88: Chapter 88 Beyond Human Capabilities, Unheard of

Lu Chen looked around, taking in the expressions of everyone in the Beggars Gang.

There were those who suddenly realized the truth, those burning with rage, and those who were bewildered and at a loss.

Shi Huolong cupped his hands and said, "Sect Master Lu, these secret matters are things I have never heard of. I wonder how you came to know of them?"

Lu Chen smiled slightly, his eyes deep and profound, as if he could see through the affairs of the world. "My Xiaoyao Sect has a long history and is a branch of the authentic Huaxia Dao."

He paused, his voice becoming somewhat ethereal. "It was only because the world was in chaos at the end of the Song Dynasty, with flames of war rising everywhere, that our predecessors chose to live in seclusion overseas to avoid the disaster. Although we were overseas, we dared not forget anything about our homeland in the Central Plains."

"Observing the situation of the world and supporting the orthodox lineage of Huaxia has been the unchanging tenet of my Xiaoyao Sect for generations." Lu Chen's tone was calm, yet carried a convincing power.

"Therefore, regarding the affairs of the Central Plains Martial Forest, my Xiaoyao Sect dares not say we know everything, but we do know them in great detail."

Upon hearing this, Shi Huolong felt a sense of reverence, cupped his hands again, and bowed deeply. "So Sect Master Lu possesses such grand ambitions. I truly admire you! There were many misunderstandings before, and I hope you will forgive me, Sect Master Lu!"

Lu Chen waved his hand, signaling him not to be so polite. "Chief Shi, you are too serious. Now that a great enemy is before us, it is the time for us to stand together through thick and thin."

He changed the subject, his gaze like a torch, instantly locking onto Gang Xiang who was kneeling to the side. "Gang Xiang, I still have a few things to ask you."

Gang Xiang's body trembled: "This lowly one will say everything I know without reservation!"

Lu Chen's gaze was sharp, staring intently at Gang Xiang. "You mentioned earlier that in Prince Ruyang's army, there is a resourceful strategist. Is this person the Mixed-Element Thunderbolt Hand Cheng Kun?"

Gang Xiang was stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting Lu Chen to suddenly ask about this.

"This lowly one only knows that his martial arts are extremely high and he is elusive, like a dragon hiding its head and tail. As for his name, this lowly one does not know."

Lu Chen continued to press: "Is that person a member of the Buddhist faith? Or rather, is he a monk?"

Gang Xiang carefully recalled and said: "With Sect Master Lu's reminder, I do remember now. It seems he is indeed a monk."

The corners of Lu Chen's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a cold sneer. "Then there is no mistake; it must be him! It seems that it was truly a case of 'all the searching was in vain, only to find it without any effort'!"

A cold light flashed in his eyes, and an invisible Killing Intent instantly permeated the air.

No wonder he could not find any experts when he searched Prince Ruyang's Mansion last time; it turned out these experts were all now in Prince Ruyang's army.

"Chief Shi, Elders, this person acting as a strategist for Prince Ruyang is none other than the Mixed-Element Thunderbolt Hand Cheng Kun. I did not expect his hand to reach the Beggars Gang so early."

Lu Chen's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears. "If this person is not eliminated, the Martial Forest will never be at peace!"

With a cold snort, "Since the mastermind behind the scenes is known, what is the use of keeping you alive!"

Before he finished speaking, he curled his fingers in a grasping motion, and nine golden needles flew out from the body, landing in a box.

Gang Xiang felt the pressure suddenly decrease and was about to catch his breath.

Lu Chen struck from a distance with a Vajra Palm, carrying the force of thunder and lightning, and the palm force slammed heavily into Gang Xiang's chest.

"Pfft!"

Gang Xiang spat out a mouthful of blood, his eyes filled with endless unwillingness.

He died instantly.

Lu Chen had no intention of caring about what he thought. He retracted his palm and said indifferently, "Dead and clean."

He swept his gaze over the Beggars Gang members present and said in a deep voice, "Chief Shi, this person is dead, but the remaining poison has not been cleared. In the future, everyone must act with more caution."

Shi Huolong cupped his hands and said, "Sect Master Lu, today the Beggars Gang has received a great favor from the Xiaoyao Sect. From now on, whatever orders you have, as long as it is for the Righteous Path of the world, the Beggars Gang will obey without question."

Lu Chen smiled slightly and helped Shi Huolong up: "Chief Shi is too polite. In the future, when I raise the banner of righteousness against the Yuan Court, I ask for the Beggars Gang to lend a hand."

Shi Huolong's expression was solemn, and he cupped his hands: "My Beggars Gang and the Yuan Court will never rest until one of us is destroyed; this is our duty!"

Lu Chen nodded, his gaze falling on Shi Huolong's palms, and he said thoughtfully, "I have long heard that the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms of the Beggars Gang is the most rigid and fierce palm technique in the world. I would very much like to witness it. However, since Chief Shi is newly injured today, it seems I will not be able to see it, which is a great pity."

Upon hearing this, a look of embarrassment appeared on Shi Huolong's face: "The palm technique Sect Master Lu used just now is far superior to my Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms. I am dull-witted and have only mastered twelve palms so far; I have made you laugh, Sect Master Lu."

Lu Chen waved his hand and smiled: "Chief Shi is being too modest. Twelve palms are already infinitely powerful; if all eighteen were unleashed, who could withstand it? Chief Shi has great talent and strategy, and will surely achieve great things in the future. If there is an opportunity, I will spar with Chief Shi again."

While speaking, his gaze inadvertently swept over Shi Huolong's arms.

Lu Chen chuckled inwardly. When he was treating his injuries just now, he had taken the opportunity to clear the blocked acupoints, helping him escape the fate of having paralyzed arms.

As for whether he can practice the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms to Major Achievement in the future, that will depend on his own good fortune.

He was secretly happy and quickly cupped his hands: "Sect Master Lu is overly flattering."

Lu Chen nodded, his gaze deep: "Chief Shi has great heroic spirit, and I admire you. However, open spears are easy to dodge, but hidden arrows are hard to guard against. There are many lackeys of the Yuan Court, and it is impossible to guard against them all; you must be careful in the future."

Shi Huolong laughed, his voice shaking the roof tiles: "Sect Master Lu is overthinking it! My Beggars Gang Disciples are spread all over the world, and we have many eyes and ears. If the Yuan Court dares to invade, we will surely make them unable to return!"

"That is very good." Lu Chen smiled and stood up, "I have other important matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."

Shi Huolong quickly stood up to see him off: "Safe travels, Sect Master Lu. If there is ever a place where you need the Beggars Gang in the future, just say the word!"

Lu Chen waved his hand and walked out of the dilapidated temple without looking back.

With a leap and a shift, he disappeared completely; it was the Wudang ultimate techniques, Cloud Ladder Steps and Crossing the River on a Reed.

After Lu Chen left, Shi Huolong's expression gradually became grave.

He walked to the window, looking at Lu Chen's retreating figure, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

"Chief, is what this Lu Chen said trustworthy?" An Elder walked to Shi Huolong's side and asked in a low voice.

Shi Huolong snorted coldly: "Every word Sect Master Lu said makes sense. It is better to be safe than sorry. Pass the order down: let all branch helms be on high alert. Everyone should keep a low profile recently and not cause trouble."

"Yes!" The Elder quickly replied.

"And," Shi Huolong paused and added, "Our Beggars Gang was actually infiltrated by the Yuan Court. If it hadn't been for Sect Master Lu, I fear that today, you and I, brothers, would have perished in this dilapidated temple."

"This subordinate understands! Those one thousand Yuan Soldiers were all experts. If it weren't for Sect Master Lu, it would have been dire."

"However, this Sect Master Lu's martial arts can be called miraculous, seemingly beyond human capability."

"Indeed, this Sect Master Lu is truly unfathomable," Shi Huolong slowly exhaled a breath and lowered his voice.

"Four Elders, I have suffered serious injuries. Although I was saved by Sect Master Lu, I fear it will be difficult to recover my internal energy without three months."

"As for the matter of heading to Bright Peak, I will need to trouble the four Elders."

The four Elders looked at each other upon hearing this, and Elder Chuangong spoke first: "Chief, rest assured, we will do our utmost..."

"It's just... our Beggars Gang and the Ming Cult have always been at odds like fire and water. Going there this time, I fear it will be difficult to resolve peacefully..."

The law enforcement Elder said: "Yes, Chief. Although we know there is a big misunderstanding in the middle, over these past few decades, both sides have suffered casualties. I fear it will be difficult to have the best of both worlds at this time."

Shi Huolong frowned and said in a deep voice: "Sect Master Lu's words are reasonable; perhaps there is some misunderstanding. But the dragon slaying saber is of great importance and must not be lost."