Between heaven and earth, a deathly silence reigned — only Ye Qiu’s words echoed in everyone’s ears.
“The Forbidden City — nothing more…”
Ye Qiu, hands behind his back, strode to Long Si’s body, yanking the Emperor Sword from his heart — then swung it down.
Pfft!
Long Si’s head fell.
Strands of blood dripped along the Emperor Sword to the ground — moments later, not a trace of blood remained on the blade, its cold light gleaming.
Ye Qiu turned, approaching the bodies of Long Qi and Long Ba — two more swings.
Pfft!
Pfft!
Two heads flew, accompanied by a rain of blood.
It was a horrifying scene — everyone felt a chill run through them — those with weaker nerves fainted on the spot from Ye Qiu’s methods.
Ye Qiu’s face was stern, gripping the Emperor Sword, peerless and commanding.
Time froze in that moment.
The guests stood like clay statues, staring at Ye Qiu — forgetting even to breathe.
“He — he killed three people from the Forbidden City?”
“It’s over — this has gone too far.”
“The Forbidden City will never let Ye Qiu go — nor spare Dragon Gate.”
“I have a feeling a storm of blood is coming…”
Moments later, the guests snapped out of it, murmuring anxiously.
“Bang!”
Ye Qiu kicked — Long Ba’s head flew to the memorial hall’s entrance.
He then kicked Long Si’s and Long Qi’s heads, arranging the three in a line.
Blood dripped.
Though dead, their six eyes remained open.
Unable to rest in peace.
“So strong,” Han Long muttered, clenching his fists, struggling to control his emotions.
“Long Si cultivated seven strands of true qi — yet Ye Qiu killed him with ease — his martial talent is astounding — given a few years, he could become the top master on the God List,” Qinglong said quietly.
Qilin added, “The Forbidden City won’t give Ye Qiu time to grow.”
Zhao Hu sighed, “Indeed — the sect leader killed three from the Forbidden City today — they’ll be furious — Dragon Gate must prepare for battle.”
Cao Qingcheng said, “Fortunately, the other old monsters from the Forbidden City haven’t emerged yet — we have some breathing room.”
“But after sending off big brother, we need to make preparations to counter the Forbidden City’s moves.”
“I have a feeling this war won’t be far off.”
Qinglong nodded in agreement.
Not far away, Su Luoying’s beautiful eyes were fixed on Ye Qiu, filled with admiration — his dominance thrilled her — this was a true titan of a man!
“Incredible.”
Su Xiaoxiao also stared at Ye Qiu, her chest heaving, shocked as she said, “He’s so young, yet so skilled — in a few years, he might be unmatched in the world.”
She glanced at Su Luoying.
Seeing her sister’s eyes on Ye Qiu, brimming with tenderness, Su Xiaoxiao felt conflicted.
Should I compete with her?
At the memorial hall’s entrance.
Long Eyebrow muttered, “My goodness — good thing I didn’t mess with that little rascal, or he’d have killed me.”
He checked the time and shouted, “Ye Qiu, it’s time.”
Ye Qiu ordered, “Begin the ceremony!”
Long Eyebrow nodded, proceeding with the farewell ceremony.
Soon, mournful music filled the air.
The scene sank into a sorrowful atmosphere.
After Long Eyebrow recited Cao Yuan’s life story, the guests entered the memorial hall one by one — amidst the music, they approached Cao Yuan’s body, stood in silence, bowed three times, and shook hands with Su Xiaoxiao, Ye Qiu, and others.
Among the guests was a middle-aged Taoist in a grey robe, holding a whisk.
After paying respects to Cao Yuan, he approached Ye Qiu, bowed, and said, “Immeasurable Heavenly Venerate — this humble Taoist is Shang Ling from Wudang Mountain — greetings, Sect Leader Ye.”
Ye Qiu quickly returned the courtesy, saying, “Reverend, you’ve travelled far to Miaojiang to send off Jiu Qiansui — this junior is deeply grateful — I’ll surely visit Wudang Mountain someday.”
“Sect Leader Ye is too polite — Lord Cao was a hero of our time — his untimely passing saddens heaven and earth — it’s my honour to send him off,” Shang Ling said. “I came not only to bid farewell to Lord Cao but also for another matter.”
Ye Qiu said, “Please speak, Reverend.”
Shang Ling said, “Before I left, my master repeatedly urged that Sect Leader Ye must visit Wudang Mountain as a guest.”
Ye Qiu asked, “Who is your master?”
Shang Ling replied, “My master is Master Chongxu.”
Ye Qiu’s heart jolted.
Master Chongxu, the current head of Wudang Mountain, ranked second on the Dragon List — in the past Dragon List contest, Long Eyebrow lost to him, settling for third.
Moreover, Chongxu was the leading figure in the Taoist world, his prestige surpassing Long Eyebrow’s.
This was mainly because Long Eyebrow was unreliable, often doing shameless things — plus, Dragon Tiger Mountain was no longer as glorious as before — so his reputation in the martial world fell short of Chongxu’s.
Ye Qiu immediately said, “Please convey to your master that this junior will visit Wudang Mountain when I have time.”
Shang Ling asked, “Sect Leader Ye, when might you have time?”
Ye Qiu: “…”
It was just a polite remark — yet Shang Ling pressed for specifics.
Long Eyebrow cursed nearby, “Fool!”
“Can’t you tell the little rascal’s words? He’s got no time for your Wudang Mountain.”
“Besides, what’s so great about meeting that old ox-nose Chongxu?”
Shang Ling, as if not hearing Long Eyebrow, said earnestly to Ye Qiu, “Before I came, my master foresaw that Sect Leader Ye, newly leading Dragon Gate, must have many matters to handle and likely can’t visit Wudang soon.”
“But my master also said Wudang Mountain has a fated connection with you — he hopes you’ll visit sooner — at that time, Wudang’s scripture pavilion will be open to you for three days.”
“What? That ox-nose Chongxu is opening the scripture pavilion?” Long Eyebrow exclaimed, then warned Ye Qiu, “Little rascal, don’t go to Wudang — that ox-nose Chongxu’s up to no good.”
“What’s wrong?” Ye Qiu asked, puzzled.
Long Eyebrow said, “Wudang’s scripture pavilion hasn’t been opened for sixty years — Chongxu opening it for you for three days is too unusual.”
“As the saying goes, anything unusual hides a demon.”
“Don’t go.”
Shang Ling said, “Wudang bears no ill will toward Sect Leader Ye — my master’s invitation is sincere — I hope you’ll visit soon.”
Ye Qiu noticed Shang Ling’s frank demeanor and clear gaze — clearly a man without deceit, unlikely to lie.
“Please tell your master I’ll make time to visit Wudang,” Ye Qiu said, then, fearing another question about timing, added, “Within one to three months, I’ll definitely visit Wudang Mountain.”
“Excellent — thank you, Sect Leader Ye,” Shang Ling bowed and left the memorial hall.
Ye Qiu watched Shang Ling’s retreating figure, his mind filled with doubts.
As Long Eyebrow said, Wudang opening its scripture pavilion for him was highly unusual.
What was Master Chongxu’s purpose in inviting him to Wudang?
