Master Longbrow was momentarily stunned.
“How does this kid have a Life-Death Talisman on his back?”
“This shouldn’t be possible!”
“What’s his background?”
In his distraction, Huzi broke free and landed a punch on Master Longbrow’s stomach.
Bang!
Master Longbrow flew backward, landing in a pile of dung.
“Roar!” Huzi bellowed, charging forward.
“Stop!” Ye Qiu’s deep shout echoed like thunder.
Huzi trembled, hesitation flickering in his eyes, but he lunged at Master Longbrow again.
Ye Qiu swiftly stepped forward, tapping Huzi’s nape. Instantly, Huzi collapsed, unconscious.
Holding the unconscious Huzi, Ye Qiu asked, “Old man, you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Master Longbrow said, scrambling up. He whispered to Ye Qiu, “Take the kid to Old Xiang’s house. He’s got secrets.”
Then, to Old Xiang, he said, “Hurry, take me back. I need a bath.”
Emerging from the pigsty, Master Longbrow saw the villagers keeping their distance, covering their noses with looks of disgust. He stopped, chuckling, “Folks, sorry for the spectacle.”
“Huzi’s strength is immense. I was caught off guard, hence this mess.”
“Oh, by the way, I’m from Wudang Mountain, the current head, Taoist name Chongxu.”
“Come visit Wudang when you have time.”
Old Xiang glanced at Ye Qiu, as if asking, *Didn’t you say Master Longbrow was the head of Longhu Mountain? Why’s he claiming Wudang?*
Ye Qiu whispered, “The Wudang head is his friend. The old man’s big on saving face, so… you get it?”
Old Xiang nodded. “Got it.”
“Keep it quiet. He’s thin-skinned,” Ye Qiu added.
Old Xiang grinned. “Don’t worry, Director. My lips are sealed.”
Master Longbrow strutted off confidently.
Back at Old Xiang’s house, Master Longbrow went to bathe, while Ye Qiu examined the unconscious Huzi, focusing on his back.
Between Huzi’s shoulder blades was a purple pattern, slightly larger than a fist, with nine concentric circles resembling an eye. Each circle was filled with intricate runes, looking both tattooed and innate, like a birthmark.
Ye Qiu recalled that Master Longbrow’s distraction upon seeing this pattern had led to Huzi knocking him flying.
“Old Xiang, what’s with this?” Ye Qiu pointed at the pattern.
Old Xiang said, “It’s been on Huzi since he was a baby. When the tiger first brought him to the village, many saw it and called it a birthmark.”
“I’m not sure if it really is.”
“Director, sit tight. I’ll get some folks to butcher the pig for the feast.”
“Alright,” Ye Qiu agreed.
Soon after Old Xiang left, Master Longbrow returned, clean and in fresh clothes. He approached Huzi, studying the pattern.
“Old man, is this a birthmark or a tattoo?” Ye Qiu asked.
“Neither,” Master Longbrow said gravely.
Neither?
Ye Qiu frowned. “Then what is it?”
“It’s a Life-Death Talisman,” Master Longbrow said. “This kid’s origins are likely extraordinary.”
Ye Qiu was puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“The Life-Death Talisman is a highly mysterious seal,” Master Longbrow explained. “It’s less a talisman and more a binding.”
“Though Huzi’s an orphan, I’m certain his background is significant.”
“Only someone with extraordinary cultivation could create a Life-Death Talisman.”
“Since Longhu Mountain’s founding, countless masters have emerged, but only one could craft such a talisman.”
Ye Qiu asked, “Master Zhang?”
“Exactly, our founder,” Master Longbrow confirmed. “In a thousand years of Longhu Mountain’s history, only he could do it.”
Ye Qiu was shocked. “What does the Life-Death Talisman do?”
“As I said, it’s essentially a sealing technique,” Master Longbrow said, pointing at the pattern. “See these nine circles?”
Ye Qiu nodded slightly.
“Each circle represents one layer of the seal,” Master Longbrow continued. “Breaking one layer makes a circle vanish. When all are broken, the talisman disappears.”
“This sealing technique isn’t used on ordinary people.”
“I suspect Huzi carries a great secret.”
Ye Qiu asked, “Could Huzi’s illness be tied to the Life-Death Talisman?”
“Hard to say, but it’s possible,” Master Longbrow replied. “The Life-Death Talisman means life and death are intertwined.”
“One layer of the seal breaks only after surviving a life-or-death trial.”
“In other words, to fully break the seal, Huzi must face nine such trials.”
Master Longbrow added, “I noticed Huzi’s eight extraordinary meridians are fully open. I have two theories.”
“One, a master opened his meridians.”
“Two, he was born with them open.”
“Either way, it confirms Huzi’s a rare martial arts prodigy.”
“Little rascal, I have an idea.”
Ye Qiu’s heart skipped a beat.
Was Master Longbrow also thinking of taking Huzi as a disciple?
On second thought, Huzi might be better off with Master Longbrow. Ye Qiu had too many responsibilities to train Huzi properly, but Master Longbrow had time and high cultivation. With dedicated guidance, Huzi could become a pillar of strength.
“Old man, you want to take Huzi as your disciple?” Ye Qiu asked.
“Yes,” Master Longbrow nodded. “His foundation is exceptional. If he joins me, his achievements could rival Shuisheng’s.”
“Maybe soon, he’ll surpass Shuisheng and make the Divine List.”
“With him, Shuisheng, and me, Longhu Mountain could reclaim its glory from a thousand years ago within a century.”
Ye Qiu said, “When Huzi wakes, talk to him.”
Master Longbrow shook his head. “No need. I’d love to take him, but if he follows me, he might not survive to grow.”
“Little rascal, let him follow you instead!”
