The Martial Arts World is Full of Experts Chapter 32 Part 1

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Zhang Xiaoyuan dared not speak anymore.

He had thought that this martial arts world, as described by his father, was filled with swordplay and heroic deeds, a world of swift revenge and gratitude.

What should be right is right, what should be wrong is wrong. But now, leaders of both right and wrong factions were joining forces! He was still young! He was just a child! He didn't want to know the terrifying truth of this martial arts world!

Upon reflection, if Xing Yan truly went back to complain to Mo Wentian, and he asked who spread these rumors, would he be in deep trouble?

No! He needed to remedy the situation, at least to clear his own name!

"However, Eldest Senior Brother was right. It's all just rumors." Zhang Xiaoyuan earnestly nodded. "I only heard it mentioned by storytellers. You know how storytellers exaggerate."

Only then did Lu Zhaoming nod and respond, "Yes, mostly a mix of truth and fiction."

Zhang Xiaoyuan felt a pang in his heart.

What did "mix of truth and fiction" mean? So, these martial arts world rumors might have been exaggerated, but some had a basis in truth.

Zhang Xiaoyuan nervously glanced at Xing Yan.

Xing Yan was mentally drafting a damning letter against Pei Wuluan.

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan thought he had cleared things up, but Pei Wuluan was likely in for a rough time.

Sorry, Chief Pei.

He didn't inted it to be this way!

…...

The next noon, they reached a nearby town, deciding to rest until the next day. Xing Yan didn't speak with Pei Junze. Instead, she immediately borrowed writing materials from the lodging, claiming she needed to reassure her family. Then, she locked herself in her room, only emerging the next morning with a thick envelope to send a letter.

Seeing the daunting thickness of the envelope, Zhang Xiaoyuan's guilt towards Chief Pei deepened.

After Xing Yan returned from mailing the letter, they set out from the small town again, heading towards Baicang City, where the Martial Arts Alliance was located.

The martial arts conference was, after all, a grand event of the righteous path, with disciples from various sects converging. The closer they got to Baicang City, the more senior disciples from different sects they encountered.

Zhang Xiaoyuan became increasingly excited.

He could already hear the jingling of his own coin pouch!

Afraid he'd forget the information and unwilling to openly record in front of Lu Zhaoming and Xing Yan, he resorted to his old trick. Every day, he pretended not to know how to draw, covertly using a method only he understood to record the confidential information.

Even before reaching Baicang City, he had filled two small notebooks.

Zhang Xiaoyuan was practically bursting with excitement.

He believed his road to prosperity was just ahead!

......

They had intended to find an inn first, but now all the inns in Baicang City were full. They arrived too late, as many sects had booked accommodations months ago, leaving no vacant rooms for them. Pei Junze initially planned to return directly to the Martial Arts Alliance. Now, seeing their struggle to find a place to stay, he suggested, "How about... you all come with me to the Martial Arts Alliance for now?"

The Martial Arts Alliance also had lodgings, but the rooms were limited. They were typically reserved for sect masters, their direct disciples, or close friends of Pei Wuluan. Zhang Xiaoyuan's group didn't have that privilege.

Zhang Xiaoyuan hesitated and whispered, "Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

"No worries, just say you're my good friends. My father won't mind." Pei Junze smiled at them. "However, even within the Alliance, rooms are limited. You might have to share."

Jiang Jianyu: "How's that any trouble? My sect used to have just one room."

Zhang Xiaoyuan really wanted to cover his mouth.

No, we're different now!

We belong to a sect with several large tile-roofed houses!

Pei Junze always held a favorable opinion of them. Following Jiang Jianyu's comment, he laughed and turned to Xing Yan. "As for Miss Xing... I'll try to arrange a separate room for you. But if not, you might have to share with female disciples from other sects."

Zhang Xiaoyuan thought Xing Yan would refuse. After all, she was the protector of the Demon Sect, and entering the Martial Arts Alliance was extremely risky.

However, Xing Yan almost immediately nodded. She knew everyone suspected her identity, and her lies were getting harder to maintain. So, she decided to stop concealing her true purpose of accompanying them. She boldly declared, "Sure, I'm not in a hurry to return home anyway."

Hua Liuque's eyes were clearly fixed on Xing Yan. While nodding, he tried to grasp Xing Yan's hand, expressing his affection, "Ah Yan, in a few days, I'll accompany you back."

Xing Yan raised her hand, and Hua Liuque only managed to grab her sleeve. So, Xing Yan struggled to pull her sleeve from Hua Liuque's grasp, maintaining her dignity in front of the young master. She smiled and said, "Thanks a lot, Young Master Pei."

Jiang Jianyu couldn't help but ask, "Don't you want to know who his dad is?"

Xing Yan smiled mysteriously. "It's not important."

Only Hua Liuque stared foolishly at Xing Yan, seemingly oblivious to everything.

Zhang Xiaoyuan couldn't stand it anymore.

He nudged the somewhat absent-minded Lu Zhaoming, who had been zoning out due to the long journey. In a hushed tone, Zhang Xiaoyuan said, "Eldest Senior Brother, sect rules!"

Lu Zhaoming snapped back to attention, frowned at Hua Liuque, then lifted his sword and lightly tapped Hua Liuque's uninjured leg.

Hua Liuque's leg jerked, and he quickly released Xing Yan's sleeve, stepping back several paces. His face displayed a mix of fear as he looked towards Lu Zhaoming.

Lu Zhaoming didn't say anything more. He gave a slight bow to Pei Junze and said, "Thank you."

Pei Junze smiled. "No trouble at all."

Pei Junze led them towards the Martial Arts Alliance. As they arrived at the Alliance's gates, the guards recognized him immediately. They ushered them in while hastily sending someone to report to the Chief.

Zhang Xiaoyuan's eyes widened as he marveled at the grandeur of the Martial Arts Alliance's buildings and structures, comparing them to the modest courtyards and thatched houses of his own sect. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. Then, he turned and noticed Xing Yan clenching her small fist.

「I'm meeting Pei Dog, don't get too excited!」

「Dog men should be killed, but the Sect Master hasn't ordered his death yet!」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

No, Sister Xing Yan, what are you thinking!

Beating up the Chief at the Martial Arts Alliance's establishment?!

Are you trying to get us killed!

Just as he thought that, he heard someone in the distance joyfully call out, "Junze." Turning around, he saw a swordsman in white robes approaching briskly. That should be Pei Wuluan. He looked much younger than Zhang Xiaoyuan had imagined, with a tall hat and tied hair, appearing to be in his prime.

And right on time, his identity was revealed — he was indeed Pei Wuluan.

「Pei Wuluan, Chief of Martial Arts Alliance, with profound and unpredictable sword skills, ranked alongside Mo Wentian as the second in the martial arts world.」

He was probably another person skilled in preserving his youth, Zhang Xiaoyuan thought. As he looked up at the people following Pei Wuluan, his expression stiffened, feeling a bit awkward.

Following Pei Wuluan happened to be Lin Yi from Purple Mist Tower and Mei Leng'an from Scattered Blossom Palace.

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Pei Junze hurriedly took a few steps, gracefully sweeping his robes. His attitude was respectful, seemingly about to kneel. Pei Wuluan quickly caught his hand, a joyful smile on his face. "No need for such formalities in front of me."

Pei Junze stood up, revealing a smile. He affectionately said, "Dad, your son is back."

Zhang Xiaoyuan found it somewhat strange.

A returning traveler, meeting a close family member, and the first reaction was to kneel? Were the Pei family rules that strict? Moreover... Pei Wuluan said there was no need for such formality in front of him, what did that mean?

Lin Yi, the master of Purple Mist Tower, couldn't help but sigh. "Junze is truly filial. Brother Pei, I'm starting to envy you."

As he finished speaking, a line of text immediately appeared above his head.

「Lin Yi, Purple Mist Tower Master, with over ten wives and concubines, have seven sons and eight daughters, and five illegitimate children.」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Lin Yi must be over fifty years old now? So... so many wives?!

Mei Leng'an also sighed. "Seeing Junze, even I'm considering having a child."

Lin Yi laughed heartily. "Brother Mei, it's not too late now."

Mei Leng'an sighed again, looking troubled.

Zhang Xiaoyuan muttered quietly in his heart.

Whether it was too late now or not, Mei Leng'an's beloved might not be able to have children.