The Martial Arts World is Full of Experts Chapter 45

125

What was originally planned to be a pleasant night studying sword manual was completely ruined by this stubborn fat pigeon.

Zhang Xiaoyuan laughed uncontrollably, and the more he laughed, the harder the fat pigeon struggled, kicking its short legs desperately in an attempt to pull its head back in.

He never thought a pigeon could be so fat and silly. He laughed until his hands shook. Unable to help the fat pigeon get its head out, he turned to Eldest Senior Brother, hoping Lu Zhaoming could assist.

Lu Zhaoming seemed slightly displeased.

The birdcage was wooden, and the gaps weren't large. It was a mystery how the fat pigeon managed to squeeze its head into the crack. Breaking the wood might injure the pigeon's neck with splinters, so they needed to think of another solution.

Afterwards, Zhang Xiaoyuan saw Lu Zhaoming pull out a dagger.

Zhang Xiaoyuan exclaimed, "Eldest Senior Brother! What are you trying to do!"

Lu Zhaoming remained silent. He assessed the size of the birdcage, tentatively sliding his dagger through the gaps in the wooden bars, ignoring the terrified cooing of the chubby pigeon. He attempted to grind down the wooden strip, paying no heed to the bird's frantic cries.

The dagger he carried was a gift from She Shuyi when he came of age. As the heir of the wealthiest family in the capital, the item was of excellent quality. Originally a formidable weapon for cutting through metal and gold, it now served an unintended purpose. With the fat pigeon's neck wedged between two wooden bars, any misstep would result in cutting the pigeon's neck.

If things went awry... it would indeed be a grisly case of a pigeon losing its head.

Despite Lu Zhaoming's years of sword practice, his hands should have been incredibly steady. Yet, he cautiously used the dagger to grind down the wooden strip, fearing an unexpected accident.

Zhang Xiaoyuan felt extremely nervous.

He crouched beside Lu Zhaoming, watching intently as Lu Zhaoming carefully broke several wooden bars, finally managing to rescue the fat pigeon.

Zhang Xiaoyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

The trapped fat pigeon was finally freed, but the cage was now ruined.

They couldn't just casually throw the fat pigeon inside the house or in the courtyard. Despite its plumpness, it was still a flying bird. If it accidentally flew away or perched on the shared house beams, leaving an unwelcome surprise, it would be quite a hassle.

However, with nightfall, going out to buy a birdcage was clearly not an option.

Zhang Xiaoyuan couldn't help but feel a bit distressed.

He looked at Eldest Senior Brother, wanting to ask what to do now. To his surprise, Lu Zhaoming had already opened the birdcage and reached in to grab the pigeon. The bird flapped its wings frantically, but it couldn't break free from his grasp.

Lu Zhaoming found a thin rope, tied it to the chubby pigeon's leg, and then secured the other end of the rope to the table leg.

Chubby pigeon: "Coo, coo, coo?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan was also taken aback. "Eldest Senior Brother?"

Lu Zhaoming remained calm and indifferent. "Prevent it from flying away."

Watching his face, Zhang Xiaoyuan couldn't shake the feeling that he was settling a personal score.

The chubby pigeon, oblivious to the situation, was released by Lu Zhaoming. It briskly scampered away from him with its short legs. The rope wound around the table leg, restraining itself.

Zhang Xiaoyuan said, "Perhaps we need to buy another birdcage tomorrow."

Lu Zhaoming, expressionless, patted his hands and said, "First, memorize the sword manual."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

No, he wasn't angry anymore. Could he skip reading the sword manual now?

126

Zhang Xiaoyuan, burning the midnight oil, managed to read five pages of the sword manual after a night's effort.

This was genuinely a joyful progress for him.

He finally slept around midnight, only to be awakened by the cooing of the chubby pigeon just as dawn broke. The bird was hungry. Yesterday, the innkeeper had provided him with not only the pigeon but also a substantial amount of pigeon feed. Zhang Xiaoyuan, without hesitation, halved the portion and placed it in front of the fat pigeon. Turning around, he noticed that Lu Zhaoming was already up, seemingly practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard.

Not only Lu Zhaoming, but Hua Liuque had also risen, yawning as he carried a copper basin to fetch water in the courtyard. Upon seeing Zhang Xiaoyuan, he smiled and exchanged greetings before returning to the room. Jiang Jianyu was still resting, his snores echoing loudly in the courtyard. Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaoyuan leaned against the corridor, seemingly immune to Second Senior Brother's loud snores, and dozed off.

When he woke up again, it was broad daylight. He had slept too long, and his neck and back ached. Rubbing his back, he found Hua Liuque nearby, perusing the sword manual. Jiang Jianyu had also risen, talking to a few unfamiliar faces near the courtyard gate, seemingly addressing their inquiries about joining.

Eldest Senior Brother's performance on the sword stage that day was too dazzling. Zhang Xiaoyuan thought those people might be considering apprenticeship.

He yawned again, turning his head and caught sight of the chubby pigeon, as fat as a meaty chicken, flapping its wings and flying halfway into the air. It landed directly on Jiang Jianyu's shoulder.

Jiang Jianyu, engrossed in recounting Wang Henian's glorious deeds to the newcomers, was startled. The next moment, Lu Zhaoming's sword approached, frightening the chubby pigeon, causing it to jump in place, shedding a few feathers. It fluttered down in front of Jiang Jianyu, capturing the attention of everyone.

Zhang Xiaoyuan froze and couldn't help but ask Hua Liuque beside him, "What is Eldest Senior Brother doing?!"

Hua Liuque: "He's helping your fat chicken lose weight."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "Huh?"

"Your fat chicken doesn't fly or move if no one chases it. Eldest Senior Brother said he happened to be practicing swordsmanship, so it's just a simple task," explained Hua Liuque, flipping a page in the sword manual, yawning, and adding, "I don't understand why he's in such a bad mood today."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan turned his head to look at Jiang Jianyu near the courtyard gate, along with the few young people intending to join.

Everyone's gaze followed Lu Zhaoming's interaction with the chubby pigeon. Upon hearing Hua Liuque and Zhang Xiaoyuan's conversation, some people turned their attention back, staring at them blankly, as if not understanding their discussion.

Zhang Xiaoyuan couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed.

With so many people watching, Hua Liuque described his messenger pigeon as... a fat chicken!

How were these people supposed to perceive this situation? Their Eldest Senior Brother, renowned for his martial prowess and imposing aura, was chasing a fat chicken in the courtyard. This was a bit too embarrassing, wasn't it?!

Zhang Xiaoyuan took a deep breath, trying to subtly signal to Hua Liuque, "I've already told you, that's my messenger pigeon!"

Even their disciples' messenger pigeons could be raised so plump. Newcomers must think their sect was wealthy and worry-free when it came to food and clothing.

Hua Liuque glanced up and said to Zhang Xiaoyuan, "I think using kitchen chickens as messengers would be more reliable than that fat pigeon."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Looking into the courtyard, the fat pigeon flapped its wings a few times, attempting to take a few steps. It seemed genuinely too fat to fly. Zhang Xiaoyuan couldn't help but grit his teeth. He always thought Hua Liuque was quite perceptive, but today, it seemed like he suddenly understood nothing.

Well, whatever.

At least Hua Liuque implied that chickens from the kitchen were more dependable than the fat pigeon. It was akin to telling these people... their sect could afford to raise chickens!

Although the outcome was barely satisfactory, it wasn't bad enough to immediately drive people away.

Zhang Xiaoyuan took a deep breath, feeling that as a disciple under the master's tutelage, he had fulfilled his duty.

However, those who came to inquire about joining still stared blankly at Lu Zhaoming chasing the pigeon with its two short legs scurrying around.

It seemed they couldn't even formulate a single question anymore.

Moreover, the person at the back even silently took a step back, looking as if they had given up inwardly. They seemed ready to slip away unnoticed when Jiang Jianyu wasn't paying attention.

Jiang Jianyu, of course, sensed the situation. He nervously tried to explain, managing only to stammer, "It's just... just a moment of fun!"

After saying this, he noticed the young man who had given up inwardly took another silent step back.

Almost involuntarily, Jiang Jianyu blurted out, "It's just a mishap. The chicken is too fat... no, the pigeon is too delicious... no... it's just a casual game during idle practice!"

He watched as the last person retreated a few more steps, bowed to him, and said, "Young Hero Jiang, I have other matters to attend to!"

With those words, the person swiftly ran away.

Zhang Xiaoyuan stared blankly at the top of the person's head, where a few large words emerged.

「What strange sect is this?」

「Such a foolish game.」

「Goodbye!」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

127

Most of the people surrounding Jiang Jianyu quickly dispersed. Lu Zhaoming sheathed his sword, marking the end of today's sword practice. The poor fat pigeon, having only eaten half of its food today and being chased around for over an hour, had no desire to move as it leaned against the wall. Lu Zhaoming still had to tie it back under the table. Turning to Zhang Xiaoyuan, he asked, "Do you want to go buy a new cage for it?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan nodded incessantly.

He had not eaten breakfast yet. There were simple breakfast options like steamed buns and noodles within the Martial Arts Alliance. He had some, then followed Lu Zhaoming as they left together.

Nowadays, many wealthy townsfolk had a hobby of keeping birds. In various parts of the city, one could find birdcages for sale. However, most of those cages were designed for small and pretty birds. Zhang Xiaoyuan worried about his chubby pigeon, which looked like a chicken. After browsing around, he felt those birdcages were all too small. In the end, feeling humiliated, he walked into the vegetable market and exchanged a few copper coins with a poultry vendor for a sturdy chicken coop.

The size of this cage would absolutely not trap the neck!

Zhang Xiaoyuan felt that this was the perfect cage for his fat pigeon.

After choosing the coop, it was nearing noon. They were supposed to return to the Martial Arts Alliance for lunch, but Zhang Xiaoyuan had his mind set on the roasted pigeon he missed out on the previous night. Regardless, he had to take Lu Zhaoming to eat it.

He had asked Hua Liuque earlier for the location of that shop. It turned out to be a restaurant known for various dishes made with meat pigeons, including a whole pigeon feast. However, the prices were steep, and they probably couldn't afford it.

Lu Zhaoming never had any objections. When they reached the restaurant, a private room would cost a few extra taels of silver. Wanting to save that money, Zhang Xiaoyuan settled for a corner on the first floor, planning to leave after the meal.

Little did he expect that he would encounter an acquaintance here.

It was Cao Zilian, struggling to walk due to his injured waist, accompanied by the blond and blue-eyed foreigner, Ashner.

When the four locked eyes, except for Lu Zhaoming, there seemed to be some awkwardness.

Momentarily stunned, Cao Zilian clutched his injured waist tightly. Lu Zhaoming, recognizing him, instinctively reached for his sword. Cao Zilian involuntarily took a few steps back, seeking refuge behind Ashner, visibly displaying a sense of fear.

With so many people in the restaurant, if they really started a fight and damaged something, they might have to compensate. Zhang Xiaoyuan quickly restrained Lu Zhaoming's hand and hurriedly said, "Eldest Senior Brother! Don't bother with people from such a small sect with only two members!"

Lu Zhaoming paused, puzzled, and asked, "Only two members?"

He couldn't see the information above Cao Zilian's head. All he knew was that this person was an odd figure causing a commotion at the Martial Arts Conference. Unless influence by the Demon Sect, people with functioning brains wouldn't disrupt such a significant event.

He never expected that the so-called Ethereal Illusion Palace only had two members.

Cao Zilian visibly hesitated, growing indignant, and shouted, "Who said we only have two members!"

Zhang Xiaoyuan looked at the information above his head, only now realizing that the number of Ethereal Illusion Palace disciples had indeed changed. Now they had... three people?

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Why on earth would anyone join this foolish and strange sect?

As he pondered, he turned around to see a burly man entering from outside, loudly addressing Cao Zilian, "Master Cao, Elder A, the horses are ready. We can depart."

Zhang Xiaoyuan was initially puzzled, wondering what an odd title "Elder A" was. Suddenly, he realized... wait a minute, could this big brother be the new disciple of the Ethereal Illusion Palace?!

Seeing that Cao Zilian didn't respond but just stared at Zhang Xiaoyuan, the man scratched his head, a bit puzzled. After a moment of contemplation, he seemed to understand the meaning behind Cao Zilian's gaze.

That expression, wasn't he eagerly seeking talent?

Stepping forward, he reached Zhang Xiaoyuan and displayed a sincere expression.

"Little Brother, joining the palace?" The man spoke in a coarse voice, "Join our Ethereal Illusion Palace, and your martial arts skills will flourish!"

Zhang Xiaoyuan stared blankly at him as words appeared above the man's head with a ding sound.

「Wu Kui, Ethereal Illusion Palace Junior Disciple.」

Wu Kui: "Joining us comes with a big white horse! Fast promotion guaranteed!"

Zhang Xiaoyuan blinked, and the words above the man's head flipped upwards, revealing different text.

「......Trainee Junior Disciple

Time in the sect: Two days.」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

The situation unfolded beyond his expectations. Zhang Xiaoyuan didn't know how to react. He listened in astonishment as Wu Kui enthusiastically introduced the Ethereal Illusion Palace, while Lu Zhaoming reached out to shield him. Peeking out, he witnessed words crazily popping out above Wu Kui's head.

「Likes the girl next door, Shi Cuicui.」

「Didn't brush teeth in the morning.」

「Wants to marry her.」

「Feels unworthy.」

「Forgot to wash feet last night.」

「Won't return to the village unless he makes a name for himself.」

Wu Kui: "You see, we get excellent treatment at Ethereal Illusion Palace!"

Zhang Xiaoyuan restrained his hand.

"Brother Wu, nothing in this world is perfect. We need to be brave in life," Zhang Xiaoyuan said earnestly. "In this lifetime, once we miss something, there's no turning back."

......

Zhang Xiaoyuan watched as Wu Kui, the only disciple of Ethereal Illusion Palace, bid farewell to Cao Zilian and Ashner and resolutely returned to his hometown. He sighed with relief, feeling that he had done a good deed in facilitating someone else's fate.

Then he turned back to look at Cao Zilian's head.

「Cao Zilian, Ethereal Illusion Palace Master, Number of Members: Two.」

Good.

Today was indeed a successful day of persuading someone to abandon the wrong path and find their way back.

Cao Zilian gritted his teeth, covering his waist, desperately trying to break free from Ashner's restraint while attempting to draw the knife at his waist.

"I spent two months to get a disciple!" Cao Zilian roared at Zhang Xiaoyuan with frustration. "Damn it! I'm going to fight you to the death!!!"