The day of the Martial Arts Assembly, around noon.
"Did you see? The one in the gold mask, right next to Nan Muxue—that’s her closed-door disciple everyone’s been gossiping about."
"Is it? Let me see." Whispers rippled through the crowd. It was a big day, and the air was thick with the clamor of voices; unless you were standing right next to someone, it was hard to catch the specifics of their gossip. "He’s too far away to see clearly. Besides, he’s wearing a mask. Doesn't look like anything special to me."
"What do you know? Setting aside everything else, that kid has certain... skills that you couldn't learn in a lifetime. Haven't you heard the rumors? When he went missing, Nan Muxue was frantic. She even declared she’d never take another disciple because of him. Some people are just born knowing how to coax women; he’s a natural at that trade."
"True enough. How long has he even been in the Hundred Flowers Palace? Nan Muxue already named him a Holy Envoy. His status is second only to the Nan mother and daughter, even ranking above the four Protectors. Tsk, what a talent."
"Isn't it? If we could learn even ten percent of his tricks, we’d never have a worry again. But I heard the kid is actually quite handsome. Think about it—even the Young Fortress Lord of Flying Eagle Fort, as handsome as a jade carving, couldn't catch Nan Muxue’s eye, yet she picks this nobody. Women, hmph, no vision at all."
"They say the Hundred Flowers Palace is full of women and he’s the only man. Isn't that like a mouse falling into a grain jar? What a lucky dog."
"Dammit, shut your traps! Non-stop chirping... If I hear you lot wagging your tongues about Lady Nan again, this Great Ring Broadsword of mine won't be merciful!" A bearded man in his late twenties or early thirties, sitting amidst a cluster of people, turned and roared at those behind him. The disciples who had been gossiping looked up, caught his gaze, and immediately ducked their heads. Silence fell over his section instantly.
A man dressed like a frail scholar stood beside him, holding a white paper fan. "Why such a temper? You’ve frightened the youngsters."
"I, Xiong Feng, am a crude man. If my ears find something annoying, I have to shout it out. Please don't laugh at me, Master."
The other man laughed heartily. "Not at all! Our Young Sect Leader is just as plain-spoken as the old one. Everyone is convinced by your character; who would laugh? It’s just that the Young Sect Leader’s feelings for the Young Palace Mistress of Hundred Flowers Palace..."
"Master," the man said, looking embarrassed. "I..."
The scholar pulled back his smile. "The major sects have mostly arrived. We can joke about these things later. Today is no game; the Young Sect Leader must focus."
"Understood. With your help, Master, I won't let everyone down."
***
The scene shifted to the Hundred Flowers Palace’s side.
"What’s this? Looking around the moment we arrive—searching for your precious Zhi'er?"
Oof. That teasing tone, laced with enough sour jealousy to make one's teeth fall out. Chu Ruo’s survival instincts flared. She turned back instantly with a placating smile. "I’m just checking out the venue. Can’t you put that vinegar jar away for a second?"
"Do you think because there are so many people here, your Master wouldn't dare to discipline you?"
*Tsk, tsk.* Chu Ruo, driven by her strong will to live, nimbly dodged. Sure enough, Nan Muxue’s hand had discreetly reached for the spot where she had just been standing. Thank goodness for quick reflexes. Her back and legs were already aching from standing so long. She reached behind her to pound her lower back. "Is there anything you *don't* dare to do? Bullying me is your specialty."
Internally, she couldn't help but complain about this crappy assembly. With over a thousand people from so many sects, why was it so stingy? Only one chair per sect! It was killing her. It was loud, crowded, and yet things still hadn't started. Chu Ruo knew the single chair wasn't about being cheap—only the leader of each sect was qualified to sit—but after standing for nearly half an hour, she couldn't help but grumble.
"Xiao Guo'er."
Chu Ruo looked at her Little Viper and felt a surge of indignation. The woman was sitting cross-legged, looking perfectly comfortable. A small table beside her was stocked with preserved fruits, dried nuts, melon seeds, and snacks. Ah, the aroma of tea... Ah, those plump, salted melon seeds... *Nan Muxue, you’re unfair, you’re unkind, eating all alone and giving me nothing.*
Just as she was finishing her mental rant, Nan Muxue called Xiao Guo'er and ordered, "Go find a chair."
*Aha! That’s my wife for you!* (The wind shifted immediately; praise her, praise her to the heavens!) Of course, being happy was one thing, but she had to maintain decorum. "This... might not be good. Don't break the rules for me."
"You’re grumbling enough in your head as it is. I’ll satisfy you so you don't call me a Little Viper behind my back again."
...What do you do when your wife is a tsundere? You spoil her, obviously. *I’ll endure it.*
Xiao Guo'er was quite fast. Before long, she returned with a stool. It was much simpler than Nan Muxue’s chair, but better than nothing. "Young Palace Mistress," Xiao Guo'er said carefully, "I searched around, but the others were quite vocal with their complaints. Therefore, I could only find this stool."
"The affairs of the Hundred Flowers Palace are not for them to gossip about." Nan Muxue toyed with her teacup lid for a moment, told Chu Ruo to sit, and then, ignoring everyone’s stares, handed the cup of fragrant tea directly to her beloved disciple.
Even with skin as thick as Chu Ruo’s, having so many eyes on her made her feel a bit shy. She dropped her usual playful act. "Shifu, uh, I’ll do it myself, I’ll do it myself." *Do what? There’s only one cup of tea. Waaah, wife, you’re too good to me. So touched.*
Naturally, this blatant display of favoritism sparked another round of chatter. It was noon, the sun was at its peak, and the assembly was dragging on. Everyone wanted to sit and have a drink. However, the Hundred Flowers Palace wasn't a group to be trifled with, so most people just looked displeased. But with Nan Muxue’s latest move, the gossips finally found their opening. Soon, nasty remarks were flying from all directions.
Chu Ruo slammed the table, ready to lose her temper. *It’s just a cup of tea, what’s the big deal? Give it a rest!* But what was with the Little Viper? She should be keeping a low profile, yet she was acting intentionally high-profile.
Nan Muxue held Chu Ruo down with a look. Then, from the sect sitting just one spot over, the talking was the loudest. The one sitting there was also a woman. *How can two women look so different?* Chu Ruo wondered. *Maybe your face really does reflect your heart.* The woman looked like a total busybody. *Sigh, why must women make things hard for women?* The woman was speaking with animated malice, looking quite thirsty. She raised her cup to take a drink when—*CRASH!*
A blast of icy energy shattered the teacup, drenching her in tea.
*Bang!* Ignoring her disheveled state, the woman slammed the table and moved to charge over. "Nan Muxue, you—!"
"The weather is hot. It seems Young Villa Lord Lin is not only parched but in dire need of a cold shower."
"You!"
She screamed and tried to rush them, but several people around her scrambled to hold her back. "Young Villa Lord, stay calm! Don't be impulsive, you..."
They spent a long time persuading her, and finally, the woman sat back down, her face thunderous. Chu Ruo scratched her head. "What was that about?"
"Oh, you don't know," Duan Ning whispered from behind. "That woman is one of Xue'er’s frequent losers. She loses every time they fight. I think it’s been seven times now. She knows she can't win, so why come over and make a fool of herself?"
Ah, no wonder. So she’s just a loudmouth? An ancient keyboard warrior?
At that moment, Nan Muxue interjected coldly, "Nine times."
*Hahaha, Little Viper, you’re too cute.* Correcting Duan Ning with such a straight face—*nine times.* You win. Chu Ruo looked around again, shielding her mouth with her hand. "I see you’re quite popular. A lot of people are staring at you."
"I see quite a few men looking at you as well. It seems you truly do have the potential to be a male favorite, Ruo'er."
"Cough, cough, cough..." Chu Ruo nearly sprayed her tea in a rainbow. "I’m serious. Look at that one over there—the one with the beard, whose disciples look like executioners." They were all wearing red headscarves wrapped tightly around their heads; she wondered how they didn't get heatstroke. They wore large red vests. What a weird sect.
"That is the Sea Dragon Gang." Seeing her description, Nan Muxue wanted to laugh. Her smiles were always reserved for her. "Ignorant."
"Hmph. Then what about that one? Over at Sword Casting Villa, the one who keeps coughing. He’s looked over here several times." He looked decent enough, but he kept coughing and was wearing a flamboyant purple. His sickly face looked even paler against it. *Definitely a 'bottom.' And he dares to eye my Little Viper.*
That was the Eleventh Young Master, Shen Ruoxuan. Nan Muxue stared at her thumb ring and spoke slowly, "You’re looking left and right so much—are you looking at others, or are you searching for your Lady Zhi'er?"
"Why do you keep bringing her up?" Truly, women in love are all the same when it comes to jealousy. Time to change the subject. "That chain on your hand today is very pretty. I haven't seen you wear it before." The chain on the Little Viper’s hand today looked a lot like the one Zixia Fairy wore. It jingled softly when she moved, making her hand look even whiter and more delicate. The way her bones were defined and her fingers were long... for a hand-fetishist, it was lethal.
"The sound from these golden bells can interfere with an enemy." She was never patient and always on guard, never revealing such secrets. Only one person could make her hold nothing back. "If you like it, I’ll have a pair made for you when we return."
"No, no, I was just asking. It looks better on you. My hands are white and long enough, I guess, but they’re a bit fleshy. It looks especially good on you. Like a fairy."
"Don't think that saying sweet words will make me overlook your little thoughts about Lady Zhi'er."
*...You’re toxic... Waaah, glaring at me again. I’m the toxic one. I’m toxic, I’m a mess, how did I fall for you...*
"If you keep thinking nonsense in your head..."
"No, no, nothing! I’m not thinking anything!" Chu Ruo decided to change the subject again. "I see there aren't many sects in the front row. Is there a reason for that? Is it ranked by martial arts prowess?"
"More or less. The selection for the Alliance Leader will basically be from those sitting in the front row."
"So the others are just here to make up the numbers?"
Chu Ruo was certain—one hundred percent certain—that if no one were around, the Little Viper would be pinching her face right now. "This is the rule. The Wulin Alliance Leader is the one who unifies the Jianghu; everyone must obey him. Do you think you can just choose not to come?"
"Then how do they compete? Does everyone just go up at once and whoever is left standing wins?"
"They didn't say."
*...Would it kill you to say two more words?* "They didn't say? You made it sound like being the Alliance Leader is such a big deal, yet the selection is this casual? They aren't prepared?"
"Is a chaotic brawl considered 'impressive'?" Perhaps the sunlight was too bright; Nan Muxue rested her forehead on her hand. "This year is organized by Sword Casting Villa and supervised by Shaolin. Everything will be announced by them."
*Ah, not bad.* Shaolin really was everywhere. She couldn't help but remark, "Shaolin is impressive. They’re involved in everything. All martial arts under heaven originate from Shaolin."
"Is there a Shaolin in your hometown as well?"
"There definitely is! You have no idea, their screen time is just..." Chu Ruo wanted to continue, but someone finally stepped onto the central stage. Duan Ning whispered a reminder: one was the Lord of Sword Casting Villa, Shen Wanxiong, and the other was the Shaolin Abbot, Master Zhizhen. The opening remarks were standard—introductions, pleasantries—and then they got straight to the rules. It took about half an hour. In this heat, it was enough to make anyone drowsy.
Chu Ruo yawned a few times but forced herself to stay awake to memorize the rules. The format... how to put it? It was set up like a sports tournament. Was there another transmigrator here?
Since it was a selection for the Alliance Leader, it had to be decided by martial skill, based on reputation and prowess. Thirty-two sects were participating. Some weren't exactly sects but lone wanderers who had made a name for themselves, or groups like the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan. For now, they were counted as their own "factions," though most were traditional sects. The thirty-two factions were divided into four groups of eight: A, B, C, and D. Each group of eight was split into two sides of four. Two factions would form an alliance to fight against the other two. The winners would advance. The sixteen winning factions would then re-form alliances and fight again until eight remained. They would keep competing until only four factions were left. The rules would change then, but what they would change to wasn't mentioned.
"This is too convoluted," Xiao Guo'er scratched her head from behind. "So complicated, I’m confused."
"Dummy, let me give you an analogy," Chu Ruo explained. "Eight sects per group. Let’s call the four groups A, B, C, and D. We’ll call the eight sects 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Hundred Flowers Palace is Number 1 in Group A. The one with us is Number 2. So, 1 and 2 fight against 3 and 4, while 5 and 6 fight 7 and 8. If we win, then 1 and 2 advance. On the other side, let’s say 5 and 6 win. Understand? The other three groups do the same. Then you have sixteen sects. Those sixteen draw lots to form new alliances. Suppose we draw Number 2 again; 1 and 2 continue to fight other sects. After winning, there are eight sects left. Draw lots again, fight again, until four teams remain. Then..."
"Oh, I get it! I get it! It was so twisty, but I finally understand. But why didn't they say how the final four will compete?"
"How should I know? Looking at them, they definitely have something up their sleeves. When can we go back, Shifu? Let’s leave early. I’ll make you winter melon meatball soup today. Staying here is too boring."
"Fine," Nan Muxue said, her eyes full of infinite indulgence. "A little longer. Once the groups are set, we’ll head back."
As they spoke, slips of paper with the names of the thirty-two sects were placed into a box for the Abbot to draw. Hundred Flowers Palace was placed in Group B. Chu Ruo had been hoping they wouldn't run into Flying Eagle Fort, and luckily, they didn't. The three sects in their group didn't seem difficult; one of them was even that frequent loser of the Little Viper’s. A top-tier draw!
Today was just for drawing lots; the actual competition would start tomorrow. Each group would compete for one day across two large arenas. Chu Ruo rubbed her hands. "Hundred Flowers Palace isn't up tomorrow, so we don't have to..."
"We must come."
*...I didn't even finish my sentence.* "Oh."
"Are you dejected because you didn't see your Lady Zhi'er?"
"That’s enough! Believe it or not, I’ll..." Her bravado lasted only a second. "Believe it or not, I’ll go on a hunger strike."
"I don't believe you."
"!!!"
"Come out with me in a moment."
"Oh? Where to? Fishing again?"
Nan Muxue hummed an affirmative. "You’ll be the bait."
*Damn you, Little Viper. You’re trying to murder your husband. I’ll draw circles and curse you to never get married—wait, if she doesn't get married, won't I be single forever? Em... I curse your mother to never finish her secluded meditation. There.*
***
At the cliffside.
"The wind is so strong here." Ever since falling off a cliff, Chu Ruo stayed far away from high places. She swallowed hard. "Let’s... move back a bit."
Nan Muxue took her hand. "It’s fine. Come, I’ll take you to see someone."
With such a gentle Little Viper protecting her, she’d dare to go through fire and water. "See who?"
"You’ll know soon enough."
As soon as she spoke, a purple figure appeared ahead. "Oh, Little Xue-Xue, bringing your new flame here to flaunt in front of your old flame? How heartless~"
*Ugh, goosebumps.* It was that "flamboyant purple" guy from earlier. Nan Muxue remained as cold as ever. "This is Shen Ruoxuan, the Eleventh Young Master of Sword Casting Villa."
Shen Ruoxuan intentionally made a flamboyant gesture. "So you’re the little Ruo-Ruo. I’ve heard so much about you, so much..."
*This guy is disgustingly over-the-top. I can do that too.* "Oh, so you’re the little Xuan-Xuan. A pleasure, a pleasure."
"Little Xue-Xue, you really do like my type. Look at this little Ruo-Ruo; he really has eighty percent of my charm. Tsk, tsk, a promising youth."
"Business," Nan Muxue said. She was the only one of the three who could keep a straight face. "What’s going on with the Martial Arts Assembly this year?"
He threw up his hands. "The old man’s secrecy is top-notch. No one in the Villa knows what he’s thinking, not even my eldest brother. I don't know what he’s pulling today either, but I suspect it has everything to do with the Heavenly Demon Palace."
Chu Ruo’s eyes widened. "The Heavenly Demon Palace again?" Why was everything connected to them?
"Keep investigating. Since there’s no useful news, let’s head back."
Naturally, that last gentle sentence was directed at Chu Ruo, making Shen Ruoxuan stomp his feet behind them. "Little Xue-Xue, you heartless person! Little Ruo-Ruo, you’re just my substitute, you know! It’s only because your name has a 'Ruo' in it just like mine..."
*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—!*
Chu Ruo, however, couldn't stay calm. "You two... are quite close, aren't you?"
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
海蛟帮 | Sea Dragon Gang | A martial arts sect mentioned at the assembly.
铸剑山庄 | Sword Casting Villa | The host of the current Martial Arts Assembly.
沈若轩 | Shen Ruoxuan | The Eleventh Young Master of Sword Casting Villa.
智真 | Zhizhen | The Abbot of Shaolin.
沈万雄 | Shen Wanxiong | The Lord of Sword Casting Villa.
熊峰 | Xiong Feng | Young Sect Leader of a sect (implied Sea Dragon Gang).
林少庄主 | Young Villa Lord Lin | A female leader of a villa who has lost to Nan Muxue nine times.
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Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 64 | The Assembly Begins | Novela.app | Novela.app
