Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 252 | The Martial Arts Assembly | Novela.app

It was once again the day to select the Alliance Leader. This year wasn’t much different from previous ones, though if one had to find a change, it was that while only Sect Leaders were allowed to sit in the past, now every disciple had a seat. This was entirely thanks to Chu Ruo; it was her persistent arguments that had won this right for the others, causing her reputation among the rank-and-file to soar. As for the Hundred Flowers Palace, their two Palace Masters naturally sat at the very front. Chu Ruo, who had once been rumored to be nothing more than a pretty face, now sat with perfect posture. While the fighting on stage was fierce, the atmosphere below was just as lively. "How long until it’s Nan’er’s turn?" "Soon." Chu Ruo nodded. She wanted to stretch, but seeing the bustling crowds and the frequent glances being cast their way, she gave up on the idea and settled for sipping tea instead. Her restrained behavior made Nan Muxue, who was sitting beside her, want to laugh. "What’s this? You’re acting dignified now?" "I can’t lose face for the Hundred Flowers Palace. Am I not performing well? Don't I look like a proper Palace Master?" Nan Muxue tilted her head. "Shouldn't you be worried about embarrassing *me*?" "Ha, you’re even competing over that?" Nan Muxue didn't deny it. "I’ve said it before—you are mine. Anything about you can only be related to me." "Wife, there are many experts sitting here today. Not only is their hearing exceptional, but some can even read lips." "And so?" Chu Ruo smiled. "I’ve realized that even though you’re married, there are still so many people staring at you. It really makes me uncomfortable." "Aren't they looking at you?" "Are they?" Nan Muxue reached out in full view of the crowd and tucked a stray lock of hair behind Chu Ruo’s ear. "Do you want me to point them out for you?" Chu Ruo was startled by the sudden gesture, then delighted, and finally a bit cautious. "With so many people watching, aren't you afraid of gossip?" "Then how about this?" Nan Muxue reached out and proactively interlaced her fingers with her beloved’s. Chu Ruo’s smile turned radiant, and she even slightly raised their joined hands. A wave of hushed exclamations rippled through the crowd, carrying a mix of every possible emotion. However, given that the Hundred Flowers Palace was currently the dominant power, no one dared to wag their tongues openly. "Xue’er, I..." Chu Ruo had no doubt that her Little Scorpion would agree to anything right now. Even if she asked to hug or kiss her here, Nan Muxue would surely comply. "Silly. I know what you’re thinking. That’s enough," Nan Muxue said with a smile, though it was reserved only for her lover. "Once this is over, I’ll take you to that new restaurant that just opened." "Mhm." Soon, Nan’er took the stage. The matches between the younger disciples weren't particularly intense; they were mostly a formality for each sect to show their presence without losing face. Thus, they chose children who were attractive, clever, and talented. While the children were enthusiastic, the audience was somewhat listless. Only Chu Ruo watched intently, though her behavior—cracking melon seeds while clapping—made it look more like she was watching a street performance. "Bravo!" Another cheer rang out, drawing frequent looks from the crowd. Bai Zhier spoke up, "Ruo’er." "Ah, what is it?" "Everyone is looking at you." "So what? I’m clapping for my own palace’s disciple. I’m not bothering anyone." As a member of the Divine Physician’s family, Bai Zhier originally had a different seating area, but she had bickered with Nan Muxue upon arrival. Consequently, she was now deliberately sitting right next to Chu Ruo. "Ruo’er, you’re always especially adorable at times like this." "Ha, Zhier, why didn't you let that girl Bai Su try a match?" "Why would the Divine Physician’s family compete for this? I have other plans for her." Chu Ruo nodded. "Oh, today is only the first day. Are you thinking that if someone gets bumped or bruised later, you’ll let your little girl go out and show off her skills?" "That’s why I say, the one who knows me best is Ruo’er." "The Bai family has always kept a low profile, but now that it’s down to you two sisters... on one hand, it was for revenge, and on the other, you don't care for fame and fortune, so things went quiet. If I’ve guessed correctly, you want to carefully nurture those two children of the Bai family to carry on your medical arts and make the Divine Physician’s name famous throughout the world again." "Such an accurate guess. Come, this lady shall give you a reward." Seeing the hand Bai Zhier reached out, Chu Ruo went to take it. However, Nan Muxue, sitting on her other side, wordlessly pinched her waist... Chu Ruo nearly cried out in pain but didn't dare to with so many people watching. The crux of the matter was that she was a glutton for punishment; even in this state, she continued to reach out, asking, "What is it?" Bai Zhier winked. "Something you like." "I... *ow*!" She couldn't help but let out a small muffled cry, though fortunately, no one heard. "These are... melon seeds???" "Yes. You finished all the ones on your table. Don't you like eating them?" "...I love them, I love them." Chu Ruo took them habitually, though tears were practically welling in her eyes from the pinch. *Stingy woman, Little Scorpion... ow... she really has a heavy hand...* Lin Jianghong, who had followed them to sit nearby, was displeased. "What are you two whispering about? Our match..." On the other side, Xiong Feng began to strike up a conversation with Nan Muxue. "Miss Nan... or rather, Palace Master Nan, I—" "Call me Madam Chu," she replied expressionlessly. Shen Ruoxuan also joined the fray. "Miss Bai..." Fenghuang curled her lip. "You Jianghu people are so boring..." The chatter continued. True to expectations, Nan’er won her match, becoming the first "Future Star of the Martial Arts World." One could tell just by the name of the award that it was Chu Ruo’s idea. Under her suggestion, several dozen awards of various sizes had been established this year, the main theme being "everyone gets a prize, no one leaves empty-handed." "Master." "Mhm." Chu Ruo looked at her disciple and asked, "That last move just now—you clearly could have defeated your opponent in one strike. You deliberately used five extra moves, didn't you?" Nan’er remained expressionless. "Master said not to show too much brilliance, but also not to let the Hundred Flowers Palace lose face." Chu Ruo gave her a thumbs up. "Smart." "Master, you..." Before Chu Ruo could ask why the girl was staring at her, a warm, wet sensation on her philtrum gave her the answer. Dammit! Why was she having a nosebleed! "How is Ruo’er?" Bai Zhier spoke unhurriedly, "It’s nothing. She’s just a bit... overheated." "Hmph," Duan Ning and the others were also present, rolling their eyes. "How could she not be? She ate all those melon seeds by herself." "Pah! That’s not it at all!" Bai Zhier smiled. "Ruo’er, you... are still quite 'deficient,' aren't you?" "Zhier, you—!" "Hahaha..." The entire inn was filled with the sound of joyful laughter. ***