Ye Qiu was puzzled.
“Old man, you clearly want this kid. Why pass him to me?”
Master Longbrow replied, “Didn’t I just say? If he follows me, he might not survive to grow up.”
“You’ve got heaven-defying luck. Maybe you can help him overcome the nine life-or-death trials.”
“If he survives them, he’ll become your right-hand man.”
“Plus, with his episodes, it’s better he stays with you.”
Looking at Huzi with regret, Master Longbrow added, “Such a fine seedling, and you get him cheap. Little rascal, you owe me.”
Ye Qiu agreed readily. “No problem. Back in Jiangzhou, I’ll treat you to good wine and food.”
Master Longbrow glared. “What’s that supposed to mean? Mocking me for being too poor to eat or drink?”
“You’re misunderstanding,” Ye Qiu said. “I mean, in Jiangzhou, you’re a VIP. I’ll treat you to the best.”
Then, shifting tone, “Old man, if you want to revive Longhu Mountain, I can help.”
Master Longbrow eyed him warily. “Little rascal, you plotting something?”
Ye Qiu said, “Join Dragon Gate, and I’ll give you a special advisor role—second only to me. I’ll pour Dragon Gate’s resources into reviving Longhu Mountain.”
“Dream on!” Master Longbrow snapped. “I’m Longhu Mountain’s head. Joining Dragon Gate would be betraying my sect. Drop that idea—I’ll never join.”
Ye Qiu shrugged. “Fine, I’ll talk to Shuisheng instead.”
Master Longbrow exploded. “You dare poach Shuisheng? I’ll never forgive you!”
Ye Qiu laughed. “Just kidding. No need to get so worked up.”
At that moment, Huzi stirred and opened his eyes.
“You’re awake?” Ye Qiu asked.
Huzi nodded, spotting Master Longbrow. He stood, stepping protectively in front of Ye Qiu, glaring at Master Longbrow with hostility.
“What, still want to fight me?” Master Longbrow said. “I’m not looking down on you, but if I go all out, one finger could finish you.”
Huzi clenched his fists.
Ye Qiu quickly intervened. “Huzi, don’t be rash. The old man’s my friend. He was just joking earlier.”
Huzi looked at Ye Qiu, as if asking, *Really?*
“He’s really my good friend,” Ye Qiu emphasized.
Huzi relaxed his fists, then dropped to his knees, kowtowing three times to Ye Qiu. “Thank you for covering for me. When I earn money, I’ll pay you back.”
Ye Qiu helped him up. “It’s nothing. No need to be formal.”
“Huzi, there’s something I’d like to discuss.”
“I’m considering taking you as my disciple. Would you be willing to study under me?”
“If you do, I’ll teach you martial arts and take you to live in the city.”
“Are you willing?”
Huzi asked, “If I become your disciple, can I punch an excavator away?”
Master Longbrow smirked. *Boasting!*
Ye Qiu grinned. “If you train hard with me, soon enough, forget an excavator—you could blast through a mountain.”
Master Longbrow rolled his eyes. *Show-off!*
Huzi, overjoyed, nodded eagerly. “I’m willing to be your disciple.”
Master Longbrow said, “Kid, since you’re willing, kowtow to him a few more times.”
As Huzi prepared to do so, Ye Qiu stopped him. “No rush for that. We’ll do it later.”
“Old Xiang’s butchering the pig. Let’s go check.”
Two hours later, the feast was ready.
In the courtyard, over a dozen tables were set, with the whole village gathered.
Old Xiang seated the village chief and respected elders at Ye Qiu’s table.
“Director, say a few words,” Old Xiang urged.
Ye Qiu stood, smiling. “Dear villagers, hello.”
“I’m Ye Qiu, a doctor at Jiangzhou Hospital, Old Xiang’s colleague.”
Old Xiang chimed in, “Director Ye’s my boss.”
Ye Qiu continued, “Xiangshui Village is beautiful, with pure-hearted people. I love it here and will visit often.”
“On this occasion, I’d like to share something.”
“I plan to take Huzi as my disciple and bring him to Jiangzhou. He’s agreed.”
“But since Huzi grew up here, thanks to your care, he’s like family. So, I’d like your opinions on me taking him.”
The village chief spoke first. “Dr. Ye, it’s Huzi’s blessing to follow you. Take him!”
Other villagers echoed their support.
Ye Qiu’s sharp ears caught whispers from a corner.
“That troublemaker’s finally leaving. Who knows how many more pigs or chickens would’ve died?”
“The village will be peaceful now.”
“He’s so lucky, going to the city. What dumb luck.”
“Why would this Ye guy take a manic kid as a disciple? Is he crazy?”
“Shh, keep it down. Don’t let him hear. He’s a god.”
“He said he’s a doctor. We’re so far, and we’re whispering—he can’t hear.”
As the villager finished, a chill ran through him. Looking up, he saw Ye Qiu’s gaze on him.
*No way, he heard?*
The villager broke into a cold sweat.
Ye Qiu smiled, looked away, and said, “Since everyone agrees, let’s make it official. Huzi, perform the ceremony.”
Under Master Longbrow’s guidance, Huzi kowtowed and offered tea, completing the apprenticeship ritual.
After the ceremony, Ye Qiu said, “Don’t just stand there—eat! The food’s getting cold.”
No one moved, all eyes on Ye Qiu.
“Director, start eating. Everyone’s waiting,” Old Xiang said.
“Alright, I won’t hold back.” Ye Qiu picked up his chopsticks, and the villagers followed, the atmosphere growing lively.
Villagers toasted Ye Qiu and Master Longbrow, who drank dozens of cups without flinching.
Everyone ate and drank merrily, the courtyard filled with laughter.
The feast lasted until dark.
That night, Ye Qiu and the others stayed at Old Xiang’s.
In the dead of night, Ye Qiu, asleep, suddenly opened his eyes…
