The Martial Arts World is Full of Experts Chapter 13

48

Hua Liuque stood still, as if suddenly struck at an acupoint. After a while, he struggled to speak, "Magistrate Qi... Magistrate Qi, what did you say?"

"I spoke with Master Pei, and he mentioned Elder Wang's noble reputation in the martial arts world. His disciples are also known for their integrity," Qi Chaoyun praised Wang Henian, then turned to Hua Liuque, "I believe that following Elder Wang will help you correct your bad habits."

Hua Liuque: "......"

He blinked in pain, forced a stiff smile, and said, "Magistrate Qi, you've really considered it thoroughly."

Qi Chaoyun: "What are your thoughts?"

Hua Liuque: "Can I refuse?"

Qi Chaoyun was about to respond when Pei Junze's voice came from outside the door, "Of course not."

Pei Junze stepped into the room, followed by Wen Tingting and a veiled stranger. He directly addressed Hua Liuque, "If you disagree, go back to the cell. Sort yourself out before leaving."

Yet, in Hua Liuque's eyes, there seemed to be only the woman behind Pei Junze.

Paying no attention to Pei Junze's words, he hastily reached for the fan in his pocket, and with a playful smile, called out, "Yan-niang~~~"

Was this Yan-niang?

Zhang Xiaoyuan couldn't help but glance at her. He saw the woman's gaze fixed on Lu Zhaoming, who, sensing it, looked back. Their eyes met, the woman's gaze lingering, seemingly more direct — such a focused look inevitably led to various thoughts.

Hua Liuque's fan, only halfway out, frozen in place. His gaze shifted between Lu Zhaoming and the woman, his expression stunned.

He obviously wanted to speak but didn't dare to say anything negative about Lu Zhaoming, even though... even though Lu Zhaoming was currently exchanging flirtatious glances with the person he admired.

Zhang Xiaoyuan also sensed something was off.

Based on his understanding of Eldest Senior Brother, the meaning behind this gaze seemed more like confusion. He obviously didn't know this woman and had no idea why she was staring at him like that.

Zhang Xiaoyuan shifted his attention to the woman, curious about her identity—

DING.

「Xing Yan, Right Protector of the Demon Sect. The Demon Sect Master, Mo Wentian, dispatched her secretly to protect Young Master Pei Junze. Currently concealing her identity, she has entered Fengji County's county office, working as a coroner.」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

So, it was her!

Zhang Xiaoyuan suddenly understood the meaning behind Xing Yan's gaze.

Just a few days ago, Lu Zhaoming had injured her with the hilt of his sword. Knowing that people in the Demon Sect were generally resentful, it seemed her gaze at Lu Zhaoming wasn't affectionate but rather fueled by animosity — a meeting of enemies with a touch of envy.

Wait a minute.

Xing Yan, ranked 89th in the martial arts world?

Then... Lu Zhaoming easily injuring her, how high was Eldest Senior Brother's martial arts skill?!

The martial arts world was full of experts. Zhang Xiaoyuan saw rankings that included Wang Henian and other seniors. His sister, known as the Brushing Snow Heroine, ranked 217th. Even Hua Liuque, considered a natural talent, gained recognition in the martial arts world without a master's guidance, with a rank of 196th.

Back when Zhang Xiaoyuan saw Second Senior Brother's martial skill ranking of 147th, he was already amazed. Now it seemed... could Eldest Senior Brother still be within the top 89?

Zhang Xiaoyuan felt an indescribable astonishment. He had never looked at Eldest Senior Brother with such admiration before, but then he reconsidered... No, Eldest Senior Brother had exceptional luck, so did he always hit his targets when throwing his sword? Was that why he was able to break Hua Liuque's leg and then seriously injured Xing Yan?

No wonder Eldest Senior Brother always liked throwing his sword. Zhang Xiaoyuan thought if he could hit his target every time, he might also enjoy the feeling of throwing a sword at someone.

"Even if you're unwilling to be taken as a disciple, someone needs to supervise your actions from now on," Pei Junze said. "I think the cell would suit you well."

Hua Liuque was holding back a stomach full of grievances, but fortunately, he was skilled at comforting himself. There were plenty of fish in the sea! Why fixate on a single flower? Since Xing Yan had set her sights on Lu Zhaoming, he would go in search of a new spring!

Finally pulling out the half-stuck fan from his sleeve, he opened it with a flourish. Hua Liuque, the elegant and unaffected young master, smiled at Wen Tingting and said, "If Chief Constable Wen personally escorts me to the cell — I'm willing to be captured by you alone!"

Silence filled the room.

After a while, Wen Tingting cracked her knuckles loudly, gritting her teeth. "If you have the ability, say it again."

"I don't have any ability," Hua Liuque replied with deep affection. "If I had, you wouldn't have stolen my heart."

Wen Tingting: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan looked at Wen Tingting.

Wen Tingting's head bore prominent black characters.

「Hold back!」

「I cannot kill!」

「Musn't kill!」

49

After a prolonged silence, Pei Junze suddenly spoke, "Become a disciple."

Hua Liuque: "No, let me enter the prison of love!"

Pei Junze expressionlessly pulled the cheerful Hua Liuque in front of Wang Henian. "Elder Wang, I'm sorry. You'll have a hard time from now on."

Wang Henian said, "No harm. Guiding others toward goodness is our duty—"

"Goodness?" Hua Liuque turned to Wen Tingting. "Tingting, I only lean towards you."

Pei Junze cleared his throat and said, "Chief Constable Wen, be gentle. Don't knock him to death."

Hua Liuque lifted his head. There was a large red mark on his forehead, yet his face carried a blissful smile. He said, "It was Tingting who told me to kowtow, and I willingly comply!"

Wang Henian seemed to have difficulty finding the humor. After forcing a smile, he spoke, "Beloved disciple... cough, no need to be so formal."

However, Hua Liuque was in high spirits. Following Jiang Jianyu's lead, he greeted everyone one by one. When he reached Lu Zhaoming, Jiang Jianyu introduced, "This is Eldest Senior Brother."

Hua Liuque maintained his smile, bowing respectfully, joyously greeting, "Eldest Senior Brother."

Jiang Jianyu knew the reason but still asked intentionally, "Fourth Junior Brother, what's wrong? You seem... not very happy."

Hua Liuque clutched his cane tightly, awkwardly chuckling. "I... I feel a bit of pain in my leg."

Lu Zhaoming glanced at him and said, "We have several rules in the sect. Disciples should memorize them well."

Huh?

Hua Liuque dared not interrupt Lu Zhaoming. "Eldest... Eldest Senior Brother, please continue!"

"Those who enter our sect should respect their teachers and follow the righteous path. Be humble, no boasting," Lu Zhaoming said. "Inside the sect, one should diligently study and practice. When venturing into the martial arts world, uphold chivalry, never engage in evil deeds, and have a righteous heart."

Hua Liuque felt he was generally benevolent. He had never committed wrongdoing. He quickly nodded and said, "This junior disciple understands."

"Senior Brother, the rules are quite long. Do you want him to memorize them all?" Jiang Jianyu yawned. "I think... just discussing the important ones would suffice."

"Those who harm fellow disciples will be expelled from the sect, or killed," Lu Zhaoming changed his tone. His gaze settled on Hua Liuque, sending shivers down his spine. "Evildoers will have their martial arts skills stripped, then expelled from the sect."

Hua Liuque nodded repeatedly, continuously affirming. Zhang Xiaoyuan glanced around, moving closer to She Shuyi, whispering, "Martial Uncle, why didn't Eldest Senior Brother mention sect rules when I joined?"

She Shuyi, upon seeing him, smiled and produced a neatly wrapped pastry. He stuffed it into Zhang Xiaoyuan's hand and replied, "You're different from him."

Zhang Xiaoyuan asked, "Different?"

She Shuyi: "Zhaoming is asserting authority."

"Those who commit indecent acts with young girls, their legs will be broken, then expelled from the sect," Lu Zhaoming recited several sect rules, suddenly adding this sentence. It seemed the emphasis on "broken legs" was intentional. He continued, "Those who deceive and are fickle in love, their legs will be broken, then expelled from the sect."

"Those who behave frivolously and promiscuously, their legs will be broken, then expelled from the sect," Lu Zhaoming said coldly. "Those who frequent questionable places, their legs will be broken, then expelled from the sect."

Both of Hua Liuque's legs began to tremble.

Lu Zhaoming asked him, "Do you remember?"

Hua Liuque nodded continuously, "Remember... of course, I remember!"

"Alright then," She Shuyi said with a sly smile, "With Zhaoming around, I doubt Little Liuque will dare to casually talk to any woman in the future."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Wen Tingting asked, "Had a good initiation? Shall I escort you back? Or would you like me to arrange a sedan for you?"

Hua Liuque looked serious.

"Miss Wen, our interaction is but a passing encounter," he said, "Sudden formality like this is too much for me to handle."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"