◇ 【086】Ancient Martial Arts Exchange Meeting
"What do you mean?" Gu Juan asked as he opened the door.
After An Qingqing's first appearance, Xi Lang immediately dispatched someone to investigate her, with somewhat surprising results. An Qingqing overheard a conversation between An Xiaoguo and his wife, learning that An Jiaqi wasn't the An family's biological child. Since then, she's been searching for An Xiaoguo's missing eldest son, even without even getting married. Gu Juan couldn't understand her actions. An Xiaoguo's eldest son was missing, and even An Xiaoguo and his wife hadn't gone looking for him. Why was An Qingqing so persistent?
Later, Xi Lang's men conducted a more in-depth investigation and discovered that An Xiaoguo's eldest son's substitution was closely linked to An Qingqing's twin brother, An Xiaojia. In other words, An Qingqing was atoning for her second brother's sin. This shows just how chaotic the An family was.
Xi Lang said, "An Qingqing seems to have found some information that proves you are An Xiaoguo's son, and she's planning to talk to An Xiaoguo in the next couple of days."
Gu Juan frowned, "Can you find a way to destroy the evidence in her hands?"
Xi Lang nodded, "Okay." Deep down, he hoped that Gu Juan could have more relatives, but it didn't matter if the An family didn't have them. Gu Juan would have him and the Xi family to take care of her.
…
The Ancient Martial Arts Exchange Conference was quite humane, as September 5th and 6th happened to be a weekend. Gu Juan and Xi Lang flew to the imperial capital together.
Xi Lang was a little busy these two days, and Gu Juan originally didn't want him to come, but Xi Lang was worried, so he put the things at hand on hold and came to the imperial capital with him.
Non-ancient warriors were not allowed to enter the exchange meeting, so Gu Juan had to go alone with the invitation letter to the address stated on the invitation. Xi Lang found a nearby coffee shop to surf the internet and handle some business. If anything happened to Gu Juan, he could rush over in time.
The address is that of an ordinary bar, but entering through a secret door is a spacious martial arts gym that also has a restaurant, tea room, conference room, etc.
Gu Juan wore sunglasses on his nose, a slightly loose white shirt with the top two buttons undone, black slim-fit jeans, and matching Martin boots. With his hands in his pockets, he walked in, guided by the waiter. His swagger and expressionless face made him appear cold and arrogant.
This was a huge change from the Gu Juan that Shao Xiuming knew, and he thought for a moment that he had recognized the wrong person.
But it must be said that Gu Juan had a different kind of sexiness when dressed like this, and his already considerable charm was magnified several times. Several girls from ancient martial arts families present blushed when they looked at him.
Gu Juan pushed his sunglasses to his forehead with his index finger, glanced at everyone in turn with a look of disdain, then put on his sunglasses, found an empty seat and sat down, crossed his long legs, leaned against the back of the chair, looking lazy and comfortable.
"You are Gu Juan. I saw you challenge the 'Five-Man Team' in a match. It was very exciting."
A beautiful girl with a doll-like hairstyle walked up to Gu Juan.
Gu Juan glanced at her indifferently and said nothing.
The girl didn't mind at all and sat down next to him. "My name is Mo Yilian. Are you a traditional martial artist? Everyone is curious."
"'Ancient martial artist' refers to someone who knows ancient martial arts?" Gu Juan asked.
Mo Yilian nodded, "Yes, everyone here is like that. Not only do we know ancient martial arts, but we also really have internal strength."
"What did you say? Can humans really cultivate something like internal strength? What a joke." Gu Juan looked suspicious.
Mo Yilian also looked at him suspiciously. She had seen videos of Gu Juan competing, and he was very strong. But from what he said, he actually had no internal energy?
Gu Juan turned his head to look to the right. Diagonally opposite him sat a young man in his twenties with a crew cut, staring at him with jealousy and hostility.
Jealousy? Hostility?
Gu Juan glanced at Mo Yilian and understood.
Next to the bow of the plane sat an old man with a handsome face. His reserved eyes showed a wealth of life experience, as if he had seen a lot of things. However, his face looked like he was only in his early fifties, so it was really difficult to judge his real age.
He was also paying attention to Gu Juan, and heard everything Gu Juan and Mo Yilian said clearly. He frowned slightly, glanced at the impatient young man beside him, and smiled faintly, "Yunzhi, Lian'er seems to have a good impression of that young man."
The man with the airplane head stood up and said, "Mr. Mo, I'll excuse myself for a moment."
Mr. Mo nodded indifferently and closed his eyes to rest.
Feiji took the first few steps to Gu Juan and looked down at him.
"Are you Gu Juan?"
"Who are you?" Gu Juan didn't move lazily, picked up the teacup and took a sip.
Mo Yilian said, "His name is Li Yinuo, and his courtesy name is Yunzhi."
Gu Juan thought that these ancient warriors were indeed interesting, as they still retained the habit of choosing names.
"Boy, you are so arrogant! It's still early for the exchange meeting to start. Do you dare to compete with me?" Li Yinuo snatched the teacup from Gu Juan's hand and put it heavily on the table with a "click".
"You? What qualifications do you have to challenge me?" Gu Juan crossed his arms and looked uninterested.
The contemptuous tone made Li Yinuo unbearable. Seeing that he was really sitting there motionless, he punched him in the face without saying anything.
Mo Yilian was furious, "Li Yinuo, what are you doing!"
"What? You feel sorry for him now!" Li Yinuo laughed.
Seeing that the fist was about to land on Gu Juan's face, Gu Juan moved, grabbed Li Yinuo's wrist with his right hand, and at the same time raised his right foot, kicked him in the abdomen, and kicked him away without any mercy.
Li Yinuo groaned and fell onto the coffee table opposite. He quickly got up and stared at Gu Juan, smiling instead of angry, and roared, "Good, very good, you successfully irritated me!"
After saying that, he rushed towards Gu Juan again.
When the others saw that there was something exciting to watch, they gathered around and applauded and cheered.
Li Yinuo wanted to completely crush Gu Juan's arrogance, so he directly used their Li family's unique skill "Spirit Snake Fist". His arms, waist and legs twisted and moved at the same time, like a flexible long snake, and pounced on Gu Juan.
Gu Juan had to admit that Li Yinuo was fast and agile, and his Spirit Snake Fist, fueled by his internal energy, was even more powerful. But in front of him, that was nothing. He leaped up, neutralizing Li Yinuo's attacks one by one, his movements flowing like water. Li Yinuo was practically being beaten. After nearly quenching Li Yinuo's arrogance, Gu Juan struck Li Yinuo in the chest, knocking him to the ground.
The hall was completely silent.
Mo Yilian looked at Gu Juan with admiration, her cheeks flushed with excitement, and she couldn't help but whispered, "How amazing..."
When Li Yinuo heard her words, his face turned red and he pounded the ground angrily.
Mr. Mo frowned.
The middle-aged man sitting on the other side of him asked softly, "Mr. Mo, how is it?"
"He really has no internal strength." Old Mo said firmly.
The middle-aged man was surprised and asked, "How could he defeat Yunzhi without any internal energy? Is he really that strong? Mr. Mo, do you think it's possible that his cultivation has surpassed the Heavenly Transformation Realm?" Ancient warriors are divided into six levels based on their internal strength: Earthly Human Realm, Earthly Transformation Realm, Earthly Extreme Realm, Heavenly Human Realm, Heavenly Transformation Realm, and Heavenly Extreme Realm. Lower-level cultivators cannot see through higher-level cultivators.
"You mean his cultivation is actually higher than mine?" Old Mo glanced at him and said coldly, "Absolutely impossible."
The middle-aged man hurriedly said, "That's not what I meant. I just think it's a bit strange that Gu Juan, an ordinary warrior with no internal energy, can defeat an ancient warrior with strong internal energy."
Mo Lao pondered for a moment and said, "For some people with exceptional physiques, this is not impossible. Have you forgotten about Qin Lao?"
The middle-aged man stood in awe. In the world of ancient martial artists, Old Qin was a legendary figure. He had taken up martial arts relatively late, but thanks to his exceptional physique, he hadn't yet cultivated internal energy before defeating his senior brother, who had already been practicing for nearly eight years. Today, Old Qin possesses the greatest internal energy of all ancient martial artists, aged 120 yet looking only in his early 50s.
Furthermore, his internal energy had become a part of Old Qin's body. It could be said that as long as his internal energy remained intact, Old Qin could live for at least another two hundred years. This was the magical power of internal energy. He wondered when he would reach that level.
Mo Lao said: "How about this, arrange him and Chengshu to be in the same group for the exchange meeting later."
The middle-aged man showed a look of understanding. Xia Chengshu was Mo Lao's most proud disciple.
"Hey, do you have a girlfriend?" Mo Yilian leaned close to Gu Juan with a smile on her face. Although she blushed with shyness, she still looked at him boldly.
Gu Juan raised his left hand expressionlessly.
Mo Yilian exclaimed in disbelief, "I remember you were only a sophomore? You're already engaged?"
"You're very noisy." Gu Juan said calmly.
"You!" Mo Yilian glared at him fiercely and walked away angrily.
At this time, a middle-aged man in Tang suit walked in with a smile on his face.
"Welcome everyone to the annual Ancient Warriors Exchange Meeting. This time..."
Gu Juan glanced at Shao Xiuming.
Shao Xiuming bent over and quietly walked over from behind the crowd, "Xiaodi Gu."
"Senior Shao, can you introduce me?" Gu Juan gestured to the people around him.
Although Shao Xiuming was still unsure whether he was an ancient martial artist, since he was already here, he was not afraid of him knowing some things. He nodded and said, "Of course. These people are all from ancient martial arts families, and there are also several other sects..."
After listening to his introduction, Gu Juan was quite surprised, as if he had traveled into a world of martial arts.
"Over the years, due to various reasons, ancient martial arts have gradually declined. Coupled with the fact that some elders believe that ancient martial artists should retain their pride, almost all ancient martial arts families have secluded themselves from the world. Like me, I can attend university like ordinary people and demonstrate my martial arts skills, but I absolutely cannot let ordinary people know that I am a martial artist with internal energy.
The purpose of this exchange is firstly to exchange martial arts skills, secondly to strengthen relationships, and thirdly, to expand the power of the family or sect, with the goal of passing on our martial arts as much as possible."
Gu Juan said, "I don't think there is unity and harmony among all these people."
Shao Xiuming smiled bitterly and whispered, "There's a saying that goes, 'Where there are people, there are rivers and lakes, and wherever there are people, there are disputes.' Even though we only have eleven or twelve ancient martial arts sects, with a total of just over four hundred people, there are quite a few conflicts. The biggest conflict is that several sects insist on remaining in seclusion, known as the 'reclusive sects'; while several other sects believe that seclusion is no longer necessary, and that we should use our advantages to gain greater benefits for our ancient martial artists. They are known as the 'world-renunciation sects'. That old Mo is the leader of the 'world-renunciation sect'. The ancient martial arts world has been very turbulent recently!" He shook his head as he spoke.
Gu Juan asked, "What about you? Are you a hermit or a detached person?"
Shao Xiuming said: "I am a 'world-renunciationist', but I do not agree with Mr. Mo's point of view."
At this point, the middle-aged man's lengthy speech ended, and Gu Juan and Shao Xiuming stopped chatting.
"Almost everyone has arrived. How about the youngsters start by sparring with each other? We old guys can also see if you have made any progress."
Li Yinuo stood up and bowed respectfully to the middle-aged man. "Senior Zhao, you probably don't know yet, but this year's Ancient Martial Arts Exchange Conference has a newcomer with great potential. His name is Gu Juan, and he once defeated "I Am the Strongest" from Country A in a one-on-five match."
"Oh?" Zhao Zishan looked around and immediately spotted a new face. He smiled and said, "Is this Young Master Gu?"
Gu Juan nodded without even standing up.
Many people showed unfriendly expressions.
Shao Xiuming's expression was strange. Gu Juan was acting so abnormally today!
Zhao Zishan didn't take it as an offense and continued to smile, "I wonder what sect or school Young Master Gu is from?"
Gu Juan said calmly, "No sect or school."
Li Yinuo said, "Senior Zhao, why don't we invite Little Friend Gu to spar with one of our fellow disciples first? Firstly, this will allow us to witness Little Friend Gu's amazing skills firsthand; secondly, it will also show our welcome to Little Friend Gu."
Zhao Zishan nodded and said, "That makes sense. Now, who would like to spar with Young Master Gu?"
"I'll do it." Xia Zhili walked slowly from behind to Gu Juan.
Gu Juan showed a look of surprise on his face.
Xia Zhili smiled happily, "Mr. Gu, what's the matter? Are you surprised to see me here?"
"Why are you here?" Gu Juan didn't look at him well.
Xia Zhili was not surprised by his attitude. After all, Gu Juan was Xi Lang's wife, and Xi Lang and Zhang Muheng were good brothers.
"Of course I'm here because I'm an ancient martial artist. By the way, why didn't Xi Xiaosan come with you?" Xia Zhili looked around in confusion, then suddenly acted as if he had suddenly realized something. "Oh, sorry, I forgot he's just an ordinary person. This is an ancient martial artist exchange meeting, and 'ordinary people' are not qualified to enter."
You're the fucking mistress! Gu Juan's eyes revealed a hint of nervousness, and he asked coldly, "So, you also understand internal energy?"
Xia Zhili thought to himself, are you scared? He chuckled, "Yes. I'd like to spar with you. I wonder if Mr. Gu would be so kind as to do me the honor."
Gu Juan stood up, took off his sunglasses, hung them on his collar, and said proudly, "Why not?"
Xia Zhili made a "please" gesture.
The two walked to the center of the venue.
Li Yinuo raised his voice and said with concern, "Senior Brother Xia, Young Master Gu is very skilled, be careful not to get hurt."
Xia Zhili glanced at him coldly.
Li Yinuo shrugged, "I care about you too."
Xia Zhili walked to the weapon rack, drew out a sword and stabbed at Gu Juan, sharp and murderous, as if he really wanted to kill Gu Juan.
Everyone around was shocked and worried about Gu Juan.
Gu Juan seemed to be caught off guard, and his dodging movements were a little panicked and awkward, but he finally managed to avoid Xia Zhili's sword.
Xia Zhili had intended to teach him a lesson, and without giving him a chance to react, he swung his sword several times, attacking his knees, abdomen, and neck continuously.
Gu Juan leaped to the weapon rack and pulled out a spear, and the pressure was relieved a little.
Swords and spears clashed repeatedly, their collisions resounding with clanging noises. Both men moved swiftly, and it was unclear who had the upper hand. But within half an hour, Xia Zhili's internal energy advantage became apparent. He channeled his internal energy into his sword, knocking Gu Juan's spear away and simultaneously delivering a vicious kick.
Gu Juan fell to the ground, the sunglasses hanging from his collar flying off and shattering on the ground. The next second, the tip of the sword was aimed at his throat. He spat out a mouthful of blood, and a few drops of sweat slowly slid down his forehead. He shouted coldly, "Xia Zhili, how dare you attack me!"
Isn't it just relying on the Xi family? Do you really think he's afraid of the Xi family? Xia Zhili continued to smirk, his sword moving closer to Gu Juan's throat.
"Chengshu, please stop now and don't act recklessly." Old Mo's voice sounded slowly.
Xia Zhili regained consciousness and thought of the consequences of truly offending the Xi family. He retracted his sword, patted Gu Juan's shoulder, pulled him up, and said kindly, "It was just a joke, don't mind it."
Gu Juan rudely slapped his hand away and said angrily, "I just remembered I have something else to do. Can I go now?"
The middle-aged man called "Senior Zhao" by Li Yinuo glanced at Mo Lao. After Mo Lao nodded almost imperceptibly, he smiled tolerantly at Gu Juan and said, "Little friend Gu, please do as you please. However, please keep the matter here confidential."
Gu Juan nodded perfunctorily, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and left quickly.
Xi Lang kept looking up at the bar across from him. He was shocked to see Gu Juan coming out with blood still at the corner of his mouth. He quickly ran over to support him, "Xiao Juan! How are you?"
Gu Juan shook his head weakly and let him help him into the car.
Xi Lang immediately started the engine and the car sped out.
After getting far enough away from the bar, Gu Juan and Xi Lang smiled at each other.
"How?" Xi Lang asked.
Gu Juan said, "No problem, I can hide it." In order to hide it from those people, he really spit out the blood, forcing it out with his true energy.
From now on, those ancient warriors should no longer focus their attention on him.
——End of Volume 2——
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