After finishing the hotpot, Luo Xiu gave Zhang Yong a few instructions to take good care of Zhang Yi, and he also sent He Dang Gui to find the herbs for concocting the Scorch-Heal Balm. Afterward, he and Lin Xiyue returned to the hotel.

「At the same time.」

In the Ye Family estate in the provincial capital, Ye Ningxue knelt in the ancestral hall, as still as a statue. An old woman, well past her seventies and leaning on a Phoenix-Headed Cane, looked at Ye Ningxue with deep disappointment, lecturing and criticizing her incessantly.

"Sigh, Elder Ye, you might as well let Xiao Xue get up. This really isn't such a big deal. There's no need to scold her like this."

Across from them, an elderly man watched the old woman with a look of helplessness. He certainly knew that the grandmother and granddaughter were putting on an act of suffering for his benefit.

Elder Ye said sternly, "Xiao Xue, I sent you to Sea City to help, but you accomplished nothing and caused your Grandfather Yue to suffer losses. What do you have to say for yourself?!"

Ye Ningxue looked up at the old man and said emotionlessly, "Yue Tianyang, I, Ye Ningxue, have failed you."

"You... you stubborn girl!" Elder Ye was furious. "How dare you call your Grandfather Yue by his name! See if I don't beat you today!"

She raised her Phoenix-Headed Cane to strike, and Ye Ningxue cried out in fear, hurriedly covering her head with her hands.

Seeing the situation turn dire, Yue Tianyang quickly stepped in to restrain Elder Ye. Although he knew this was all an act, he was still afraid Elder Ye might genuinely hit Ye Ningxue. If this innocent girl were really struck, it would break his heart.

"I say, Elder Ye, Xiao Xue has grown up in the forbidden area since she was a child and has only just started venturing out to gain experience. It's only natural for her to be a bit playful. Please, don't rebuke her anymore."

"Besides, the losses in Sea City are nothing to me. That Xiang Laoer and Tao Laosi are just two useless wastes of space, more trouble than they're worth. To be honest, I don't even think they were worthy of Xiao Xue's personal assistance."

With that, he walked over and helped Ye Ningxue up, saying with heartfelt concern, "Child, get up. Stop kneeling. Grandfather Yue genuinely doesn't blame you."

Ye Ningxue stood up and suddenly said, "Xiang Laoer and Tao Laosi are my master's enemies. I originally planned to kill them, but out of respect for you, Grandfather Yue, I refrained."

"Your master?"

Upon hearing this, Yue Tianyang and Elder Ye exchanged a look, both frowning. It was as if they hadn't heard the second half of her sentence at all.

"Who is your master?"

Ye Ningxue stated, "My master is Luo Xiu. He's very strong, so I, Xiao Xue, have taken him as my teacher."

"Nonsense!" Elder Ye was genuinely angry now. "Utter nonsense! You are the heir to the Ye Family, a soldier our family has spent a hundred years and generations to cultivate. How could you just casually take a master out in the world? Who is qualified to be your master?!"

Ye Ningxue's expression was blank, but a hint of pride shone in her eyes. "My master is incredible," she said earnestly. "He's the most badass man in the world."

Elder Ye reached out and tweaked her ear. "You brat! You've only been out for a few days, and your mouth has already turned foul, hasn't it? Such coarse language from a young lady! What would people think? Just wait, I'll have your grandfather beat you to death when we get back!"

Ye Ningxue declared, "My master is even more formidable than my grandfather."

At this, Yue Tianyang frowned, his expression turning contemplative. He had watched Ye Ningxue grow from a baby into the young woman she was today, so he understood her well. This naive girl would never lie or exaggerate.

With this in mind, he smiled. "Xiao Xue, you must introduce your master to Grandfather Yue sometime."

Ye Ningxue nodded expressionlessly and suddenly stated, "Word."

Elder Ye sputtered, incensed, and immediately swung her Phoenix-Headed Cane to strike. Ye Ningxue quickly dodged behind Yue Tianyang.

"It's over! She's done for! This girl is hopeless now!" Elder Ye fumed. "She speaks like a little ruffian! Did that scoundrel of a master teach you this too?! You bring him here! Let's see if I don't beat him to death!"

Ye Ningxue said, "I am his disciple. I must model myself after him."

Yue Tianyang shook his head with a resigned sigh and stepped in front of the raging Elder Ye. "Alright, alright. She's just a child who doesn't know any better. She just needs proper guidance, there's no need for violence."

Elder Ye said angrily, "Ye Ningxue, go to the forbidden area and kneel! You will kneel until tomorrow morning!"

"Alright."

Ye Ningxue nodded and turned to leave. She couldn't wait to go to the forbidden area; it was quiet there. She could properly immerse herself in her master's Sword Intent.

***

Early the next morning, Luo Xiu and Lin Xiyue left the hotel and headed to the headquarters of the Provincial Capital Martial Association. Upon arrival, Luo Xiu found its headquarters to be even less impressive than the Sea City Martial Association's. The building was old and dilapidated, with weeds sprouting in the courtyard.

Lin Xiyue explained, "There are only two Martial Associations in the entire Henghai Province: one in Sea City and the other right here in the provincial capital. However, both are quite poor and can't compare to the associations in other provinces."

"Why is that?" Luo Xiu asked.

"Because all the talented people get poached," Lin Xiyue replied. "They either go to the ancient martial families or become bodyguards for the wealthy. Whether a local Martial Association thrives isn't directly related to the local economy. It mainly depends on how much the local Official Residence values martial artists and how well they're compensated. If you're just an ordinary member of the Martial Association, the monthly stipend is less than you'd make screwing bolts in a factory. That's why so many people aren't willing to stay."

Luo Xiu sighed. "So even martial artists these days have to worry about earning a few pieces of silver."

"Isn't that the truth," Lin Xiyue said. "But the situation has been gradually improving since the Empress ascended to the throne a few years ago. The Empress of Hua Country wants to vigorously develop the Martial Way."

As they talked, the two entered the Martial Association building. Zhang Yong had already contacted the president the previous night, so Luo Xiu and Lin Xiyue completed their registration quickly. Lin Xiyue even put on a small demonstration, using the Asura Fist that Luo Xiu had taught her to easily defeat the association's disciples, earning their wholehearted admiration.

The president was grinning from ear to ear. The Henghai Provincial Capital Martial Association had been lackluster for so many years, not even measuring up to the one in Sea City. This time, however, it seemed they had struck gold!

After leaving the Martial Association, Luo Xiu and Lin Xiyue went shopping. The Provincial Capital Martial Association's funds were so tight that they didn't provide custom Martial Arts Uniforms for competitions, so Lin Xiyue had to buy her own.

In a sporting goods store, Lin Xiyue searched the women's section for a long time but couldn't find anything suitable.

"Luo Xiu, which color do you think looks good?"

Luo Xiu glanced over and pointed to a pair of pink compression leggings. "Those pants aren't bad. Why don't you try them on?"

A moment later, Lin Xiyue walked out of the fitting room for Luo Xiu's opinion. When he saw her, his expression immediately turned strange. The leggings themselves were nice, but they were a size too small.

"My god… it's bulging, and the seams are obvious. I can even see the outline of your underwear. If you compete on stage looking like this, who could handle it?"

Hearing this, Lin Xiyue's face flushed crimson with shame and indignation. "You're the one who picked them out, Idol!" she snapped. "Hey, hey, you old lecher, where are your eyes wandering? Look again and I'll gouge them out!"

Startled, Luo Xiu quickly looked away.

Puffing her cheeks in anger, Lin Xiyue stomped back into the fitting room. "Go get me another pair in a larger size."

"Yes, President Lin."

It was a long time before the two left the sporting goods store. Lin Xiyue hadn't bought anything, because she had suddenly come up with a better idea.

Luo Xiu mentioned he wanted to browse the antique market to find a suitable weapon for her, so the two drove to Antique Street. Since President Lin was going to compete, Luo Xiu naturally wanted to get her fully equipped.

Following the navigation, they soon arrived at the largest Antique City on the provincial capital's Antique Street.

Lin Xiyue asked curiously, "If we need a weapon, why not just go to a blacksmith? What are we doing in an Antique City?"

Luo Xiu explained, "Weapons forged from ordinary iron are useless. If we look around here, we might stumble upon a real treasure. Anyway, let's try our luck first."

Just then, Luo Xiu's phone rang. It was his disciple, Ye Ningxue.

"Master, where are you? I'm coming to find you. I need to introduce an old man to you."

"I'm on Antique Street. I'll send you the address."

"Okay, Master, I'll be right there."

After wandering through the vast Antique City for a long while, Luo Xiu still hadn't found anything he wanted. As they strolled, a cold voice suddenly sounded from up ahead.

"Well, if it isn't a case of foes crossing paths. I never expected to run into you two here."

Luo Xiu looked up and froze for a moment.

It was Yao Xinna.

Beside her stood a tall, muscular middle-aged man with a hostile glare, looking utterly menacing. Clutching the man's arm, Yao Xinna whined pitifully, "Brother Dong, it was this wretched couple who made me lose my job. You have to teach them a lesson for me!"

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