The Martial Arts World is Full of Experts Chapter 17

57

The sky was ablaze with fireworks, while beneath the eaves, myriad lanterns illuminated the lively gathering of people.

Zhang Xiaoyuan, however, lost all interest.

They must be talking about Second Senior Brother.

The bloodline of the late emperor remained outside, and Second Senior Brother was considered the elder brother of the current emperor. In this world, who else could pose a more significant threat to the emperor's throne?!

Zhang Xiaoyuan grabbed Lu Zhaoming's arm, appearing somewhat shaky with fear.

Lu Zhaoming, unaware of what happened, only asked, "What's wrong?"

"Let's return to the sect." Zhang Xiaoyuan suppressed his inner panic. "Eldest Senior Brother, we need to go back to the sect."

"Now?" Lu Zhaoming was extremely puzzled. "It's already late."

Zhang Xiaoyuan was momentarily stunned, then, as if waking from a daze, he nodded and muttered, "I forgot."

He had forgotten. What he had witnessed was known only to him.

He couldn't share it with anyone, nor could he casually make up stories.

Moreover, even if he hurried back to the sect now, what difference would it make?

Warn Second Senior Brother? But if Second Senior Brother asked how he knew, how could he respond?

It might be better to stay at the county office.

Puyang Jing needed to investigate this matter with assistance from Qi Chaoyun and Pei Junze. At least Qi Chaoyun and Pei Junze were privy to the details.

As long as he remained at the county office, he could stay informed about the current developments. Then, he could find a way to conceal the matter, at least ensuring Second Senior Brother could avoid this crisis. At worst... if Puyang Jing decided to take action, he could alert Second Senior Brother to escape in advance!

Zhang Xiaoyuan made up his mind.

Since only he could see these things, it was only fitting for him to figure out how to protect Second Senior Brother.

Zhang Xiaoyuan feigned composure as he said, "It's nothing. I just remembered I might have left something at the sect."

Lu Zhaoming said, "Let's go back tomorrow."

"No rush," Zhang Xiaoyuan replied. "It's not something important. I want to spend a few more days exploring the county town."

Lu Zhaoming naturally had no objections.

He was here to accompany Zhang Xiaoyuan and enjoy the temple fair. Whatever Zhang Xiaoyuan wanted to do, he followed suit, without the need to consider anything else.

As Zhang Xiaoyuan calmed down, he thought about finding more ways to gather information, which would be more advantageous for Second Senior Brother.

Fortunately for him, gathering information was quite easy.

Inside the Best View Pavilion, Puyang Jing continued his conversation with Qi Chaoyun.

Qi Chaoyun, clearly disagreeing with Puyang Jing's words, vehemently opposed, "Did the Emperor order you to do this?"

Puyang Jing smiled faintly, remaining silent.

Qi Chaoyun understood.

"If you kill him, it's deceiving the Emperor," Qi Chaoyun said, "Do you realize that if you do this—"

"I haven't done anything yet, no need to rush to scold me," Puyang Jing interrupted. "For now... you should be more concerned about another matter."

Qi Chaoyun was interrupted in his attempt to speak. Visibly surprised, he furrowed his brow and asked, "What another matter?"

Puyang Jing stood up, leisurely walked to the edge of the pavilion, one hand gripping the railing. Amidst the fireworks and moonlight, his slender figure resembled that of an elegant woman. "Do you know who the female constable beside you is?"

"Chief Constable Wen?" Qi Chaoyun was even more puzzled. "What about her?"

Puyang Jing turned around, smiling as he said, "She is your runaway bride."

Zhang Xiaoyuan watched Qi Chaoyun froze, and Pei Junze, who had been silent throughout, gently lowered his cup. As if hearing something intriguing, he repeated, "Runaway... bride?"

At the very moment he spoke, it was as if a mysterious switch had been flipped above Puyang Jing's head. Various confidential information from the court and the martial arts world crazily burst out.

「Irsan, the Grand General of the Ulangye Kingdom, married the princess under the king's orders. The princess died during a difficult childbirth, leaving behind a daughter. Irsan harbors resentment towards his ruler and can be manipulated through a well-devised plan.」

「Lin Yi, owner of the Purple Mist Tower, is involved in numerous heinous acts. Recently, the influence of the Purple Mist Tower has expanded rapidly. It is necessary to collaborate with the Six Fans Sect to restrict investigation or apprehend him.」

......

Zhang Xiaoyuan was stunned.

What... what is going on?

As Puyang Jing contemplate information about Wen Tingting, did other news he knew also burst out?

Seeing Qi Chaoyun sitting there in a daze without saying a word, Puyang Jing shook his head and said, "Brother Qi, she will eventually find out your identity. If she does, do you think she'll continue to stay in the county office?"

Qi Chaoyun: "But I have no feelings for her..."

Puyang Jing: "The Emperor has an idea."

He reluctantly uttered these words, making it seem like... this definitely wouldn't be a good idea.

Qi Chaoyun: "What is it?"

"I'll accompany you to the county office," Puyang Jing said to Qi Chaoyun. "Let her understand that you have no feelings for her and that you also want to resist the arranged marriage. Then, she naturally won't run away again. She might even join you in resisting the marriage."

Qi Chaoyun looked wary. "What are you planning?"

"Brother Qi, I'm sorry. The Emperor instructed me to do this, so I have no choice." Puyang Jing's tone was noticeably strained. "Ah Yun, endure this inconvenience. From today on, I... I'll be your concubine."

Qi Chaoyun: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan, watching the spectacle from afar: "???"

58

Zhang Xiaoyuan processed this story.

So it was like this.

The martial arts world was still better.

Zhang Xiaoyuan sighed inwardly.

I never expected the court and the Emperor to be like this.

59

As the fireworks concluded, Zhang Xiaoyuan intended to carefully climb down from the roof. Unexpectedly, Lu Zhaoming embraced his waist and leaped down from the eaves.

On the street, pedestrians were heading home, and the bustling crowd suddenly witnessed Lu Zhaoming descending from the sky, startling everyone. Zhang Xiaoyuan was also taken aback by Eldest Senior Brother's sudden move. He grabbed Lu Zhaoming's arm, about to speak, when he noticed two lines of text emerging from the crowd in the distance.

「I think that person is the bride disguised in men's clothing.」

「Heh, the newlyweds seem to get along well.」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan wished to immediately pull Lu Zhaoming away.

Why do I keep encountering these two gossipers wherever I go!

Both of you are too troublesome!

Expressionless, he dragged Lu Zhaoming towards the county office. Lu Zhaoming was unaware of what had happened or why Zhang Xiaoyuan suddenly seemed so eager to return. He silently followed Zhang Xiaoyuan and, later, encountered Qi Chaoyun and Puyang Jing coming down from a carriage at the entrance of the county office.

Lu Zhaoming was slightly puzzled. "Is that the person from the pavilion?"

Wen Tingting struggled to restrain Pidun. Still frightened of Lu Zhaoming, she stood about five feet away, displaying an extremely awkward smile.

Qi Chaoyun cleared his throat, about to speak, but Puyang Jing abruptly grabbed his arm. Stiff but determined to fulfill the imperial mission, he asked Qi Chaoyun, "Ah Yun, who is this young lady?"

Qi Chaoyun: "......"

Behind them, Pei Junze almost laughed out loud.

Qi Chaoyun was about to introduce the two when Puyang Jing spoke again, "Young lady, nice to meet you. I am Magistrate Qi's..."

「DOG EMPEROR.」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

......

Lu Zhaoming instinctively apologized, "I'm sorry, I..."

Suddenly, he felt something was off.

Puyang Jing held his chest with one hand, his face showing embarrassment.

His chest seemed crooked.

Lu Zhaoming: "You—"

Something was not right.

Wen Tingting gasped, taking in a breath of cold air.