Ye Qiu’s heart jolted.
“What does Master Kong Jian mean by this?”
“Is he testing me?”
“Or has he already figured out who I am?”
After a moment’s hesitation, Ye Qiu said, “To be honest, Master, Ye Wushuang is my father.”
As he spoke, Master Du E appeared behind him, catching the words.
“What? Benefactor Ye, you’re Ye Wushuang’s son?” Du E’s face was full of shock.
Ye Qiu gave a wry smile. “Because of my father, I’ve never spoken of my background to others.”
“No wonder I felt an instant connection with you, Benefactor Ye. You’re the heir of Benefactor Ye Wushuang. Blessings, blessings,” Master Kong Jian said.
“Though I reside far off in Dali, I’ve heard some whispers of that upheaval in the capital over twenty years ago.”
“I wish to know, where is Benefactor Ye Wushuang now?”
Ye Qiu replied, “I don’t know where my father is. After that turmoil twenty years ago, his fate became unclear, and there’s been no word since.”
“I see…”
Master Kong Jian fell into thought. After a pause, he said slowly, “Though I’m a monk, I’ve studied the art of physiognomy.”
“When Benefactor Ye Wushuang came here, I read his face.”
“His features were extraordinary—sharp brow, phoenix eyes, a nose like a rhinoceros. A rare visage of great destiny, meant to soar like a dragon, unmatched in the world. He was no short-lived man.”
“I believe Benefactor Ye Wushuang is likely still alive.”
Ye Qiu hurriedly asked, “Master, are you certain?”
Kong Jian pressed his palms together. “Amitabha. Monks do not lie.”
Joy surged in Ye Qiu’s heart. This wasn’t the first time he’d heard someone say Ye Wushuang was alive.
Master Longbrow had said something similar.
Qian Jinglan firmly believed it too.
Now, hearing Kong Jian’s words, Ye Qiu couldn’t help but wonder: If his father was truly alive, where was he?
Why had there been no sign for over twenty years?
Kong Jian continued, “The affairs of the world are born of our generation; once in the martial realm, time presses on.”
“In the last century, countless talents have risen, many renowned and brilliant.”
“But only four and a half men have earned my admiration.”
“The first is Master Xuyun.”
“Master Xuyun sought teachers and truths, meditated to enlightenment, revived ancient temples, promoted farming and Zen, spread Buddhist teachings, and benefited all beings. He was revered by Buddhists and laypeople alike.”
“The second is the great founder of our nation.”
“The third is Duke Zhou.”
“Their deeds are known to all—no need to elaborate.”
“The fourth is your father, Ye Wushuang.”
“Benefactor Ye Wushuang was the most gifted martial artist I’ve ever seen, like an unsheathed sword with an invincible aura.”
“Of course, Benefactor Ye, your talent is no less than his father’s. The young are formidable.”
“As for the half…”
Kong Jian paused, then said, “This one, you know, Benefactor Ye. The current head of Dragon Tiger Mountain, Master Longbrow.”
Master Longbrow?
Ye Qiu’s expression turned odd.
That unreliable old man—how could he earn a legendary monk’s respect?
Kong Jian said, “Though Master Longbrow leads a sect, he’s lively and sincere. His mastery of divination is unmatched, far surpassing my physiognomy.”
Ye Qiu wanted to ask, *Master, are you serious?*
*Sincere?*
*You must’ve never been swindled by him!*
Then again, Kong Jian was a supreme master. Even a rogue like Longbrow wouldn’t dare mess with him.
Kong Jian added, “Beyond martial arts, Benefactor Ye Wushuang was versed in Buddhist teachings.”
“I felt inferior in his presence.”
“Had I known you were his heir, there’d have been no need for tests—you could’ve viewed the sword manual directly.”
What?
The three trials were for nothing?
Ye Qiu felt a bit glum.
Kong Jian explained, “The three trials each had a purpose.”
“The first, opening the temple gate, tested cultivation.”
“The second, climbing the blade mountain, tested character.”
“The third, finding the one true cave among seven hundred twenty, tested fortune.”
“Oh, Du E, how did Benefactor Ye pass the third trial?”
This…
Du E’s face showed unease.
Kong Jian said, “Speak freely.”
Du E recounted exactly how Ye Qiu found the cave.
Kong Jian burst into laughter. “Using just a withered branch to find the true cave—Benefactor Ye, your fortune is profound, blessed with great destiny.”
“This gives me more confidence in you.”
He continued, “By principle, monks shouldn’t cling to desires, but the Six Meridians Divine Sword is Tianlong Temple’s sacred treasure. For generations, no one has fully mastered it.”
“Years ago, I tasked Du E with finding martial prodigies to study the manual. I hoped, before passing, to witness the complete sword technique.”
“Sadly, that wish remains unfulfilled.”
“I hope you, Benefactor Ye, can grasp the Six Meridians Divine Sword and let this old monk see its might.”
Ye Qiu replied promptly, “Rest assured, Master. I’ll give it my all.”
“I’ve said much—any more, and you might grow weary. Please, enter the tower.”
Kong Jian gestured invitingly.
“Thank you, Master.”
Ye Qiu stepped into the Tower of Enlightenment.
The first floor held no Buddha statues. A table was lined with countless spirit tablets, bearing the Dharma names of Tianlong Temple’s past masters.
Candles glowed along the walls.
Ye Qiu approached the table, knelt, and bowed three times to the tablets before rising.
“Amitabha,” Kong Jian said. “The Six Meridians Divine Sword has six forms.”
“From the second floor up, each level records one sword technique.”
“The manuals are carved on the walls.”
“Du E and I won’t accompany you. I hope you grasp the techniques soon and fulfill my wish.”
Ye Qiu suddenly said, “Master, when I arrived at Tianlong Temple, I heard news. Long Liu from the Forbidden City has emerged and is heading to Dali for revenge against me. I…”
Before he could finish, Kong Jian cut in, “No need to worry, Benefactor Ye. I won’t let anyone disturb your study.”
Ye Qiu added, “I have two friends…”
“Rest easy, Benefactor Ye. I’ll ensure your friends are safe,” Du E said.
“Then I thank you both.”
Ye Qiu bowed and climbed the stairs.
Just as he reached the second floor, his phone buzzed.
Checking it, he saw a text from Diao Chan, four words long:
“Long Liu is dead!”
