Treasure map!
Hearing those words, Ye Qiu’s heart jolted. He immediately thought of the treasure map the ghost servant had given him.
At this very moment, he still carried half of that map, which he’d obtained from the tomb of an unnamed master in the northwest.
Ye Qiu asked, “Third Uncle, what exactly does that treasure map lead to? Why did it bring such disaster upon my father?”
Ye Wudi shook his head. “I don’t know. All I heard from your father was that the map concerns a world-shaking secret.”
A world-shaking secret?
Ye Qiu was even more stunned. From the moment the ghost servant handed him the incomplete map, he’d sensed its extraordinary nature. But he never imagined it was the very thing that led to Ye Wushuang being surrounded and killed.
“The one who first called you a ‘calamity star’ was the capital’s divine fortune-teller, Zhuge Qing, known for his ironclad predictions.”
“But Zhuge Qing, at the end of the day, is just a fortune-teller. No matter how famous he is, he wouldn’t have the guts to challenge your father on his own.”
“So, there must have been someone behind Zhuge Qing.”
“I suspect the one pulling his strings came from the Forbidden City. The old man and I have been investigating in secret for years, but we’ve never found solid evidence.”
Ye Wudi continued, “None of that matters now. What’s important is that you can’t reveal your identity until you have the strength to protect yourself.”
“Right now, only the old man, me, and Shadow know who you are. You must keep yourself safe.”
“As for that kid Bai Yujing, leave him alone for now. Don’t provoke Long Qi into acting again. He’s already been expelled from the Underworld Palace by the War God—he can’t stir up much trouble.”
Ye Wudi’s eyes filled with sorrow as he added, “All these years, there’s been no word from your father. We don’t even know if he’s alive or dead. Sigh…”
Seeing Ye Wudi’s grief, Ye Qiu quickly changed the subject. “Third Uncle, my mom told me you were jealous of my father? And Second Uncle didn’t like him either?”
“Of course I was jealous. You have no idea how incredible your father was. He was like a star in the sky, outshining everyone. If he were still alive, when you saw him again, you’d understand his brilliance.”
Ye Wudi’s eyes shone with deep admiration as he spoke.
“Especially that night when it all happened—your father, with one sword and clad in white, was unstoppable, like a god of war. He struck fear into his enemies’ hearts.”
“It’s a lifelong regret that I couldn’t fight alongside him.”
“Second Brother used to be a spoiled playboy, planning to coast through life. After your father’s incident, he turned over a new leaf and started a business.”
“Through years of effort, Second Brother amassed immense wealth and has long held the title of Huaguo’s richest man.”
“With the old man’s political influence, Second Brother’s wealth, and my martial prowess, that’s how the Ye family has managed to stand firm. Otherwise, those people and families your father killed back then would’ve come after us long ago.”
“Ye Qiu, I know you want to avenge your father. We do too. But this isn’t something to rush. The old man’s been planning for over twenty years—he doesn’t mind waiting a few more.”
“What you need to do now is build your strength.”
“Understand this: in the face of overwhelming power, all schemes and tricks become meaningless, and even the strongest foes crumble.”
Ye Wudi looked deeply at Ye Qiu and said, “Compared to your peers, you’re already exceptional.”
“Whether your father’s alive or not, I believe he’d be proud of you.”
“Ye Qiu, I have high hopes for you!”
“Thank you, Third Uncle,” Ye Qiu said gratefully.
Ye Wudi smiled. “I’ve given my phone number to Bai Bing. If you need me in the future, just call me directly. I’ve got some things to handle, so I’ll head out now.”
“Mm,” Ye Qiu nodded.
As Ye Wudi reached the door, he suddenly turned back and said, “Since ancient times, beauties have been a source of trouble. Stop flirting around—too many women bring headaches.”
“A hero’s spirit can be buried in tender affection. Don’t let women sap your fighting will.”
“Keep that in mind.”
“Got it,” Ye Qiu replied casually.
Though Ye Wudi always wore a stern face, once he started talking, he could ramble on.
“Good that you know,” Ye Wudi said, one foot already out the door. Then he turned back again. “Think about what the War God mentioned.”
“What thing?” Ye Qiu asked, confused.
“Becoming Old Tang’s grandson-in-law,” Ye Wudi said. “I’ve met Old Tang’s granddaughter—she’s beautiful and talented. You two would be a great match.”
Ye Qiu glared at Ye Wudi.
How could you even say that?
Didn’t you just tell me to avoid women? And now you’re setting me up with someone?
“The old man’s keen on making this match happen too. Give it some thought!” With that, Ye Wudi left.
Not long after, Bai Bing returned.
She carried a takeout box with plain porridge and smiled at Ye Qiu. “Your wounds haven’t healed yet, so you can only have liquids for now. Let me help you up to eat some porridge.”
Ye Qiu laughed, “No need to help—I can get up myself…”
“You’re not moving!” Bai Bing sternly interrupted. “What if your wounds tear open? I’ll help you.”
Like a gentle wife, Bai Bing carefully propped Ye Qiu up, placing two pillows behind his back before sitting by the bed to patiently feed him the porridge.
As Ye Qiu ate, his eyes stayed fixed on Bai Bing.
Feeling shy, Bai Bing asked, “Why are you staring at me?”
“You’re beautiful,” Ye Qiu said earnestly.
Bai Bing’s cheeks flushed, and she playfully scolded, “Smooth talker, full of sweet words.”
“I’m not just sweet-talking. I mean it from the heart,” Ye Qiu said softly. “Sister Bing, I missed you.”
Hearing those words, Bai Bing’s hand trembled, spilling porridge onto Ye Qiu’s clothes.
“I’ll wipe it off,” she said quickly, setting the bowl aside and grabbing a tissue to clean him up.
Ye Qiu caught her hand, his voice tender with concern. “Sister Bing, you’ve gotten thinner.”
“Have I?” Bai Bing smiled. “Don’t you men prefer thinner women?”
Ye Qiu shook his head. “I liked you the way you were… Sister Bing, are you still a 36D?”
Bai Bing’s face turned bright red. She shot him a look. “You’re shameless.”
By then, Ye Qiu had already reached out, aiming for a certain spot on her body.
Bai Bing swatted his hand away. “No fooling around—your injuries haven’t healed yet. Oh, right, Ye Qiu—did the War God and the others tell you about Elder Longmei?”
“That old geezer? Is he okay?” Ye Qiu asked.
Bai Bing’s expression grew heavy. She said in a low voice, “Elder Longmei’s condition is bad. I’m afraid he doesn’t have much time left.”
