Ye Qiu turned at the sound of the voice and saw an elderly monk standing at the entrance of the Bai family villa.
The monk appeared to be over sixty, clad in a crimson kasaya. His round face, large ears, and dignified bearing exuded an air of solemnity.
When Ye Qiu met the monk’s gaze, he noticed eyes that shone with wisdom—calm and transcendent, as if a single glance could soothe worldly strife.
He also observed the monk’s prominently bulging temples, a striking feature.
An internal martial arts master!
Ye Qiu’s heart tightened, immediately sensing the monk’s formidable background.
“This humble monk, Du’e, greets Benefactor Ye.”
The monk pressed his palms together in a Buddhist salute and bowed slightly, embodying the grace of an enlightened master.
Du’e?
Ye Qiu frowned. It was the first time he’d heard the name. He glanced at Longbrow Taoist Priest, whose expression had turned grave. “Do you know him?”
“Yes,” Longbrow replied solemnly. “Du’e is the abbot of Dali’s Tianlong Temple and ranks fourth on the Dragon Ranking List.”
Fourth?
Lower than Longbrow?
Ye Qiu relaxed and smirked. “So he’s your defeated rival?”
“He was my defeated rival, but…” Longbrow’s face twitched awkwardly.
“Is there more to the story?” Ye Qiu pressed.
“No, nothing!” Longbrow hastily denied.
Tang Fei, standing nearby, chimed in: “During the Dragon Ranking competition, Longbrow challenged Master Du’e to a… urination contest. Whoever could… ahem… relieve themselves farther would win. Master Du’e, being a dignified monk, deemed it improper and withdrew, conceding defeat.”
“Silence!” Longbrow glared at Tang Fei, his cheeks flushing. “Must you air old grievances?”
Ye Qiu shot Longbrow a look of disdain. This old rascal has no shame! The Dragon Ranking was a sacred martial arts tradition, yet he’d resorted to such antics.
Tang Fei continued, “According to the Underworld Hall’s archives, Master Du’e is not only a Buddhist scholar but a martial arts grandmaster. He’s mastered at least three of the Seventy-Two Buddhist Supreme Techniques.”
“Moreover, years ago, he once injured Xiao Jiu—the only Dragon Ranking master to ever harm him.”
Hmm?
Ye Qiu stiffened. If this monk injured Xiao Jiu, doesn’t that mean his skills rival his? If true, trouble loomed.
Tang Fei clarified, “Master Du’e managed to wound Xiao Jiu with a secret technique—only Xiao Jiu knows the details. It was a momentary lapse on Xiao Jiu’s part. Du’e’s combat prowess likely matches Cao Tianyi’s, not Xiao Jiu’s.”
Ye Qiu’s heart sank. He’d only defeated Cao Tianyi the previous night with Longbrow’s help. But now, Longbrow—suffering from backlash—couldn’t wield his inner energy. Ye Qiu would face this alone.
Tang Fei mused, “Master Du’e is a compassionate monk who rarely leaves Tianlong Temple. Why has he come to the capital?”
“Bai Yujing must’ve summoned him,” Ye Qiu said coldly.
At that moment, Master Du’e’s resonant voice boomed:
“Longbrow Daoist, it has been many years. I trust you’ve been well?” The monk smiled amiably.
Longbrow snorted. “Seeing you today has inspired a poem. Listen well:
‘The master’s grace, no common sight,
Like a banished celestial light.
Which god from heavens did you hail?
Erlang’s hound, with wagging tail!’
“What say you, old bald donkey?”
Master Du’e pressed his palms together. “Amitabha. Longbrow Daoist remains as… humorous as ever. Truly enviable.”
“Why aren’t you rotting in Tianlong Temple?” Longbrow snapped.
“Years ago, General Bai saved the temple from ruin. Today, I repay that debt to his descendant.” Du’e gestured to Bai Yujing.
Ye Qiu’s voice turned icy. “So you’ve come to kill me?”
“Nay. This monk abstains from killing. I merely promised to detain you for Benefactor Bai.” Du’e addressed Ye Qiu calmly. “Benefactor Ye, I’ve not fought in years. Surrender peacefully, and we need not clash.”
Surrender? Never.
Ye Qiu knew captivity meant torture. “Master, you misunderstand me. I’d sooner die than yield.”
“Amitabha. Then forgive this intrusion.” Du’e stepped forward.
“Wait!” Ye Qiu suddenly pointed behind the monk. “Do you truly think you can take me? Look behind you!”
Someone’s there?
Du’e stiffened. As a master, he’d sense any approaching presence. If someone had slipped past, they too must be formidable.
The monk whirled around.
Now!
Ye Qiu lunged like lightning, swinging his blade at Bai Yujing’s skull.
Du’e realized the ruse too late. By the time he turned back, the blade was mere inches from Bai Yujing’s head.
“Die, Bai Yujing!” Ye Qiu snarled.
But as the blade descended—
“HALT!”
Du’e’s roar erupted like thunder, a shockwave blasting Ye Qiu’s arm. The blade flew from his grip as he staggered back, his hand bleeding.
One shout—such power!
Ye Qiu stared at the monk, shaken. “Was that… the Buddhist Lion’s Roar?”
