qingya eradicated five deeply entrenched criminal gangs. The gang leader's head was displayed on the city gate tower, and the bandits and tyrants were forced to do hard labor on the river, likely until they died.

Xu Qingya's speed, ruthlessness, keen eye, and clear target sent chills down the spines of countless seasoned veterans who had been in the martial arts world for decades.

In fact, this is not a month at all.

From the moment Xu Qingya targeted them to the day he took them and their goods away, it took no more than five days. The infamous Black Stone and Seven Killings Society couldn't even hold out for a day before Xu Qingya wiped out their stronghold.

Since his debut three months ago, Xu Qingya has crippled the Giant Whale Gang, wiped out the Dragon Sand Gang, and eradicated the Blackwater Path, Seven Kill Valley, Soul Breaking Valley, Seven Kill Society, Black Stone, and other forces. This is hardly the image of a handsome young master.

Even Yama, the King of Hell, can't collect people this quickly!

The surrounding martial arts forces were all trembling with fear, lest Xu Qingya one day come knocking on their door, saying that the disaster area was short of money and asking for their generosity, otherwise he would dig up the graves of their ancestors for eighteen generations and hang them on the city wall.

Who the hell could stand this?

Get back to Beijing immediately, don't stay a second longer!

When the people heard the news, they almost washed away the imperial envoy's residence, wanting Xu Qingya to stay in Bianliang.

The common people didn't understand any grand principles; they only knew that after Xu Qingya came to Bianliang, he gave them food, made them clothes, provided them with medicine and medical treatment, arrested all the bandits and bullies who had bullied them, beheaded the bandit leaders and displayed their heads in public, and threw the wicked servants onto the riverbank to do hard labor.

Anyone can talk about grand principles, but no matter how much you talk about them, it can't compare to a warm bowl of meat soup and steamed buns in the cold wind and rain, or a bowl of medicine handed to someone on their deathbed, or someone coming to help them repair their dilapidated house when they are in despair.

Don't talk to me in classical Chinese; I don't understand what Confucius said or what the poems say. All I know is who makes steamed buns soaked in meat broth.

Fortunately, Liu Qingci came along; otherwise, given Xu Qingya's behavior, it would not have been an exaggeration for the censor to accuse Xu Qingya of wooing the people and plotting a rebellion.

Even Liu Qingci was curious about where Xu Qingya learned his disaster relief skills.

Is it something you were born with?

Who would teach these things?

This is even more powerful at slaying dragons than the "Dragon-Slaying Saber"!

The army set off early the next morning.

Xu Qingya and Liu Qingci set off for Beijing.

Knowing they couldn't keep Xu Qingya, the people didn't try to persuade him to stay. Instead, they stood on both sides of the road. When the army officially set off, an old man came along, carrying a new yet old umbrella. The umbrella ribs were new, but instead of oiled paper, it was covered with hundreds of pieces of hemp cloth.

The old man held the umbrella with both hands, his face full of reverence: "The people of Bianliang are deeply grateful to Your Highness and Lord Xu for saving our lives. We have no way to repay your great kindness. This umbrella was made by hand for you, with each family contributing a piece of cloth. Our names are written on it, to shelter you from the wind and rain!"

The people lining the road hurriedly said, "Thank you so much, Your Majesty! Thank you so much, Lord Xu, for saving our lives! Your Majesty's grace is boundless, benefiting all people. We are deeply grateful!"

With tears in his eyes, Liu Qingci felt that all the hard work of the past few days had been worthwhile. Xu Qingya gently helped the old man up, took the umbrella, and said loudly, "Thank you for the deep affection of the people of Bianliang! Xu Qingya is both grateful and ashamed, and only wishes for peace and happiness for the people, free from disasters and difficulties!"

Hua Baifeng, Beitang Xin'er, and Cheng Lingsu also had tears in their eyes. Hua Baifeng, in particular, was a demoness from the Demonic Sect. Outsiders either feared her, coveted her beauty, or plotted against her. She had never been welcomed by so many people before. She felt dizzy and mesmerized.

"Everyone, you must live well!"

Xu Qingya mounted his horse and set off back to the capital.

"This is the 'Umbrella of Ten Thousand People'? I never imagined I'd receive one in my lifetime! I want to display it in the main hall of the Prince's Mansion, frame it, Qingya, should I ask my sister to inscribe a few words for me?"

Liu Qingci toyed with the "Ten Thousand People's Umbrella," scratching his head in delight. Based on the messes the late emperor had made, the royal family's standing in the eyes of the people...

Where is there any trust left in China?

Not to mention Liu Qingci, even Liu Dinghuan dared not hope to gain the love and respect of so many people. The more Liu Qingci thought about it, the happier he became. He opened the umbrella of ten thousand people and thought to himself that if he put this thing on his head, even the gods and Buddhas of heaven would not dare to invade it.

Beitang Xin'er couldn't help but complain, "My senior brother is the one who's been busy with all this! And the one who accepted the 'Umbrella of Ten Thousand People' is also my senior brother! What does this have to do with you? Putting your name first is because you're worried the censor will accuse my senior brother of plotting a rebellion. The 'Umbrella of Ten Thousand People' clearly belongs to my senior brother!"

Liu Qingci was speechless.

Xu Qingya laughed and said, "Xin'er, Qingci is really not feeling guilty at all taking this umbrella of ten thousand people!"

Throughout history, how many princes have been willing to personally inspect disaster areas after a flood?

It is precisely because of Qingci's constant inspections that the people are able to settle down. The fact that the prince dares to stroll around here shows that there is no plague here and that this place is safe!

But who can guarantee there won't be a plague? Who can guarantee there aren't assassins mixed in with the disaster victims?

Every time Qingci went out on inspection tours, he risked contracting the plague and being assassinated by villains. Without Qingci's efforts to appease the people, how could the disaster relief have gone so smoothly? Qingci has made contributions and is definitely not a lucky charm.

I have a suggestion: since this "Umbrella of Ten Thousand People" is something Qingci and I jointly acquired, why not make it a heirloom of the Dragon Guard Manor, so that future generations will remember what the dragon vein that should be protected is, and what a true dragon is!

Qingci, stop laughing!

You'll laugh so hard your mouth will crooked in a second!

Don't laugh at your beautiful face!

Xin'er, Bai Feng, Ling Su, and even Yang Yan and Su Su who are far away in the capital, all deserve credit. After we return to the capital, I will host a banquet and personally cook to reward everyone. You can think of a menu first!

Liu Qingci proudly raised his chin: "Qingya is right. With the Umbrella of Ten Thousand People protecting me, I can better protect you! As for the recipe—aren't you good at making roast duck? The ducks you had the imperial kitchen feed should be ready for market long ago. Let's have roast duck!"

Xu Qingya had previously mentioned to Liu Dinghuan that he was good at making roast duck!

However, the imperial kitchen did not have all the ingredients needed for roast duck. The ducks raised by the imperial kitchen were not suitable for making roast duck; they were too thin and the roasted duck would be too dry. Eating one duck would require at least a pack of toothpicks.

Xu Qingya gave the head chef a feeding recipe and told him to feed the ducks according to the recipe, to fatten them up, and to calculate the time when they would be ready to be roasted.

Beitang Xin'er asked, "Liu Qingci, I just remembered something. The Five Tiger Divine Weapons each have their own effects, but what is the use of the helmet left behind by Ma Chao?"

Liu Qingci put on his helmet and gestured for Beitang Xin'er to punch him. Beitang Xin'er threw a punch, but it didn't hit Liu Qingci. Instead, it was blocked by an invisible but extremely tough layer of qi. The full force of the punch only hit Liu Qingci, which was simply unbelievable!

Liu Qingci explained, "The Ma family spear technique emphasizes offense too much and has poor defense. The Silver Lion Helmet provides defense for the general and can absorb the warrior's true energy and blood to form a protective aura."

Hua Baifeng joked, "If you charged into battle for several hours, wouldn't your helmet suck out your energy?"

Liu Qingci waved his hand: "You underestimate the power of the Divine Weapon of Light. After removing the helmet, the true essence and blood that you absorbed will return to your body. During the fierce battle, if I am seriously injured, I can use the method of removing the helmet to restore my blood and blood and temporarily suppress 30% of the damage."

Cheng Lingsu asked, "I remember Ma Chao and Zhang Fei fought once, for six or seven hundred rounds. Zhang Fei knocked off Ma Chao's helmet, and Ma Chao grabbed the headscarf that Zhang Fei used to wrap his hair. Did this really happen?"

Liu Qingci nodded: "Yes! Actually, the two of them should have been knocking each other's helmets off, but Zhang Sanye doesn't do things the usual way; he wasn't wearing a helmet!"

Xu Qingya asked, "Qingci, what are the effects of the Eighteen-Foot Serpent Spear? Does it increase attack power?"

Liu Qingci looked utterly helpless: "Add more sound! You've all heard storytelling, right? It's the kind of storytelling masters often tell about generals fighting each other, where someone shouts and then thrusts their spear at the enemy, knocking him off his horse. The effect of the eighteen-foot spear is just that shout, but I don't know what use it is!"

Cheng Lingsu: "Is it Tiger Leopard Thunder Sound?"

Beitang Xin'er: "Can it increase fighting spirit?"

Hua Baifeng: "Is Third Master joking?"

Liu Qingci: "Anyway, I can't use it!"

Xu Qingya picked up the conversation: "Qingci, have you practiced the Zhang Family Spear Technique? What are its moves?"

Liu Qingci nodded: "I've practiced it! The Zhang Family Spear Technique demands a particularly high level of momentum. It requires not only reckless bravery but also meticulousness within its roughness, employing various ingenious strategies amidst fierce and violent attacks!"

Upon hearing this, everyone thought to themselves that the requirements for passing on the Zhang family's spear technique were too high. The brave could not achieve the refined, and the refined were not brave enough. The bizarre requirement of "a brainy brute" was something that very few people in the world could meet!

Liu Qingci extended his index finger, using it as a spear, to demonstrate the Zhang Family Spear Technique to everyone: "The starting stance, Roar, is a literal roar, like thunder, taking the initiative. Internal force and killing intent are integrated into the thunderous roar, and the sound waves spread like a tangible force, making people fearful before the battle even begins."

The next move is "Fierce Courage". The warrior is like a mad tiger, advancing without retreating with every move. Each spear is filled with the fierce spirit of a battlefield soldier. He only attacks and does not defend, using offense as defense. With his fierce courage that is not afraid of death, he forcibly suppresses all other skills, making people's hearts tremble.

After that came "Human Horror" and "Heavenly Lament." I could only use these four moves. For the last move, my internal strength was sufficient, but I just couldn't use it!

Every time I try to use it, I feel like something is missing.

This move is called "Divine Judgment," and it possesses the imposing aura of a divine ruler judging all things. Its incantation is even stranger: "Those who commit greed, anger, ignorance, persecution, and doubt in life will be whipped, axed, boiled, and cooked in death."

Is this some kind of attempt to bring hell to the surface?

Perhaps a constable from the Six Doors would be a good fit!

Liu Qingci did not hide his skills in this regard. The Five Tigers' inheritance has very high requirements. Ordinary people can only imitate the moves by looking at them, and then they end up making a mess of things.

Cheng Lingsu asked in surprise, "Isn't this wrong? It seems like one more thing is missing after greed, anger, ignorance, violence, and doubt!"

Liu Qingci shrugged: "The last thing missing is arrogance, and the most representative example is the Martial Saint! No matter how arrogant Third Master is, he wouldn't dare to judge Second Master!"

Hua Baifeng laughed and said, "Let's not talk about that! We finally get a vacation, why fight and kill? I have some treasures at home, would you like to see them?"

Liu Qingci's eyes lit up: "What treasure? Let me make this clear beforehand, I have no money to compensate you if you break it."

Hua Baifeng smiled and said, "This isn't a treasure consigned at an auction; it's a precious jade Buddha from the Hua family of Jiangnan. The family head acquired this treasure more than ten years ago and cherishes it immensely. I heard that he will give this jade Buddha to a destined person on his birthday!"

Liu Qingci's interest vanished.

If it were the "Indestructible Vajra Body Divine Skill," Liu Qingci would be somewhat interested, but a jade Buddha statue—having seen the large golden Buddha at Tianning Temple, she had little interest in any other Buddha statue in the world; her threshold was simply too high.

Beitang Xin'er also showed little interest in this.

Xu Qingya was somewhat interested, remembering that this jade Buddha was the "Imperial Seal of the State" of the Han Hai Kingdom, and that Hua Manlou's eyes were blinded because of the jade Buddha.

Hua Family Birthday Banquet?

Is the Iron-Shoeed Thief about to make a comeback?

That old man should have lived long enough!

Xu Qingya asked, "Bai Feng, I've heard that Hua Manlou, the seventh young master of the Hua family, is the most handsome young man in the world who perfectly embodies the word 'gentle and refined.' Could you please introduce me?"

Hua Baifeng laughed and said, "Of course! Hua Manlou will definitely become good friends with you. The Hua family's birthday banquet is in a month, everyone must attend! The prince doesn't have to come, so as not to frighten them!"

"You're all going? And I'm the only one who can't go? Are you trying to suffocate me? I'll definitely attend the banquet! I'll just change my identity. Qingya, it's all yours now. Give me a name, a really nice name."

"Nie Xiaoqian?"

"I don't like it, it sounds like a ghost!"

"Fu Qingfeng?"

"Let's get another one!"

"Yunluo?"

"That sounds just like a princess!"

"Snowy Journey!"

"What's the story behind it?"

"I searched for him a thousand times in the crowd, then suddenly turning around, I found him where the lights were dim!"

"This is a good name. I didn't realize you were so good at choosing names! I will reward you handsomely!"

As she spoke, Liu Qingci leaned over and gave Xu Qingya a hard kiss on the cheek. Beitang Xin'er and Hua Baifeng were furious. "You, Liu Qingci, everyone says you're all looks and no brains, but I think you're smarter than anyone else!"

The three women rushed forward and quickly prepared the legendary dish, "One Piece of Xu Qingya"!