Extraordinary Realm from Persuasion System

And now, this kid who looked nothing like a Martial Artist—or rather, someone who had only been exposed to Martial Arts for a short time—had managed to perform a flawless junior's salute, without any visible error.

This... How interesting! Elder Chen thought as he watched Zhang Beixing.

This etiquette had been outdated for many years. In this era, even the younger generation within their circle hardly knew it; or rather, hardly anyone was willing to learn about it.

Elder Chen's reputation for integrity and respect was not unfounded. He conducted himself impeccably. At this moment, he returned the greeting with a smile and said, "I dare not claim the title of Chen Taishan. It is only because everyone is willing to show me respect that I have attained this status. Young friend, there's no need for such formality; please, rise."

Hearing this, Zhang Beixing did not take it literally. He only replied, "Truly magnanimous, as befits Chen Taishan," and then, finishing his respects, stood silently beside Liu Yi.

Seeing this, Elder Chen inwardly nodded. He thought, Good temperament, unaffected by praise or criticism. Indeed a promising seedling!

He then gestured for the two to sit down.

「...」

Sitting in his chair, Liu Yi took a teacup from the servant's tray. With a sidelong glance, he noticed that Zhang Beixing sat there extremely proper and humble. Even his bottom occupied only a third of the chair, showing his respect for Elder Chen.

Subsequently, under Liu Yi's watchful eye, the servant approached Zhang Beixing.

Zhang Beixing smiled politely with a nod at the servant, then gently picked up the tea from the tray without making any sound.

Holding the tea, he toasted Liu Yi and Elder Chen from a distance. Afterward, he drank the tea in three sips, not once furrowing his brow from beginning to end. He placed the teacup back on the tray, again without making any sound.

Seeing this, Liu Yi's expression turned peculiar. He took a sip of his own tea; it was as bitter as ever. Even after so many times, I still can't stand it, he thought. Then, observing Zhang Beixing's consistently calm demeanor, the image of Zhang Beixing's earlier salute replayed in his mind. Astounding, and rather odd!

After consuming his tea in three sips, Liu Yi placed his cup on the tray. Seeing this, the servant departed. Liu Yi seized this moment, while the departing servant briefly obscured their view, to turn to Zhang Beixing. In a voice only they could hear, he asked, "Kid, did you have a complete change of character or something?"

Although this was a bit unpleasant to say, in Liu Yi's mind, this brat Zhang Beixing was a complete troublemaker with an obnoxious personality. If he didn't stir up some kind of trouble on any given day, it was as if his conscience had suddenly awoken.

But today, not only had the kid not caused any trouble, but he had also behaved so obediently and harmlessly. He even handled the etiquette flawlessly, leaving no room for criticism. At first glance, he looked like a model of talent and virtue!

This wasn't just a case of a prodigal son returning. This was as incredible as the sun rising in the west!

Hearing Liu Yi's words, Zhang Beixing frowned slightly and replied softly, "Teacher, wasn't it you who told me to do this?"

How strange! Zhang Beixing thought. You were the one who kept warning me not to cause trouble. Now that I'm behaving, being respectful, and even drinking that awful tea without batting an eye, instead of praising me, Teacher Liu asks if I've had a personality transplant? Damn it. You've managed to say all the good and bad, so what the hell am I supposed to say? If you're really that bored, go bite a lighter; at least that would give everyone a laugh!

"Yes... I did indeed tell you to do that, that's right," Liu Yi said. "But... I thought you didn't know this sort of thing? I never taught you, so where did you learn it?"

"I found it online! Teacher, as a distinguished faculty member at Shi University, surely you know how to use the internet?" Zhang Beixing countered.

He indeed hadn't understood these etiquettes before. But just because he didn't know, did that mean others didn't? Come on, it was 2018! The internet era! What couldn't be found online? Never mind these ancient, outdated etiquettes; you could find out about... well, you could find out about anything.

「...」

Zhang Beixing looked at Teacher Liu with an extremely odd expression.

Seeing this, Liu Yi's eyelids twitched. For some reason, his hand suddenly felt an uncontrollable urge to smack Zhang Beixing on the back of the head. But in the end, he suppressed the impulse.

On one hand, it wasn't appropriate. Martial Artists were very protective. Unless their own Disciple offended someone and that person came to their door demanding an explanation, a master wouldn't chastise their Disciple in front of others, no matter how mischievous they were. They would settle scores afterward.

On the other hand, he was afraid Zhang Beixing would revert to his true self. Since entering the reception hall, Zhang Beixing's performance had been quite good—proper, with no excessive actions. If he slapped him and the kid started acting up and causing trouble on the spot, his own embarrassment would be a minor issue. The real problem would be if their attempt to learn techniques on the sly failed, and they were kicked out of the Chen Family instead. If that happened, no matter how good his relationship with Elder Chen was, he'd never be able to show his face here again!

「...」

Sitting in the main seat, having observed the subtle interactions between the two, Elder Chen smiled. He didn't point anything out; instead, he changed the subject with a question. "Speaking of which, Brother Liu," he began, "you mentioned bringing someone today, but you haven't told me your relationship with this young friend Zhang. Is he... your Disciple?"

Hearing this, Liu Yi was about to deny it, to say Zhang Beixing was just a young man he thought highly of. The word "No" had barely left his lips when Zhang Beixing cut in, "Yes, just as Elder Chen said, Teacher Liu Yi is my master!"

"Oh, so that's how it is!" The amusement in Elder Chen's eyes deepened. He nodded with understanding, as if he hadn't heard Liu Yi's initial, unspoken denial.

Then, after looking at Zhang Beixing for a moment, he turned to Liu Yi. Stroking his graying beard, he said with a warm smile, "Brother Liu, it seems your skills finally have a successor!"

"Hahaha, I was just thinking that if you hadn't taken a Disciple by the age of fifty, I would have swallowed my pride and forced one of my family's children on you to ensure your lineage continued. It seems that won't be necessary now!"

"Ah... yes..." Liu Yi responded dryly, his feelings a complex mix.

Seeing this, Elder Chen roughly guessed what Liu Yi was thinking and didn't press further. Instead, he asked, "How long has this young Disciple of yours been studying Martial Arts with you? Has he mastered the true teachings of the Yue Family Fist?"

Hearing this, Liu Yi looked at Zhang Beixing, truly unsure how to reply. This kid is completely self-taught and has only been at it for a few days, barely at the Entry Level. What 'true teachings' could he possibly know? To be honest, it's a bit embarrassing. But lying feels wrong...

Fortunately, Zhang Beixing was perceptive. Seeing Liu Yi's predicament, he took the initiative and answered respectfully, "Chen Taishan, I am of humble talent. I began learning Martial Arts less than a month ago. Currently, I have practiced the Yue Family Fist to the point where it is 'second nature, with footwork as agile as a dragon.' As for the true teachings of the Yue Family, I have a slight understanding."

What in the world? Liu Yi was dumbfounded. This kid really knows how to brag! He wished he could hide his face in his trousers; he was utterly losing face and felt a strong urge to make an excuse and flee.

Even Elder Chen was taken aback, suddenly at a loss for how to continue the conversation. Damn! This young man…