Chapter 160: Six Arts Advanced, Spirit Swallowing Mountains and Rivers

Just two days later.

Nayancheng, who had been in secret discussions with Xici and others in the palace for two days, returned to Jinjin on the third day and personally came to visit Guangwu Hall at the first opportunity.

In the reception hall, Nayancheng showed no sign of the disarray he had suffered under Lu Yuan's coercion, speaking eloquently:

"Hall Master Lu, the Old Buddha has already agreed to your request. She hopes to use this International Martial Arts Tournament to severely dampen the arrogance of the foreigners and protect the interests of the nation and all its people."

"She has now ordered me to be in full charge of this matter. However, as it involves the Great Powers and even countries across the world, it is of great importance. Before sending out letters to the foreigners, I must first discuss with you: in what form should this tournament be held?"

Automatically treating the high-sounding first half of his sentence as hot air, Lu Yuan was not surprised by Xici's agreement, and said with a half-smile:

"Didn't I already say? I will act as the ringmaster. Participants can draw lots to determine the order of entry. Regardless of injury or death, there will be no restrictions on fists, feet, or weapons; even firearms may be used. As long as they can defeat me, they will earn the honor of being World Number One."

Even firearms can be used?

Nayancheng's eyelids twitched, and he said with a forced smile:

"Hall Master Lu's cultivation reaches the heavens, and you view firearms as nothing; it is truly admirable. But since it is an International Martial Arts Tournament, perhaps we should not use firearms. After all, if such a grand event is truly held, princes, nobles, civil and military officials, and even the Emperor and the Old Buddha will all be present to watch. Using firearms on the stage would ultimately be inappropriate."

Lu Yuan did not care about these minor details:

"No matter, if you wish to ban firearms, that is fine too."

Nayancheng probed further:

"There is one more point. If Hall Master Lu chooses to defend the ring, wouldn't this martial arts tournament turn into a gauntlet match against you alone? If the Great Powers agree, the number of participants will be unpredictable. Even some renowned Grandmasters from within our country will come upon hearing the news. You may face challenges from over ten top-tier experts. Even a man made of iron would be exhausted. Is this...?"

Lu Yuan, however, smiled slightly:

"Since I proposed this method, I naturally have confidence. The Governor need not say more."

Nayancheng did not know where Lu Yuan's immense confidence came from, but he was actually eager for such a suicidal method, so he nodded immediately:

"Very well. In that case, this martial arts tournament shall proceed as Hall Master Lu says."

And so.

Nayancheng continued to discuss some rules and details of the martial arts tournament with Lu Yuan before rising to take his leave.

Although the concept of the International Martial Arts Tournament had received Xici's approval, getting the Great Powers to agree and participate still required invitations and negotiations.

After Nayancheng and his group of Staff Officers, personal guards, and others left.

Chen Zhantang, Peng Yidao, Lin Sheng, Zhao Shuhua, and others who had been waiting outside came to the reception hall at the first opportunity and asked impatiently:

"Hall Master, may I ask how it went?"

"Did Xici agree to your request?"

Lu Yuan nodded:

"Indeed. She has agreed to hold this International Martial Arts Tournament in Tianjing. Nayancheng came to discuss the details with me. Next, as long as the Great Powers agree, we can announce it to the whole world."

Upon hearing this, everyone was filled with excitement, mixed with a hint of worry:

"The Hall Master is challenging the world's top experts. Such spirit is vast enough to swallow mountains and rivers; it is truly unprecedented and unmatched in the world!"

"It is just that I wonder if the three Great Powers—the Holy Roman Empire, Sha'e, and Sunlight—will agree? As long as one side, either the Holy Roman Empire or Sha'e, agrees, the other two will inevitably join in."

"However... the imperial court views the Hall Master as a thorn in their side and would love nothing more than to kill you. If the martial arts tournament is held in Tianjing, it will be like a dragon's pool or a tiger's den. Hall Master, you must be cautious!"

"In my opinion, rather than Tianjing, it would be better to hold this martial arts tournament in Jinjin. After all, this is our base, and all major factions are on good terms with us. Even if the Jin Dynasty has any conspiracies, they would be difficult to execute."

Although it had not been announced publicly, Lu Yuan's plan was not intentionally hidden, and Chen Zhantang and the others knew that he had already proposed the request to hold the International Martial Arts Tournament to Xici through Nayancheng to resolve the threat of the Great Powers.

Fighting the Great Powers and even the world's top experts alone—such an approach could be called heaven-soaring and world-defying, making one's blood boil just to hear of it.

Having witnessed Lu Yuan's various shocking methods, they believed in him blindly and were not at all worried about a potential defeat; their only concern was the Jin Dynasty interfering and playing some dirty tricks.

Just like last time, when the cook Liu Yishou was bribed to poison him in secret.

Facing the excitement and worry of these four core Gatekeepers, Lu Yuan smiled calmly:

"You need not worry. With the Jin Dynasty pushing it using various interests as bargaining chips, the Holy Roman Empire and Sha'e will certainly not refuse. Although the Sunlight People are weaker than those two nations, they have always wanted to prove themselves and will inevitably participate as well."

"As for the location of the tournament, I specifically chose Tianjing. If the Jin Dynasty behaves, that is for the best; if they are ignorant of life and death and play any tricks, they will naturally regret it."

The few looked at each other and nodded one after another:

"If the International Martial Arts Tournament is truly held, the participants will all be experts from various countries, and the entire event will be watched by people under Heaven. I trust the Jin Dynasty will not dare to do anything."

"Such a grand event has not been seen in a thousand years; you will surely go down in history."

"Does the Hall Master need us to do anything now? Just give the order!"

Lu Yuan said:

"Wait for news from Nayancheng first. Once the matter is completely settled, there will naturally be things for you to do."

The group acknowledged the order, asked no more questions, and then withdrew.

After they left, Lu Yuan remained alone in the reception hall, his eyes also showing a look of anticipation.

There was another important reason he did not mention for letting Xici choose to hold the International Martial Arts Tournament in Tianjing.

That was that he wanted to proactively give Xici a chance.

Although more than two months had passed since that assassination attempt and Xici had not made any moves, he was perfectly clear that the other party must have already regarded him as a top-tier enemy and was racking her brains preparing to eliminate him.

The reason she had not acted yet was simply because she feared his methods and lacked absolute certainty.

Since that was the case, he would proactively give the other party an opportunity she could not miss.

At this thought, Lu Yuan's mind communicated with the Heavenly Book in his consciousness and received feedback:

【Master of Supernatural Powers】: Lu Yuan

【Mastered Arts】: -

Ingestion (Earth: 5%); - Guidance (Earth: 5%); - Invisibility (Earth: 3%); -

Staff Grafting (Earth: 1%); - Medicine (Human: 40%); - Earth Travel (Earth: 1%); -

Generating Light (Earth: 2%); - Sword Technique (Earth: 1%); - Cooking Stones (Human: 31%); -

Pot Heaven (Human: 20%); - Great Strength (Earth: 1%); - Sprouting (Earth: 7%); -

Wind Control (Earth: 1%); - Obstacle Clothing (Earth: 1%); - Dream Grafting (Human: 2%); -

Body Immobilization (Earth: 1%); -Nightmare Prayer (Earth: 2%); -False Form (Human: 3%);

【Luck Power】: 3126 units

Sending Staff, Great Strength, Sprout Sensing, Wind Control, Obstacle Clothing, Body Immobilization.

After the riot over the religious case, he spent over five thousand units of Qi Luck to directly upgrade the mastery levels of these six Earthly Fiend Arts, promoting them all to the Earth Tier.

These techniques were basically focused on auxiliary defense, and after advancing, their effects were all significantly enhanced, raising his own defensive capabilities to an insurmountable level.

For example, the Protective Staff he had re-refined could absorb and transfer two fatal attacks; the advanced Obstacle Clothing was also nearly indestructible, with defense impossible to break until his Dharma Power was exhausted.

After advancing, the Sprout Sensing Technique became more acute, the effect of sensing premonitions became more precise, and the time for premonitions also increased to two hours.

Coupled with the more swift and rapid Wind Control, and the more powerful Great Strength and Body Immobilization, there was no one left in this world who could truly threaten him.

At this thought, Lu Yuan could not help but sigh softly:

"Xici, oh Xici, I have delivered this opportunity to your doorstep; you must grasp it well."

Two more days later.

Shenluo Consulate, in the reception room.

In the reception hall decorated with a strong exotic flair, Nayancheng sat peacefully, with translators and all accompanying officials seated in the lower positions.

A burst of footsteps approached, two guards pushed open the heavy doors, and then Admiral Jonathan, along with Victor, Williams, and other members of the consulate, walked in proudly and sat directly at the conference table.

"Governor Na, how has your imperial court considered it?"

Jonathan looked at Nayancheng with an extremely aggressive gaze and said unhurriedly:

"Six days have passed since the ten-day deadline; there is not much time left for you. I hope what you have brought this time is good news."

Nayancheng coughed lightly and said:

"Admiral Jonathan, after discussion by the imperial court, we can agree to the four conditions you proposed. Among them, the clause regarding opening missionary rights in the thirty-six provinces is open to negotiation; we can open at most half of the provinces to you."

Receiving such news right from the start, the Shenluo side all revealed smiles of triumph mixed with a hint of contempt, and Jonathan lit his pipe with satisfaction:

"Not bad, your imperial court is very sensible. Opening half the provinces is within our acceptable range, but we must choose which provinces to open ourselves. Any problems?"

The Great Jin had seventy billion people across thirty-six provinces, but in reality, the population was entirely concentrated in the eastern Coastal regions and the southern provinces; the northwest was vast and sparsely populated. If the Shenluo People chose for themselves, it would be almost no different from opening all the provinces.

However, Nayancheng did not refute this, only nodding and saying:

"On this point, that is acceptable."

"Very good!"

Jonathan's eyes brightened slightly, and he smiled:

"Governor Na is so straightforward, you really have given me a small surprise. Since that is the case, can both sides start drafting the treaty now and prepare to sign it?"

"Wait, no rush."

However, Nayancheng spoke up at this moment:

"Admiral Jonathan, although the imperial court agrees to these conditions, there is a prerequisite. Only if you can fulfill it can the treaty be formally signed."

"Hmm?"

Jonathan's eyes narrowed instantly, and a wave of oppressive aura permeated the air:

"What prerequisite? What tricks are you trying to play?"

Nayancheng smiled:

"It is very simple, and for the Shenluo Empire, the number one great power in the world today, it should be nothing. The imperial court intends to hold a World Martial Arts Tournament in Tianjing. This tournament is planned to invite top experts from all the major powers of the world today to gather in one place and compete for the honor of being World Number One.

If your side can send experts to defeat our people at this grand event, then all treaties will be signed in the shortest possible time."

Truly not expecting Nayancheng to propose such a novel request, the Shenluo People present were greatly surprised, and Jonathan immediately said playfully:

"Compete for World Number One? A very interesting idea, but why should we participate in this so-called Martial Arts Tournament?"

Victor, who was to the side, also sneered:

"Indeed, the four treaties are the apologies and compensation you rightfully owe us. Why should our experts travel across the ocean to engage in barbaric duels with you? Do you think our fleet on the coastline is out for a vacation?"

Knowing that the Shenluo People would not agree so easily, Nayancheng's expression remained unchanged as he said:

"Do not use war to threaten us, Your Excellency. Although the imperial court's maritime power has suffered great losses, the combat effectiveness of our ground forces is well-preserved. Your fleet can only attack some Coastal cities; if you come ashore, you will certainly suffer losses."

"We all know in our hearts what the Tianjing religious case is really about. You use war as coercion, and the opposition from the imperial court and the public is immense. Under these circumstances, I believe that even if you obtain the missionary rights for eighteen provinces, you will be met with hostility from the people of each province and find it difficult to move an inch.

But if it is in the form of this wager, the imperial court's face will look better, and the people's hostility toward your Holy See will be reduced significantly, which is more conducive to the development of missionary work. More importantly,

You are currently the world's number one power, with weapons, equipment, and war capabilities recognized as the best, and you pride yourselves on being noble. Yet, in the path of individual cultivation, you have no dazzling achievements or honors. Don't you want to win the honor of World Number One through this World Martial Arts Tournament, let the fame of the Shenluo People spread throughout the world, and become the truly noblest and most powerful nation?"

It must be said that these words of Nayancheng were extremely seductive; whether it was Jonathan, who was an Admiral, or the other Shenluo People, they all revealed expressions of being moved.

"Governor Na, I must say, these words of yours have truly convinced me..."

Jonathan smoked his pipe, his gaze proud as he said:

"The world only knows that my Shenluo culture, science, and military are number one, but what they don't know is that in individual cultivation, the Holy See has developed it to an unprecedented level after thousands of years of research, even surpassing you, the originators of this path of cultivation. It is just a pity that there has never been an opportunity to show it."

Nayancheng feigned agreement and said: "That is indeed the case. Then now is the opportunity for you to show the world the top-tier cultivation path of Shenluo, is it not?"

Jonathan nodded:

"Speak, how do you intend to hold this so-called World Martial Arts Tournament? If it is fair enough, I can report it to the Council and consider it accordingly."

Nayancheng cleared his throat and smiled:

"It is like this: this World Martial Arts Tournament is preliminarily planned to be held in the form of a ring challenge. At that time, there will be top experts acting as the ring masters, and other participants will draw lots to take the stage in turns. Whoever can defeat the ring master and face no further challengers can become the winner of the Martial Arts Tournament, thereby obtaining the honor of being the World Number One expert."

"Hmm?"

Jonathan immediately frowned:

"This does not sound like a fair competition. Since all the participants are top experts, their strength must be similar. Wouldn't this so-called ring master be subjected to a wheel war by experts of the same level?"

Williams also stared at Nayancheng full of suspicion:

"The competition method of this Martial Arts Tournament is very problematic. How are the so-called ring masters selected? Are you trying to pull strings here to manipulate the outcome?"

"No, no, you all have misunderstood."

Nayancheng chuckled and said:

"There is no need to select the champion for the Martial Arts Tournament; a candidate has already been chosen. Furthermore, everyone here should know this person; he is none other than Lu Yuan, the one you mentioned in the treaty whose two hands must be crippled!"

(End of chapter)