The Martial Arts World is Full of Experts Chapter 73

Zhang Xiaoyuan didn't want to explain anymore.

Wang Henian asked the two to walk with him to the other side. He seemed worried about someone overhearing their conversation, so they walked all the way to his room. He then turned to Zhang Xiaoyuan and asked, "Xiaoyuan, since you can see into others' minds... have you also figured out the identity of your Second Senior Brother?"

This question sounded familiar to Zhang Xiaoyuan. He felt like he had just heard it from Martial Uncle yesterday.

This martial sect was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, truly terrifying.

Zhang Xiaoyuan honestly nodded. "Later, Eldest Senior Brother also told me some things. I feel like I roughly know about Second Senior Brother's background."

When it came to Jiang Jianyu's royal bloodline, Zhang Xiaoyuan suddenly remembered Zhao Chengyang coming to Fengji County in search of Jiang Jianyu. At that time, Zhao Chengyang hadn't found any clues, and Zhang Xiaoyuan had forgotten to mention it to Master and Martial Uncle. Now, since Master brought up Second Senior Brother's background, he took the opportunity to share the whole story of Zhao Chengyang's search.

Eldest Senior Brother seemed to have not mentioned this to the master. Wang Henian, slightly surprised, listened to Zhang Xiaoyuan's explanation and then expressed concern, "He actually came in person."

Zhang Xiaoyuan nodded seriously, finding it strange that Zhao Chengyang appeared here. Fortunately, Zhao Chengyang seemed solely intent on finding his long-lost biological elder brother, harboring no ill intentions. However, Puyang Jing, accompanying Zhao Chengyang, was different. If Puyang Jing knew Jiang Jianyu was still alive, and to safeguard Zhao Chengyang's throne, he might genuinely consider taking action against Jiang Jianyu.

Zhang Xiaoyuan whispered, "It seems like he just wants to meet Second Senior Brother. He probably means no harm."

Wang Henian reached out to pat his head, chuckling softly. "Xiaoyuan, matters of the court are not easily clarified with a simple statement of wanting or not wanting."

Zhang Xiaoyuan didn't understand.

Zhao Chengyang was a sovereign ruler. He wasn't willing to delve into this matter further. Who else could force him?

"This time, as you accompany Shuyi to the capital, I also want you two to do something for me." Wang Henian sighed, "Go meet someone."

Lu Zhaoming readily nodded. "Master, please instruct."

"Back then, she saved the mother and son during the famine. It was also her who found me and asked me to go to Fengji County to check on how they are living now." Wang Henian shook his head, "As for who exactly it is, Shuyi will guide you there together."

Zhang Xiaoyuan had a gut feeling that it wasn't as simple as it seemed.

If it was just to meet someone, and She Shuyi knew that person, why bring the two of them along?

If Zhang Xiaoyuan wasn't mistaken, Wang Henian seemed to want to leverage his abilities to investigate something.

He blinked and tentatively asked, "Master, are you trying to find out something?"

Wang Henian chuckled and said, "Xiaoyuan, you are quite clever."

Lu Zhaoming, puzzled, asked, "What does Master want to know?"

"Over these years, we've exchanged quite a few letters." Wang Henian sighed. "Lately, the palace has been in turmoil, and she refuses to disclose much in her letters, which worries me."

Zhang Xiaoyuan mentally noted the key points of the task upon entering the capital. Investigating someone's inner thoughts wasn't a challenging task for him. As long as Martial Uncle could engage in a lengthy conversation with the person Wang Henian mentioned, Zhang Xiaoyuan was confident he could discern everything about that person, down to what they had eaten three days ago.

Wang Henian then turned to Lu Zhaoming, looking concerned. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Zhaoming, after entering the capital, have Shuyi guide you to pay respects at a grave."

Zhang Xiaoyuan's mind echoed. He felt that Wang Henian's words might be related to Lu Zhaoming's background, something he hadn't figured out until now. Intrigued, he looked up at Lu Zhaoming and Wang Henian, but both seemed empty-headed, revealing nothing. He couldn't glean anything.

Lu Zhaoming readily agreed, "Yes, Master."

Wang Henian sighed softly. "The journey ahead is long and arduous—"

His gaze shifted downward, inadvertently scanning the ornate scabbard of Lu Zhaoming's sword at his waist. He felt that the decoration seemed somewhat different from before. He paused and suddenly redirected his gaze.

Just now, in the courtyard, he was too busy admiring the pigeon that resembled a plump chicken, not noticing Lu Zhaoming's sword... This sword seemed different from the one he had originally given Lu Zhaoming.

Wang Henian's voice trembled slightly as he asked, "Zhaoming, whose sword is this?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan glanced at Eldest Senior Brother's waist. Today, Eldest Senior Brother had Lu Yanfeng's Cold Iron Sword hanging from his waist... Lu Yanfeng considered this sword as payment and presented it when bidding farewell. Zhang Xiaoyuan had intended to return it to Mei Leng'an, but Mei Leng'an declined and insisted on gifting the sword to him.

At that time, Zhang Xiaoyuan thought Lu Yanfeng's collection of swords could fill an entire room. Since he had plenty, and Eldest Senior Brother happened to like swords, giving the sword to him seemed like a good idea.

Yet, he completely forgot that Master was someone who would be saddened even by Eldest Senior Brother changing the tassel on his sword. If Master found out that Eldest Senior Brother had a new sword...

Zhang Xiaoyuan looked at Wang Henian.

Wang Henian indeed whispered, "The child has grown up."

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Lu Zhaoming: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan handed over the money earned from participating in the martial arts tournament and Mei Leng'an's birthday celebration to Wang Henian. He asked Master to further expand the sect and the training ground. After packing his belongings, he prepared to leave the sect and head to the capital.

He had spent his entire life in the southern region of Jiangnan, and his sect was also situated in the south. He had no idea what the northern capital was like.

Now, with summer in full swing, even if they chose the water route, it might take about a month. Zhang Xiaoyuan wanted to see the snow in the north, though he wasn't sure if he would have the chance. Excitement surged as he impatiently waited for She Shuyi to finish preparations. The three of them, together, descended from the mountain to Fengji County and then took a carriage to the canal, several days away.

This time, they took a completely different route from the Martial Arts Alliance. Zhang Xiaoyuan was wary, fearing encounters with shady establishments along the way.

However, this path was rather remote. They hadn't come across any tea stalls or inns for resting. It wasn't until the evening, with the sky darkening, that they saw flags planted by the road, indicating a possible inn.

For some reason, the stall had not lit any lamps, perhaps to save on oil costs. Despite the darkness, the place was surprisingly noisy. Zhang Xiaoyuan got off the carriage, squinting to get a better look, feeling a bit nervous.

The inside was crowded, and it was too dim for him to see clearly. Reluctant to venture too far forward, he turned and grabbed Lu Zhaoming's arm. He took out a tinderbox and lit the oil lamp on the carriage. Then, cautiously, he stood by the carriage and peered into the interior.

Inside, there was a jumble of various identities. It seemed like a considerable number of people were present. A few characters standing out in the midst of the crowd immediately sent a chill down Zhang Xiaoyuan's spine.

「Renowned proprietor of a notorious establishment.」

「Renowned proprietress of a notorious establishment.」

「Fengji County's Chief Constable, Wen Tingting——」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan subconsciously took a few steps into the dim room, wide-eyed and speechless, uncertain of what to say.

Wen Tingting, one foot on a stool, hands on hips, wielding a whip used for driving carriages, forcefully struck the table. "Morality has declined! How is it possible that we have two notorious establishments in Fengji County!"

Pidun followed, barking wildly on the side. "Woof woof awooo!"

Pei Junze sat beside, sipping tea, with a broken oil lamp lying at his feet from a sword's blow. His expression remained calm, even comforting the somewhat panicked Qi Chaoyun, "Don't worry, there's definitely no poison in the tea."

Qi Chaoyun: "I... our county just..."

Pei Junze paused slightly. "You're not afraid of the dark, are you?"

After saying this, Zhang Xiaoyuan suddenly saw Xing Yan emerging from under the stove, her charming face smeared with soot but filled with joy. She shouted, "Young... Master Pei! I found candles!"

After saying this, she pulled out a tinderbox, excitedly lighting the candle in her hand.

Zhang Xiaoyuan, who had reached the doorway: "......"

Xing Yan: "......"

Wen Tingting turned her head, extremely pleased. "Xiaoyuan! Young Hero Lu! What are you doing here?"

Before she finished speaking, Pidun, joyfully, rushed towards Lu Zhaoming in a swift run.

Lu Zhaoming hesitated for a moment, then proactively raised his hand, holding up the chicken cage containing the plump pigeon handed by Zhang Xiaoyuan.

Zhang Xiaoyuan cleared his throat and asked, "Chief Constable Wen, Magistrate Qi, Big Brother Pei, what are you doing here?"

It was almost a day's journey from Fengji County to this place. Qi Chaoyun, being a county magistrate, shouldn't have left the county office unless it was necessary.

With the added light, Qi Chaoyun seemed more at ease and willingly answered, "I am returning to the capital for an official report. Coincidentally, Chief Constable Wen also wanted to visit home. I'm curious, what brings Young Hero Zhang and Young Hero Lu here?"

She Shuyi finally entered the place, hearing this. He smiled slightly and said, "They are accompanying me home."

Recognizing him, Qi Chaoyun hastily invited She Shuyi to sit down. "Is Hero She's residence also in the capital?"

She Shuyi: "Not exactly."

DING.

A line of text appeared above his head.

「…Originally from Jiangnan, the She family owns millions in real estate. In the capital, they have only one villa. She Shuyi's elder brother, She Shuci, resides happily there.」

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

The joy of being a wealthy merchant... he really wished to experience it.

"Since we're all headed in the same direction, why not travel together?" Pei Junze suggested. "Having more people around might make things more convenient."

She Shuyi nodded. "That would be appreciated."

Zhang Xiaoyuan turned to look at Lu Zhaoming, witnessing him struggling with one hand holding the chicken coop and the other restraining the overly enthusiastic Pidun.

The fat pigeon seemed startled, fluttering around inside the coop, catching Pidun's attention.

Pidun completely shifted its interest to the coop, seemingly wanting to knock it down. Lu Zhaoming simply leaped onto the beam, placing the coop up there before jumping down.

"Impressive skills," Qi Chaoyun couldn't help but admire. "Young Hero Lu, what's inside that cage?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan glanced at Pei Junze, suddenly feeling nervous.

Pei Junze was well-versed in the secrets of the martial arts world. If he happened to have a pigeon like that too, and recognized it, Zhang Xiaoyuan's activities of making money by transcribing martial arts world rumors and secrets would be exposed!

If Eldest Senior Brother found out about his article on Hua Liuque on the Martial Arts World's Secrets Digest, along with Lu Yanfeng's secrets... it would be terrifying. He couldn't afford to be exposed!

Lu Zhaoming: "It's my junior brother's pigeon—"

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "It's my clucking big fat chicken!"

Lu Zhaoming: "......"

Qi Chaoyun was momentarily puzzled, as if not quite understanding. "What?"

"It's a chicken," Zhang Xiaoyuan said without hesitation. "An extremely chubby big fat chicken!"