The Martial Arts World is Full of Experts Chapter 72

Zhang Xiaoyuan looked at She Shuyi's expression, feeling somewhat afraid.

He rarely saw Martial Uncle so serious. Since he joined the sect, She Shuyi had mostly shown gentleness towards him. Feeling nervous, he cautiously nodded and said, "I... I figured it out."

Lu Zhaoming was puzzled. "What identity?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan was unsure if he should speak. He carefully observed She Shuyi's reaction and, seeing a slight nod, hesitantly said, "Martial Uncle... is the younger brother of the wealthiest man in the capital."

Lu Zhaoming was taken aback. Zhang Xiaoyuan's sudden statement left him not quite grasping the meaning. After a pause, he asked in a low voice, "... Shou's residence ?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan corrected himself, "The younger brother of the richest man in the capital!"

Lu Zhaoming: "......"

Lu Zhaoming turned around blankly, looking at She Shuyi.

Strictly speaking, he had been by his master's side since he could remember. At that time, the grandmaster was still alive, and She Shuyi was also there, albeit quite young, not yet of the age to tie up his hair. Over the years, he had actually thought that Martial Uncle's household was engaged in modest business, not wealthy at all. Yet, he still had to dig into his own pocket to support the sect.

She Shuyi felt a bit embarrassed and could only explain, "I don't have much interaction with my family."

Lu Zhaoming: "......"

If Lu Zhaoming remembered correctly, She Shuyi would return home for several months every year. When he came back, he would bring them quite a few things suitable for long journeys, like dried mountain ginseng and such, claiming it was merchandise for the family's small shop. However, Lu Zhaoming had tried the similar goods sold in the town's small shops and never found the same taste as She Shuyi brought back.

With this matter on his mind, Zhang Xiaoyuan naturally noticed. He took the initiative to ask on behalf of Lu Zhaoming, "Martial Uncle, Eldest Senior Brother wants to know... about those things you used to bring back."

She Shuyi cleared his throat, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Those are indeed goods used for my family's business," She Shuyi explained, "but... they are usually supplied to the palace."

Lu Zhaoming: "......"

Well, turned out they were tributes for the imperial court.

She Shuyi: "My family does have some money, but it's all managed by my elder brother. It has nothing to do with me."

Lu Zhaoming: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan looked at the amount of private money above She Shuyi's head, not knowing what to say for a moment.

"Your master doesn't know about this," She Shuyi sighed softly, "I hope you don't tell him about this for now."

Zhang Xiaoyuan was puzzled.

He had never really understood this. If Martial Uncle had so much money, why would Master worry about whether the sect could afford the next meal? Leaving aside everything else, Martial Uncle had always used his private funds to support the sect. Since it was all for the sect, why did he keep hiding his true identity?

Zhang Xiaoyuan was perplexed, while She Shuyi seemed to have a lot of pent-up frustration. Finally finding someone to listen to his complaints, he took a deep breath, held Zhang Xiaoyuan's hand, and said, "Your master, he's just stubborn with a rotten temper."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Before She Shuyi could continue, Zhang Xiaoyuan already felt like he understood.

"I kept my identity a secret, using some scattered silver to support the sect. He was already unhappy," She Shuyi explained, "If I openly said my family has millions, willing to contribute to rebuilding the sect, he probably wouldn't even bother acknowledging me today."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "Isn't... that extreme?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" She Shuyi seemed to recall some past events, expressing annoyance and sighing heavily. "Once, I hinted that my elder brother is making a fortune, buying a shop, and sending me a few hundred taels of silver. I wanted to use it to renovate those two thatched huts. As a result, he got upset over it. If he knew my elder brother is the wealthiest in the capital, he might refuse to associate with me altogether."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan understood.

Wang Henian was the epitome of not being able to earn money himself, coupled with an indescribable sense of integrity and pride. To put it nicely, he was an exemplary gentleman, but less generously, he could be considered as having lofty aspirations without the corresponding skills, which was indeed a troublesome matter.

"If he can agree to you making money this way, it's already a compromise," She Shuyi sighed. "I can't directly give him the money or reveal my identity. But using methods like yours, at least we can earn some money for the sect. It's a way for me to spend some funds on the sect."

Zhang Xiaoyuan blinked and asked, "Martial Uncle, what's your plan?"

"This matter carries great risk. If you expose your identity, many might come after you for revenge," She Shuyi said. "In that case, what I need to do is find a foolproof plan for you."

Zhang Xiaoyuan couldn't help but furrow his brows. Just selling information — could there really be a foolproof plan?

"The She family has various commercial routes, and Qianlong Treasure Manor has branches all over. I just need to inform my elder brother. They can spread the word that those who needs information should write their questions in letters and submit them to Qianlong Treasure Manor. Then, all the questions from different places can be sent together to Fengji County by various banks."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

"This way, it avoids the risk of you appearing directly. With the She family backing you up, even in the martial arts world, there won't be many who dare to easily target you." She Shuyi smiled faintly. "I can take this opportunity to bring in more money to 'support' the sect. After some time, I can use the excuse of buying some shops and land. Then, we won't have to worry too much in the future."

Zhang Xiaoyuan couldn't find words.

Was this the demeanor of the younger brother of the wealthiest person?!

Initially, he just wanted to casually sell information on a small scale. He had even prepared to learn disguise techniques. Never did he imagine that Martial Uncle would directly involve the entire country's banks and commercial routes. It was like he originally wanted to set up a small stall by the roadside to make a living, and Martial Uncle went ahead and expanded the business nationwide.

"But the business of selling information, whether big or small, needs some rules." She Shuyi touched his chin, contemplating. "Some guidelines must be established. Not all transactions can be accepted."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "You're in charge of everything!"

With Martial Uncle here, why would he need to think too much?

She Shuyi couldn't help but smile again, reaching out to pat Zhang Xiaoyuan's head. "Perfect. I was planning to go home in these next few days. Xiaoyuan, Zhaoming, how about you both come back with me?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan was taken aback. "Huh?"

He turned to look at Eldest Senior Brother but found Lu Zhaoming, ever since learning She Shuyi's identity, had remained silent, as if he had entirely given up thinking. It was almost as impactful as when he discovered the ambiguous relationship between Pei Wuluan and Mo Wentian. The blow from the martial arts world was just too significant.

Lu Zhaoming showed no response. Since Zhang Xiaoyuan had never been to the capital, his curiosity got the better of him. He nodded in agreement and gently nudged Lu Zhaoming while whispering, "Eldest Senior Brother."

Lu Zhaoming finally snapped out of his daze. "Whatever Martial Uncle says goes."

She Shuyi seemed quite pleased. He nodded slightly and added, "About my identity... remember not to tell your master."

Lu Zhaoming nodded in a daze.

Zhang Xiaoyuan nodded repeatedly. "Martial Uncle, rest assured, I won't say anything reckless."

The three of them returned together and found Wang Henian still slouched in the chair, eyes vacant, as if he had forgotten the world. Similar to the dazed Lu Zhaoming a moment ago.

She Shuyi informed him, "In the next few days, I'm going home."

Wang Henian, in a daze, responded, "Alright."

She Shuyi: "I thought about it. There are quite a few interesting things in the capital. It's a good opportunity to take Xiaoyuan for some fun."

Wang Henian: "Fine."

She Shuyi: "Neither Xiaoyuan nor I know how to drive, so I figured, since it's been a while since Zhaoming visited the capital, I plan to take him along."

Wang Henian finally lifted his head: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan saw the words forming in Wang Henian's mind.

「 What's going on? He never wanted me to meet his family. 」

Oh no, Zhang Xiaoyuan felt Wang Henian was likely to misunderstand.

「 I understand. 」

「 Junior Brother also finds me repulsive. 」

「 What does it matter to me where they go? 」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Wang Henian slouched back into the chair, continuing to grip the tassel of his sword. His expression scattered, as if he had no interest in continuing to listen to their conversation.

She Shuyi nodded confidently. "Alright, he agreed."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

......

Zhang Xiaoyuan spent a day in the newly constructed room at the sect. Early the next morning, he was awakened by the sounds in the courtyard.

Wang Henian had returned to his usual appearance. He watched Lu Zhaoming proudly showing off the fat pigeon. "This is the first time I've seen such a fat chicken."

Fat pigeon: "Coo coo coo?"

It was still early. After several days of traveling, it seemed no one had risen yet. Wang Henian had intentionally waited in the courtyard for Zhang Xiaoyuan. Seeing him come out, Wang Henian wore a kind smile befitting a teacher. "Xiaoyuan."

Zhang Xiaoyuan hurried over, recalling how devastated Wang Henian looked yesterday. He didn't want to see that expression again. While bowing to Wang Henian, he asked, "Master, what's the matter?"

"I've thought about what you and Zhaoming discussed yesterday," Wang Henian said with a gentle smile, "Your Martial Uncle was right. I've been restricting you too much. What you want to do isn't wrong."

Zhang Xiaoyuan earnestly nodded.

"However, this matter involves too much. Now that your Martial Uncle and I know, it's sufficient." Wang Henian furrowed his brows slightly. It was clear he was worried that if this matter were exposed, it might put Zhang Xiaoyuan in a dangerous situation. "For the others, it's better not to tell them for now."

Zhang Xiaoyuan tentatively asked, "What about Second Senior Brother and the others?"

Wang Henian: "Jianyu is doing well. I've watched him grow up. At least I know what kind of person he is."

He shook his head gently, not elaborating further.

However, Zhang Xiaoyuan understood. Wang Henian probably didn't trust newcomers like Hua Liuque and the others who recently joined the sect. Considering their relatively short time together, it was normal for him to harbor concerns and suspicions.

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "Master, rest assured, I..."

He caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye that the window beside him had opened a crack, revealing half of Hua Liuque and Cao Zilian's faces.

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan carefully recalled Wang Henian's words just now.

Damn.

Zhang Xiaoyuan felt that Hua Liuque and Cao Zilian might misunderstand again.

Turning his head, he indeed saw them exchanging a few words through the window slit.

Hua Liuque: 「 Master agreed?! 」

Cao Zilian: 「 I underestimated the righteous path. The righteous path is truly carefree! The righteous path is where my heart belongs! 」

Hua Liuque: 「 I told you, it's easiest among fellow disciples... they are indeed real! 」