Eternal Life as False Emperor-Chapter 159 - 127: Martial Artist Guild

Baiyu City.

The renowned Hall Master of Bai He Martial Arts Hall in the Capital City, Bai Changying, sat on the stool feeling somewhat uneasy.

Beside him was his wife, Liang Lu.

Adorned in gold and silver, exuding wealth, her figure was quite plump, radiating a gentle beauty.

Back in those days, Liang Lu was a fearless character, wandering the Martial World alone where she met him.

The two roamed together, their feelings deepening over time.

In the end, during a conflict, Bai Changying was nearly killed, forcing him to leave the Martial World and open a martial arts hall in the Capital City.

Liang Lu, from a female knight in the Martial World, transformed into the hall mistress of Bai He Martial Arts Hall, managing a large number of disciples and family members.

Twenty years ago, their daughter Bai Feihe was born, delicate and adorable, with a decent talent, inheriting Bai Changying's ancestral Eagle Claw Skill and Inner Power Heart Method.

Her progress in Inner Cultivation was in no way weaker than her two brothers.

But unexpectedly, three years ago, during the imperial selection for concubines, his daughter was chosen and entered the Imperial City, becoming a woman of the Emperor, and was bestowed the title of Noble Lady by imperial edict.

It was like ancestral tombs emitting green smoke!

Seated beside them were Bai Changying's two sons, Bai Feihu and Bai Feixiong.

Both inherited Bai Changying's build and features, robust and resolute, sitting there like two beasts.

In recent years, due to his daughter Bai Feihe's influence, they also avoided the great calamity of Prime Minister Yang's treason, allowing Bai He Martial Arts Hall to develop rapidly, almost universally recognized as the number one martial arts hall in the Capital City!

Three months ago, nearing fifty, Bai Changying, for some unknown reason, miraculously broke through to the Grandmaster Realm!

This was by all accounts a major event for the entire martial artist community in the Capital City.

A Grandmaster Realm martial artist was capable of establishing one's own school.

And Bai Changying, with his superb Eagle Claw Skill, had established a martial arts hall in the Capital City, now attracting many students to learn.

Especially among the Capital City's nobility, many would try everything to enter Bai He Martial Arts Hall.

Was it to learn martial arts or to curry favor?

Bai Feihu and Bai Feixiong also advanced to the First-grade Realm, making them well-known throughout the martial artist circle in the Capital City.

Beside them sat hall masters from other martial arts schools in the Capital City.

Their Martial Arts Cultivation was only a step away from the Grandmaster Realm.

Vajra Martial Arts Hall.

Hall Master Xiong Pi, rumored to be from the Martial Monks of Southern Grand Temple, born with divine power, capable of uprooting a weeping willow, simply with strength alone, Bai Changying was no match.

Red Snake Martial Arts Hall.

Hall Master Xu Bo, master of Golden Snake Entwining Hand and Shadow Snake Leg, his techniques elegant and elusive, and skilled in Poison Skill, he is vindictive, having offended many.

Hong Fist Martial Arts Hall.

Hall Master Hong Zhennan, skilled in Hong Fist and close combat, his disciples were mostly commoners and gang members, mature and skilled in adapting to circumstances, very level-headed.

Shuang Dao Martial Arts Hall.

Hall Master Yua Shuangdao, an expert in Willow Leaf Double Sabers, with extremely high swordsmanship, two years ago, he single-handedly with dual sabers blocked the cavalry of Wu Country in Binzhou, killing thirty-nine, and retreated whole, testament to his superior swordsmanship.

And others who were reputed hall masters in the Capital City, whose Martial Arts Cultivation was above the First-grade Realm.

A few days ago, for unknown reasons, all notable hall masters in the Capital City received invitations to come on October 1st for a gathering.

When they saw the designated location, all the hall masters were taken aback.

The Imperial Palace, Baiyu City!

This was... an invitation from the current Emperor to them!

It caused a stir, the Emperor inviting martial artists for a meal, it was the first time in over three hundred years since the founding of Great Yu!

Many were secretly speculating about the Emperor's motives today, causing an uproar.

Many people were constantly visiting Bai He Martial Arts Hall, inquiring about what was happening.

Bai Changying was at a loss.

Though he was the current Majesty's father-in-law, it was only mentioned privately among close friends when drinking, did he foolishly shout everywhere about being His Majesty's father-in-law?

Is his neck itching?

Moreover, his daughter in the palace was just a Noble Lady and had only returned home twice in three years, the Majesty having visited her only three or four times.

She also led a melancholic life in the palace.

As an Imperial Father-in-Law, he lived a rather constrained life.

During this time, with the Emperor suddenly inviting all the Capital's martial arts hall masters for a feast, Bai He Martial Arts Hall was almost trampled by the visitors.

Even more people came than when he broke through to the Grandmaster Realm!

The key is... he doesn't even know what's going on!

And today is the day of the Emperor's banquet invitation.

Besides him being allowed to bring family members, other hall masters had to come alone, quite desolate.

"Hall Master Bai, Uncle Bai, at this point, you should let us know!" 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Hong Zhennan, rosy-faced and chubby, holding a wine cup, approached and spoke quietly: "Before His Majesty arrives, you should inform the brothers."

"Why is His Majesty inviting us today, what's the matter?"

Bai Changying smiled wryly: "Master Hong, I really don't know!"

"Just like you, it's also my first time receiving an invitation from His Majesty."

"Hehe, it seems Hall Master Bai doesn't regard us as brothers."

Xu Bo replied sarcastically: "Of course, you are now the Imperial Father-in-Law, why would you notice us small fry?"

Hong Zhennan frowned: "Master Xu, what nonsense are you saying, we're all in the same field, and we all received His Majesty's invitation, is it appropriate to speak like this?"

Beside them, Xiong Pi drinking wine grumbled: "Old Viper, stop making noise!"

"This is the Imperial Palace, not your Red Snake Martial Arts Hall! If by chance you offend His Majesty, we all suffer with you~!"

Yua Shuangdao, who had his double sabers confiscated, was feeling uneasy without them and said, crossing his arms: "Old Xiong makes sense, Master Xu, don't speak later."

"Today with His Majesty's banquet, I suspect it relates to recent rumors from the court."

"You mean Grand General Xu's proposal of... the Ban Martial Order?"

"Yes."

"How is that possible!"

"With so many martial artists in the Capital City, does the Imperial Court plan to drive everyone away?"

"I just thought it possible, I'm not certain."

"Didn't you notice that there's been no movement from the General's Mansion lately, maybe they faced too much resistance and had to be stopped..."

"No idea, if the Ban Martial Order is truly issued, our martial arts hall's business will definitely plummet!"

"What nonsense, my Shuang Dao Martial Arts Hall's business is sure to plummet, but how could those who practice fist, palm, or leg techniques see a decrease? You can secretly laugh..."

"Hehehe..."

Xu Bo's mouth twitched, right now no one was paying attention to him, so he could only helplessly take a large gulp of the fine wine in front of him.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

Little did he know that this fine wine from the Imperial Palace was a strong liquor specially brewed by Zheng Yi through the Ministry of Industry, and with just one sip, Xu Bo coughed repeatedly, his face turning red.

Just as the many martial artists were still discussing, a sharp voice swiftly approached from afar.

"His Majesty is arriving~!!!"

The group hurriedly stood up, and before long, they saw a retinue emerging from the pavilion.

At the forefront, a young man walked with a powerful presence, dressed in a Dragon Robe, with bright eyes and a commanding aura, none other than the current Emperor, Emperor Zhengyong!

Beside him walked a courtly lady, tall and stately.

A dozen or so people quickly gathered in the open space, bowing down in unison.

"We commoners greet Your Majesty, wishing Your Majesty ten thousand years of life!"

Zheng Yi took his place at the head seat, gesturing with his hand, "Loyal citizens, rise, take your seats."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The dozen or so people stood up, many instinctively looking forward, eager to see the Emperor's appearance clearly.

Completely forgetting the etiquette Liu Cheng'en had taught them when entering the palace.

"Feihe!"

Suddenly, Liang Lu, beside Bai Changying, exclaimed, and Noble Lady Hee by Zheng Yi's side quickly stood up.

"Mother~!"

"Sister!"

Bai Feihu and Bai Feixiong also recognized the familiar courtly lady as their sister!

Beside Zheng Yi, it was Bai Changying's daughter, Bai Feihua, today accompanying by Zheng Yi's order.

Unexpectedly, she met her parents and two brothers.

"Your Majesty~"

Bai Feihua's delicate face was full of pleading, Zheng Yi nodded and said, "Go, have a good chat with your mother."

"Yes~!"

Bai Feihua immediately rose like a bird, arriving beside Liang Lu, instinctively grabbing onto her.

"Mother~"

"Feihe~"

"Mother, come with me, Feihe will show you the beauty of Baiyu City~"

"Okay."

The two women quietly entered Baiyu City, leaving a bunch of men behind.

"Play the music, start the dance~!"

At Liu Cheng'en's command, a troupe of dancers flowed from both sides of Baiyu City, performing dances specially trained by the Imperial Music Office.

More than thirty charming dancers danced gracefully, like colorful butterflies fluttering, or like phoenixes swirling, entrancing the dozen or so male onlookers.

Seeing this, Zheng Yi smiled faintly.

As the tune ended, he raised his cup in front of him and said:

"Brave men, I also have a heart for the Martial Dao. Today's banquet is truly a fortune for me."

"Please fully drink this cup."

With that, he drank it all in one gulp.

The dozen or so martial artists hurriedly raised their cups and drank.

This wine was strong liquor specially selected by Zheng Yi, with a high alcohol content.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the banquet finally warmed up.

Especially after a few more dances, the atmosphere became even more lively, even to the point where some martial artists shouted to perform a dance and were pulled back by others.

And Noble Lady Hee and her mother had long returned, accompanying them by their side.

At this moment, Zheng Yi raised his cup once more and said, "Brave men, today I host you, but there are still urgent matters to discuss."

The dozen or so martial arts hall leaders became immediately alert, knowing the main topic had arrived, and hurriedly circulated their inner strength to suppress the effects of the alcohol in their bodies.

Zheng Yi said, "Our Great Yu has been established for over three hundred years, and although our national power is prosperous, external alien races threaten our borders, and internal treacherous ministers run rampant. I, despite my inadequacy, with the assistance of many brave men, have repelled alien races, and subdued internal bandits, restoring a bright and clear sky for Great Yu."

"However... to this day, Great Yu still faces upheaval and misfortune, with continual natural and man-made disasters."

"Even beneath the Emperor's feet, within the capital, there are often incidents of sudden murder, fighting, and brawls."

As Zheng Yi spoke, the dozen or so martial arts hall leaders' faces showed slight discomfort.

Making them wonder, could it really be... the Ban Martial Order?

"Therefore!"

Zheng Yi immediately said, "I plan to issue the Ban Martial Order next month, to prohibit rebellious martial arts in the capital!"

"This banquet today, I hope to enlist the help of brave men to jointly maintain peace and stability in the capital!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the dozen or so martial arts hall leaders were silent, lost in thought.

"Imperial Father-in-Law."

Zheng Yi suddenly said, "You are my Imperial Father-in-Law, I have hidden nothing from you, tell us your thoughts."

"This..."

Under the gaze of over a dozen eyes, Bai Changying had no choice but to rise and say, "Your Majesty, it's in martial artists' nature to carry swords and sabers, completely forbidding it is impossible."

"Moreover, once the Ban Martial Order is issued, it is likely to cause significant unrest among martial artists..."

Zheng Yi said, "I have also considered this matter, so the 'Ban Martial Order' I issue is not a complete ban, but a selective one!"

"Moreover, once the Ban Martial Order is issued, it benefits your martial arts halls too!"

"Your Majesty?"

"With the Ban Martial Order, any martial artist wanting to establish a martial arts hall must register and undergo evaluation at the Martial Arts Department."

Zheng Yi succinctly said, "I also intend to establish a 'Martial Artist Guild', to govern martial arts with martial artists, and you will be the first batch of stewards in the Martial Artist Guild, obtaining corresponding rights!"

"The Martial Arts Department, Martial Artist Guild, and martial artists form a tripartite structure, to reasonably, legally, and compliantly manage the Martial World, gradually guiding martial artists to serve Great Yu, rather than just fighting for bravery and wasting good years, or even losing their lives!"

"What do you all think?"