The Martial Arts World is Full of Experts Chapter 26

79

"Young Hero Lu, having traveled the martial arts world for many years, surely you've heard some interesting stories?" Xiao Mobai had completely lost his confidence but clung to his last bit of dignity, persisting in his inquiry. "I'm just a bit curious..."

Lu Zhaoming: "Never heard one."

Xiao Mobai: "......"

Xiao Mobai pulled the corner of his mouth. "Well, your martial arts world seems rather dull then."

Lu Zhaoming: "It's not bad."

Xiao Mobai: "Not bad? So, tell me, what else is interesting?"

Lu Zhaoming: "Practicing swordsmanship is quite interesting."

Xiao Mobai: "......"

Wen Tingting, at the side, frantically rubbed her eyes and blinked. She could hardly believe what she saw. She even nudged Zhang Xiaoyuan beside her, leaned in, and whispered, "Xiaoyuan, did you notice? Xiao Mobai suddenly became handsome!"

Zhang Xiaoyuan, mouth still full of food, shook his head, indicating he hadn't seen anything.

Apart from the changing words above Xiao Mobai's head, he indeed saw nothing unusual.

Xiao Mobai finally gave up trying to talk to Lu Zhaoming.

He turned to look at Zhang Xiaoyuan, smiling gently, and asked, "Young Hero Zhang, you seem quite young."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Why was he suddenly striking up a conversation with him?

Zhang Xiaoyuan, unlike Lu Zhaoming's unresponsive attitude, good-naturedly answered Xiao Mobai, "I'm seventeen this year."

"Seventeen and already a young hero!" Xiao Mobai complimented. "I heard Magistrate Qi and Ah Yang mentioning that you recently helped the county office catch thieves. Truly a young hero."

Wen Tingting burst into laughter, hastily covering her mouth. She even playfully added, "Young Hero Zhang has formidable martial skills, single-handedly fighting off a group of thieves to rescue those abducted girls!"

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan recalled the humiliation of being forced to cross-dress.

Perplexed, Xiao Mobai could only earnestly remark, "Truly a young hero."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Expressionless, Zhang Xiaoyuan continued eating, not uttering a word.

Xiao Mobai, still curious, pressed on, "When did Young Hero Zhang start practicing martial arts?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "...Since childhood."

Xiao Mobai: "I've noticed that Young Hero Zhang and Young Hero Lu seem quite close."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

"I presume you two have known each other for a long time?" Xiao Mobai in a friendly manner asked, "Do you know each other for several years?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "Half a month..."

Xiao Mobai: "......"

Xiao Mobai seemed to be realizing that these two martial brothers were both quite difficult to approach, no matter which one.

He took another deep breath and smiled at Zhang Xiaoyuan.

DING.

「Affinity increased!」

「Appearance improved!」

Xiao Mobai: "Young Hero Zhang... um, I'm older than you. How about I call you Xiaoyuan?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

For some reason, he felt a subtle and strange aversion towards Xiao Mobai. He didn't like Xiao Mobai, even though Xiao Mobai's appearance and demeanor were considered outstanding among the people he knew. Yet, he still didn't like him.

When he heard Xiao Mobai addressing him so familiarly, an inexplicable shiver ran down his spine. About to refuse, Lu Zhaoming preempted him, "Not allowed."

Xiao Mobai was puzzled. "Not allowed? Why?"

"I only call him Junior Brother," Lu Zhaoming emphasized, "I haven't used his name directly yet."

He threw out this statement out of the blue, leaving not only Xiao Mobai but also Zhang Xiaoyuan puzzled.

Wen Tingting, however, had a sudden realization.

Indeed! Even the senior disciple hadn't addressed him so intimately, so why should an outsider do so after just two encounters?

Wen Tingting, who had already started calling him Xiaoyuan, suddenly began to feel afraid.

She had been calling him Xiaoyuan for several days already. Could she be targeted by the life-threatening, ominous lone star?

Zhang Xiaoyuan was finishing the last bite of his meal.

Lu Zhaoming had already stood up.

"If there's no urgent matter, I'll go ahead." He grabbed Zhang Xiaoyuan's arm, looking at Xiao Mobai. "No time for small talk."

Xiao Mobai: "......"

Wen Tingting even considered applauding Lu Zhaoming right there.

For some reason, she also didn't like Xiao Mobai.

Whether it was the lighting or some other reason, this person's face alternated between being exceptionally attractive and just ordinary. It felt more stimulating than face-changing performances.

And this person...

He must be the reason why Commander Puyang had an illicit affair!

The emperor was indeed a wishy-washy, unreliable man!

Yes! Men nowadays, especially wishy-washy ones, weren't likely to be good men!

80

Zhang Xiaoyuan followed Lu Zhaoming out of the room. Eldest Senior Brother held his hand all the way, leading him back to their quarters.

"Today, let's focus on the sword manual," Lu Zhaoming directly skipped the earlier incident, "If you feel tired, you can take a nap later."

Zhang Xiaoyuan asked, "Does Eldest Senior Brother not like Xiao Mobai?"

Lu Zhaoming nodded. "He's very strange."

Zhang Xiaoyuan could see the words above Xiao Mobai's head. He knew Xiao Mobai was a peculiar person, but Lu Zhaoming couldn't see those words. Eldest Senior Brother had never shown much interest in people around him. Even the smooth-talking Hua Liuque didn't elicit any reaction. To openly express a dislike for someone seemed to be a first.

Zhang Xiaoyuan muttered under his breath, "I don't like him either. He's so strange."

"In the future, pay more attention to the person who often accompanies him," Lu Zhaoming frowned slightly, as if carefully recalling Zhao Chengyang's claimed name, "That person called Huang... Huang Ayang."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan really wanted to laugh.

Wasn't Ah Yang the endearment Xiao Mobai used? That really wasn't his name!

"The Heavenly Mysterious Shadow Guards only follow the imperial orders," Lu Zhaoming said, "Puyang Jing respects him so much. What do you think he is?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan never expected Eldest Senior Brother to have noticed anything.

He thought Lu Zhaoming didn't care about the matters around him, so he wasn't aware of the affairs in the martial arts world and couldn't be bothered with people like Hua Liuque.

He didn't expect Eldest Senior Brother had long ago figured out Zhao Chengyang's identity. He just chose not to say.

Wait a minute.

Since Eldest Senior Brother already knew Zhao Chengyang's identity...

Zhang Xiaoyuan was somewhat frightened. "Eldest Senior Brother... yesterday, you closed the door so forcefully, almost slamming into his face!"

If Eldest Senior Brother knew Zhao Chengyang was the emperor, wasn't his forceful closing of the door a bit too audacious!

Lu Zhaoming blinked slowly and said, "But now he is Huang Ayang."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Eldest Senior Brother was a bit excessive, but he liked it.

"He has been asking about the past plague in Fengji, and Puyang Jing is investigating the whereabouts of someone," Lu Zhaoming frowned slightly, "I am very uneasy."

Just as Lu Zhaoming finished speaking, there was movement in the courtyard. Judging by the sound, it seemed that Zhao Chengyang and the others had returned.

Lu Zhaoming frowned slightly, gesturing to Zhang Xiaoyuan to keep quiet. He himself moved along the wall to the window, carefully listening to the conversation of the few people in the courtyard.

The first person to speak was Qi Chaoyun. "Before leaving the capital, you should have anticipated the current situation."

"It's been over twenty years," Zhao Chengyang sighed lightly, "I thought I finally had an elder brother..."

Puyang Jing spoke bluntly, "It's a good thing that you don't."

"Puyang," Zhao Chengyang seemed a bit displeased, "He is still my elder brother."

Puyang Jing: "But also the source of potential disaster endangering the world."

His stance was clear. From the beginning, he never cared about the life or death of the emperor's elder brother. He only wanted to secure Zhao Chengyang's current position.

Zhao Chengyang sighed once again.

"Well, anyway, he has been gone for fifteen years," Zhao Chengyang paused for a moment, then added, "Ah Yun, I want to set up a tomb for him."

Qi Chaoyun agreed, "Yes."

However, Puyang Jing spoke again, "This action may invite criticism within the court."

Every word Puyang Jing spoke was something Zhao Chengyang didn't like to hear. Zhao Chengyang snorted heavily and said, "Then I will return tomorrow and stay in the capital forever. Puyang Jing, does this suit your preferences?"

Puyang Jing replied, "Yes."

Outside, there was silence. After a while, hurried footsteps echoed, sounding like Zhao Chengyang slamming the door forcefully. Qi Chaoyun sighed in the courtyard. "Puyang, why bother..."

Puyang Jing said, "It's fine. At least, every word I say is for him."

......

Zhang Xiaoyuan dared not even breathe loudly. Fortunately, Six Fingers understood his hint, not revealing the current whereabouts of Second Senior Brother to Zhao Chengyang. He felt a sense of relief only when he heard Puyang Jing and Qi Chaoyun leaving. Then, he looked at Lu Zhaoming and whispered, "Eldest Senior Brother, did you hear that?"

Lu Zhaoming was somewhat surprised, nodded, and said, "So, they were looking for Second Junior Brother."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "Ah?!"

Wait, so Eldest Senior Brother knew about Second Senior Brother's identity?

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "Second Senior Brother is... the Emperor's..."

Lu Zhaoming hesitated, "I seem to have forgotten to tell you."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan remembered asking twice about Jiang Jianyu's background. Lu Zhaoming only mentioned his mother each time and never brought up anything else. This wasn't forgetfulness. It was a habitual effort to help Second Senior Brother conceal this matter.

But thinking about it, no matter how Eldest Senior Brother brought up this matter, it felt odd.

Junior Brother, do you know? Second Junior Brother is the Emperor's older brother.

That was really strange.

"Both Master and Martial Uncle knew about the events back then," Lu Zhaoming explained, "Second Junior Brother is aware of his own identity."

Zhang Xiaoyuan thought for a moment and just asked, "So... what does Second Senior Brother think?"

Even though he had found a way to cut off Zhao Chengyang's clues about Second Senior Brother, if it were really discussed, he actually had no idea what Second Senior Brother truly thought. If Second Senior Brother had wanted to return to the imperial family long ago, wouldn't he be doing something against Second Senior Brother's wishes?

Lu Zhaoming said, "He prefers the freedom of the martial arts world."

Zhang Xiaoyuan understood.

"Fifteen years is too long. They seem to have found no useful clues," Lu Zhaoming whispered, "That's a good thing."

Zhang Xiaoyuan straightened his chest, feeling a pride he couldn't express in words.

Quick, praise him! He should be praised!

"Alright," Lu Zhaoming said, "It's time to memorize the sword manual."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

......

Zhang Xiaoyuan really hated reading this obscure and cryptic sword manual.

Clearly, every word was a word, but strung together... he had no idea what it meant.

What's even scarier was that Lu Zhaoming sat beside him, occasionally asking him a question. He dared not try anything deceitful. It felt like he was back in his childhood, attending a private school. If he didn't pay attention, the teacher would hit his palm with a ruler.

He endured the afternoon in a daze, finally reaching dinner time. Zhao Chengyang had decided to leave tomorrow, and Puyang Jing would escort him back to the capital. Qi Chaoyun arranged a farewell feast at the county office, which was basically a slightly better meal. Qi Chaoyun had to pay for it himself. He definitely couldn't afford to treat guests.

Zhang Xiaoyuan felt extremely happy for a while. However, at mealtime, when he looked up, he saw Xiao Mobai sticking to Zhao Chengyang. Zhao Chengyang seemed to be enjoying it with a half-smile, while Puyang Jing silently stood on the side with a dark face. Wen Tingting's head seemed to be sprouting words like mad, angrily cursing that there was no good man among them.

Only Zhang Xiaoyuan knew the real reason behind Puyang Jing's gloomy expression.

Clearly, it wasn't because Xiao Mobai was clinging to Zhao Chengyang. At this moment, another line of words floated above his head.

「Today's report: Irsan is suspected of having feelings for Xiao Mobai. Letters from Marquis Wangyuan and Assistant Minister Liu to Xiao Mobai were intercepted, both containing love confessions.」

「Still unable to find any background information on Xiao Mobai. This person deliberately getting close to the Emperor is highly suspicious.」

Zhang Xiaoyuan couldn't help but look at Xiao Mobai again.

How many people actually liked him?

The words that appeared above his head in the afternoon were also strange. Although Zhang Xiaoyuan didn't see any change in his appearance, Wen Tingting seemed to think he suddenly became more attractive. Could he be using this strange talent to flirt with others?

Did Zhao Chengyang know?

Zhang Xiaoyuan pinched his chin, feeling that Zhao Chengyang's head was simply shining green.

81

Early the next morning, before Zhang Xiaoyuan had even gotten up, Puyang Jing had already escorted Zhao Chengyang and Xiao Mobai away.

Qi Chaoyun had already sent the rewards from the families of the rescued women, and with the departure of the major troublemakers, Zhang Xiaoyuan felt refreshed and temporarily had no reason to stay at the county office.

Once it was confirmed that Puyang Jing and Zhao Chengyang had left Fengji County, Zhang Xiaoyuan found Eldest Senior Brother and expressed his eager desire to return to the sect.

Lu Zhaoming, of course, had no objections.

The journey back to the mountains from Fengji County was only a short half-day. Zhang Xiaoyuan bid farewell to Qi Chaoyun, and Wen Tingting reluctantly led Pidun to see them off from the city. By evening, they had already reached their destination.

The sect's houses were not yet fully constructed, but Wang Henian finally had the funds to hire local workers to help. The houses were built with good-quality bricks and tiles. Zhang Xiaoyuan called out to his master from a distance. Looking at the rudimentary courtyard, he felt a deep sense of pride.

Look at this – all earned with his own silver!

Their sudden return surprised Wang Henian. However, after not seeing each other for a few days, he joyfully examined Zhang Xiaoyuan but felt that the child had become thinner. Then, his gaze shifted, catching sight of Lu Zhaoming's sword tassel.

Wang Henian froze on the spot, and after a while, he asked, "Zhaoming, where is the tassel I gave you?"

Lu Zhaoming hesitated and said, "The tassel is too old..."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Eldest Senior Brother really didn't know how to speak!

Wang Henian raised a hand to stop Lu Zhaoming from continuing.

"I understand," he said in a trembling voice. "You don't need to say anything further."

She Shuyi came around from behind the pile of stones in the courtyard. Seeing the two, he couldn't help but smile. "Why have you returned?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan, wanting to prevent Lu Zhaoming from saying anything that might upset his master, spoke first. "Of course, it's because we missed Master and Martial Uncle!"

She Shuyi was pleased and joined in the laughter. "Returning is a good thing, but... there's a bit of trouble."

Zhang Xiaoyuan was puzzled.

"The houses are only halfway done, and now that you've returned, there might not be a proper place for you to rest." She Shuyi frowned slightly and continued, "These past few days, I've discussed it with your master, and today we've come up with an idea."

They had only set up a few makeshift shelters with the laborers. Wang Henian and She Shuyi could manage, but Hua Liuque was quickly getting fed up. They knew that Zhang Xiaoyuan probably hadn't experienced such hardships, and he might not be accustomed to these living conditions.

Zhang Xiaoyuan blinked and asked, "What's the idea?"

She Shuyi said, "In a few days, a martial arts conference will be held."

He glanced at Wang Henian, intending for him to continue, but it seemed that Wang Henian was still reeling from shock, completely oblivious to their conversation. She Shuyi sighed and proceeded with the explanation.

"In recent years, there haven't been many major events in the martial arts world. The martial arts conference is just a place for various sects to compete and recruit disciples," She Shuyi explained, "I have written a letter of greeting to the Chief of Martial Arts Alliance. You, martial brothers, can take this letter and go to the martial arts conference to have a look."