The Martial Arts World is Full of Experts Chapter 70

Zhang Xiaoyuan wanted to explain.

Seeing Jiang Jianyu about to close the door, he blurted out, "Second Senior Brother! It's not what you think!"

Hua Liuque peeked from the side and said, "What Second Senior Brother is thinking... ah, let's continue this later."

He rushed to support Jiang Jianyu's trembling hands, slammed the door shut, and at the last moment, a long string of words drifted in from the door, reflecting Second Senior Brother's thoughts.

「No wonder they get along so well, no wonder Third Junior Brother didn't want to give me a sword, no wonder Eldest Senior Brother always wants to live in the same room with him... then why am I here?」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan covered his face. "They must have misunderstood."

Lu Zhaoming happened to unfasten that damn clasp around his neck and said, "No worries. Let's explain to Second Junior Brother tomorrow during breakfast."

Zhang Xiaoyuan was very suspicious.

Based on his understanding of this martial arts world and its people, once a beginning emerged, it became difficult to halt the progression.

Currently, what concerned Lu Zhaoming was evidently another matter.

"If someone with ill intentions knows that you can perceive the thoughts of others," Lu Zhaoming slightly furrowed his brow, "do you realize how dangerous it could be?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan whispered, "They surely wouldn't want others to know their secrets."

The cliched method of killing to silence, he had heard countless times in the storyteller's tales.

"If only that were the case," Lu Zhaoming murmured, "for them, capturing you would mean holding the majority of the secrets in this martial arts world."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Following Lu Zhaoming's words, he pondered for a moment, feeling a shiver down his spine.

Just as Lu Zhaoming lowered his eyes, he untied the remaining straps and buttons on his clothes, slowly uttering the second half of his sentence.

Lu Zhaoming: "One must make the most of everything."

Zhang Xiaoyuan shivered, shrinking onto the bed, and said, "Eldest Senior Brother, don't scare me."

Lu Zhaoming: "Are you scared now?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

"After returning, accompany me to inform Master of this matter," Lu Zhaoming patted Zhang Xiaoyuan's head, "Master and Martial Uncle will find a solution."

Zhang Xiaoyuan hesitated, glancing at Lu Zhaoming, unsure whether to reveal his plan of relying on being wanderer in the martial arts world to sell information. He contemplated the sect rule he broke, and Lu Zhaoming's perspective on the definition of "ill-gotten gains." He felt that Lu Zhaoming might not accept such actions.

Lu Zhaoming, observing his expression, knew Zhang Xiaoyuan had something to say.

After Mei Leng'an spoke those words, Lu Zhaoming could roughly guess what Zhang Xiaoyuan wanted to convey. Assuming it was about the money Mei Leng'an gave him, he asked Zhang Xiaoyuan, "Elder Mei told me that he willingly gave you that money and also mentioned some things to me."

Nurturing dreams of expanding the sect, they never anticipated the financial and manpower support required after this incident.

Within the sect, aside from Martial Uncle frequently using money sent from home to subsidize expenses, most others possessed only superficial sword skills and lacked knowledge in other matters. Without Martial Uncle, they might have starved as a sect long ago.

According to Mei Leng'an's words, Zhang Xiaoyuan's actions amounted to simple transactions, aimed at thwarting Heavenly Drizzle Pavilion's conspiracy. Regardless of the perspective, he hadn't done anything wrong.

Lu Zhaoming was merely concerned about his safety.

"Eldest Senior Brother, you also know Six Fingers," Zhang Xiaoyuan gathered courage and spoke frankly, "You must understand how much money one can earn in this martial arts world through such a livelihood."

However, Lu Zhaoming remained hesitant. "But have you ever considered how dangerous this matter truly is?"

Behind Six Fingers was the Beggars Sect, and those who traded information independently were mostly renowned figures in the martial arts world. With formidable martial arts skills and reputation, many were senior members of major sects, capable of self-defense. Most people wouldn't easily target them.

In comparison, Zhang Xiaoyuan had no sect backing, wasn't a notable figure, and had inferior martial arts skills. Venturing into the business of selling information without support might lead to a dead-end.

Zhang Xiaoyuan murmured softly, "I can... just engage in safer transactions."

For instance, establishing a long-term collaboration with Mei Leng'an. Zhang Xiaoyuan even thought about contacting Pei Wuluan. Surely, the Martial Arts Alliance would also have a substantial need for information.

With the initial funds, they could acquire some shops and land. Martial Uncle was the richest among them. He must have insights into various business matters. If they had shops, Zhang Xiaoyuan believed She Shuyi could help them make a name in the world.

"Let's discuss this with Master first." Lu Zhaoming frowned. While he could accept Zhang Xiaoyuan's approach now, he couldn't make this decision. "If Master and Martial Uncle agree, I'll protect you."

Hearing the term "Master," Zhang Xiaoyuan let out a long sigh, collapsed onto the bed, and said, "Master will definitely not agree."

Even though Lu Zhaoming could still compromise, Master was practically an ancient relic resistant to change. Otherwise, how could the sect remain so impoverished all these years?

Zhang Xiaoyuan let out another deep sigh.

If truth be told, he still harbored some reluctance.

He had worked hard to earn so much silver for the impoverished sect. Now that the sect had a large house with tiles and bricks, along with three new disciples, he couldn't reconcile himself to everything ending here.

Seeing his despondent expression, Lu Zhaoming sat on the bed, a bit unsure how to console him. After a moment, he found words. "I will speak up for you."

Zhang Xiaoyuan was somewhat surprised.

Lu Zhaoming kept it simple.

Today, Mei Leng'an and Ke Xingwen already knew that Zhang Xiaoyuan was familiar with martial arts world's affairs. Since Zhang Xiaoyuan entered the martial arts world just two months ago, there might be countless special situations in the future. More people would likely figure out his identity. Lu Zhaoming worried that when everything was exposed, he alone wouldn't be able to protect Zhang Xiaoyuan.

Since exposure was inevitable, if the sect grew stronger, there would be fewer people daring to target Zhang Xiaoyuan. According to Zhang Xiaoyuan's plan, once the sect had shops and land, there would be no need to rely on his abilities to make money.

Lu Zhaoming had his own internal conflicts. He wasn't adept at dealing with matters involving human emotions and schemes. Ultimately, he could only say to Zhang Xiaoyuan, "Martial Uncle will find a solution."

Zhang Xiaoyuan extended his hand, spreading his index finger and thumb, blinked at Lu Zhaoming, and said, "Eldest Senior Brother, I forgive you for all of this now."

Lu Zhaoming was slightly taken aback, couldn't help but smile, but then shattered Zhang Xiaoyuan's good mood with a single sentence.

"Rest early," Lu Zhaoming said, "and think about how to explain things to Second Junior Brother tomorrow."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan covered his face.

Explain? What explanation? With Hua Liuque and Cao Zilian present, he felt like he could never clarify things in his lifetime.

The next morning, Zhang Xiaoyuan got up, sat on the edge of the bed, feeling heavy-hearted.

Lu Zhaoming had already taken the fat pigeon for a stroll outside and returned. After a few days of reduced feeding, the pigeon seemed to have genuinely slimmed down a bit. Zhang Xiaoyuan watched as Lu Zhaoming placed it back into the chicken coop, still undecided on how to explain things to Jiang Jianyu.

Undressing with one hand was relatively easy, but putting on clothes proved to be more challenging. Zhang Xiaoyuan's right hand had slightly reduced swelling but still bore bruises. Trying to make a fist caused pain. He waited for Lu Zhaoming to come back and help him dress, feeling a bit nervous. "Eldest Senior Brother, what if Second Senior Brother doesn't listen to the explanation..."

"A clear conscience fears no accusation," Lu Zhaoming remained remarkably calm, "Between you and me, there was nothing to begin with, so why worry."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

No, in this martial arts world, apart from Eldest Senior Brother and Master, there probably wasn't a third person adhering to the principles of a gentleman.

But if Second Senior Brother didn't believe him, he had no way to change that.

Zhang Xiaoyuan sighed deeply, opened the door, facing the situation with resignation.

Jiang Jianyu and others had risen earlier, eating and chatting at a stone table in the courtyard. As Zhang Xiaoyuan opened the door, the courtyard seemed to fall silent in an instant.

Hua Liuque flashed him a meaningful smile, while Jiang Jianyu averted his gaze, pretending to be absorbed in appreciating the flowers and plants in the courtyard.

Almost simultaneously, Zhang Xiaoyuan could sense words bubbling up from each person.

Hua Liuque: 「I told you! They're real!」

Cao Zilian: 「Hmm, turns out the righteous path can play like this too. No, wait, I think I am the righteous path.」

Ashner: 「People from the Central Plains are really open-minded.」

Zhang Xiaoyuan turned his head with difficulty to look at the perturbed Jiang Jianyu.

Jiang Jianyu: 「No wife, Third Junior Brother won't buy me a sword, and now Third Junior Brother has turned into Eldest Senior Brother's wife.」

Jiang Jianyu: 「Why is my fate so bitter?」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan kept a straight face, trying hard not to reveal the collapse within. He sat at the table. Today, the Scattered Blossom Palace had sent fish porridge and several side dishes. This was evidently too challenging for him. Unable to use his right hand, using chopsticks was impossible, and even using a spoon was quite difficult. Coupled with the lingering misunderstanding, he had no appetite. Stirring the fish porridge for a moment, he simply set the spoon down, looked up at Jiang Jianyu, and said, "Second Senior Brother, my hand is injured, and I can't undress. About what happened yesterday..."

Jiang Jianyu raised his hand, showing a wry smile. "No need to explain. I understand."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "... It's really a misunderstanding."

Jiang Jianyu nodded vigorously. "Okay."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "You all misunderstood."

Jiang Jianyu sighed. "I get it."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan was at a loss.

He furrowed his brow for a moment, struggling to hold the spoon with his left hand and stirring the contents of the bowl. After managing a few sentences of explanation, he was about to speak when he noticed Lu Zhaoming seeming displeased. Lu Zhaoming set down his own bowl, deliberately picked up a piece of side dish with his chopsticks, placed it in Zhang Xiaoyuan's bowl, and said, "I'm sorry. It was my mistake."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan was frantic, continuously signaling Lu Zhaoming with his eyes, even shaking his head slightly.

Lu Zhaoming glanced at Zhang Xiaoyuan's hand, seeming to understand.

Taking the porcelain bowl from Zhang Xiaoyuan, he said, "If it's inconvenient for you, I can help."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

He watched helplessly as Lu Zhaoming took the spoon from his anxious hands, scooped up a spoonful of fish porridge, and handed it to him.

Zhang Xiaoyuan was speechless with frustration.

The constant DING sound in his ears made him unwilling to look up.

Cao Zilian: 「Wow.」

Ashner: 「People from the Central Plains are amazing!」

Jiang Jianyu: 「I'm tired.」

Hua Liuque: 「See! I told you they're real!」