Ye Qiu hadn’t expected that at a moment like this, Long Jiu would pull such a move, wanting to take him as a disciple.
It was simply…
Wishful thinking!
Ye Qiu could never possibly take Long Jiu as his master. Not to mention that the mastermind behind his father Ye Wushuang’s encirclement and death years ago was very likely the Forbidden City, just the fact that Bai Yujing was Long Jiu’s disciple was reason enough for him to refuse.
Otherwise, he’d have to call Bai Yujing “senior brother” in the future.
Long Jiu declared loudly, “In ancient times, Wu Sangui flew into a rage for a beauty. Now, Ye Qiu has come from afar to storm the Bai family.”
“Ye Qiu, I know you came here for Bai Bing.”
“If you agree to become my disciple, not only will I spare your life, but I’ll also take charge and marry Bai Bing to you.”
“Perhaps you’re worried about how you’ll get along with Yujing after joining me. Rest assured, I’ll personally mediate between you two until you turn enemies into friends. How about it?”
In his heart, Long Jiu genuinely admired Ye Qiu.
As a man of the martial path, he longed for a disciple to inherit his legacy. Though Bai Yujing was his disciple, he had no interest in martial arts, which deeply disappointed Long Jiu—until he met Ye Qiu.
Ye Qiu, still young, could hold his own against a top-five Dragon List expert. His martial talent was extraordinary. With a bit of guidance, given time, he’d surely become a peerless master.
Thus, Long Jiu entertained the idea of taking him as a disciple.
Ye Qiu frowned, not rushing to respond.
Master Longmei urged, “Little brat, stop hesitating. Agree quickly. This way, you’ll not only survive but also be with Bai Bing, and you’ll gain a powerful backer. With the Forbidden City protecting you, no one will dare touch you.”
“Are you that afraid of dying?” Ye Qiu saw right through Master Longmei’s inner thoughts.
“Nonsense, this poor monk isn’t afraid of death. I’m doing this for your own good.”
Though Master Longmei refused to admit it, he was panicking inside.
If Ye Qiu didn’t agree to Long Jiu, a life-and-death battle would follow. If Ye Qiu died, Master Ye would kill him too.
So, getting Ye Qiu to agree and stay alive was the best option.
As long as Ye Qiu was safe, he’d be safe too.
As for whether Long Jiu sincerely wanted a disciple, or if Ye Qiu genuinely meant to join him, or what might happen later—Master Longmei didn’t care.
He’d already decided that once they left the Bai family, he’d head straight back to Dragon Tiger Mountain.
This world was too dangerous. Hiding in the mountains was safest, and he could watch widows bathe—pure bliss.
“Benefactor Ye!”
Master Du’e suddenly spoke, whispering, “The Forbidden City acts tyrannically. Joining them isn’t a wise choice.”
“This is Ye Qiu’s business. What are you, an old bald donkey, meddling for?” Master Longmei said discontentedly. “If he doesn’t take a master, he’ll die. Don’t you get that?”
“This old monk knows,” Master Du’e replied, shifting his tone, “but a true man has principles—what to do and what not to do…”
“Shut up!”
Master Longmei cursed at Master Du’e, “If you’re tired of living, go end yourself. Don’t drag Ye Qiu down.”
“He’s still young, hasn’t married or had kids. Dying like this would be such a waste.”
“Ye Qiu, listen to me. Agree to Long Jiu quick and save your life.”
Master Longmei pressed Ye Qiu hard.
He was terrified that if Long Jiu grew impatient and attacked Ye Qiu, he’d be finished too.
At that moment, Long Jiu spoke again.
“I’ve always been strict about taking disciples. Countless people dream of joining me, but I’ve never found them worthy.”
“Ye Qiu, for me to take a liking to you is your honour.”
“If you’re willing to become my disciple, I’ll first test your loyalty to me.”
Master Longmei asked urgently, “How will you test him?”
Long Jiu gave Master Longmei a cold smile, then said to Ye Qiu, “This stinking Taoist insulted me with a poem earlier, and I’m furious. Ye Qiu, if you kill him, I’ll take you as my disciple right away.”
Instantly, Master Longmei froze.
A moment later.
Snapping out of it, Master Longmei said to Ye Qiu, “Little brat, don’t agree to him.”
“We’re on the same side. This bastard clearly wants us to turn on each other.”
“If you do this, the world will scorn you, calling you an ungrateful wretch. Even with the Forbidden City backing you, you’ll be forever nailed to the pillar of shame, cursed by all.”
“Besides, last night I observed the stars and saw that the Forbidden City’s fate is nearing its end. They’re done for.”
“If you join Long Jiu, you’ll end up going down with them.”
“I think Du’e’s right. A true man has principles—what to do and what not to do. You absolutely can’t agree to this.”
“It’s just one Long Jiu. You and I team up, and we’ll take him down together.”
Master Longmei glared at Long Jiu, a fierce glint in his eyes.
Damn you, don’t think I’m afraid of you just because you’re from the Forbidden City. If you want me dead, I’ll take you down first.
Ye Qiu asked, “Old man, didn’t you say you can’t use inner strength for half a month?”
“It’s true I can’t, but for your sake, this poor monk will risk his life.”
Master Longmei stood tall and righteous. Those unaware might think he was truly doing it for Ye Qiu.
In reality, it was for himself.
Because whether Ye Qiu joined Long Jiu or not, he’d likely die either way. Better to team up with Ye Qiu against Long Jiu.
As for not using inner strength for half a month, that was true. After using the Five Thunder Orthodox Method last night, Master Longmei suffered backlash. Using inner strength again would worsen his injuries and might even kill him. But now, he had no choice.
Only by fighting was there a slim chance of survival.
“Ye Qiu, have you made up your mind?” Long Jiu asked loudly.
“I’ve decided. I won’t take you as my master.”
Long Jiu’s face darkened slightly, about to speak, when Ye Qiu continued, “Long Jiu, why don’t you take a piss and look at yourself? With that appearance, you think you’re fit to be my master? People might think you’re some savage from the primitive forest.”
“Courting death.” Long Jiu erupted in fury, his face brimming with killing intent as he advanced on Ye Qiu.
Ye Qiu prepared to strike, but Master Longmei acted first, “Little brat, just like yesterday.”
With that, Master Longmei pulled a handful of thunder talismans from his sleeve—over a hundred—and tossed them into the air.
“Boom!”
Lightning crashed down wildly, engulfing Long Jiu.
The guests recoiled in fear.
Then, Master Longmei leapt into the air, bit his right index and middle fingers, formed a sword gesture, and drew a talisman midair.
“Heaven is potent, Earth is potent. Left resides the Southern Dipper, right resides the Seven Stars. Defy me and die, obey me and live. Nine Heavens Mysterious Thunder, urgent as the law commands!”
Soon, two streams of blood shot from his fingers, swirling in the air, forming a massive “Thunder” character.
Instantly, the sky darkened.
Three seconds later.
With a “boom,” five bolts of lightning, thick as buckets, struck from the five directions—east, south, west, north, and centre—all hitting Long Jiu.
After unleashing this, Master Longmei spewed blood from his mouth and plummeted from the sky.
Ye Qiu rushed to catch him, but Master Longmei shoved him away.
“Quick, strike with your sword. Kill Long Jiu!”
