Ye Qiu was stunned, unable to believe this tomb belonged to the Dragon Clan’s ancestor.
But soon, he came to terms with it.
If not for the Dragon Clan, how could anyone find such a prime feng shui location?
If not for the Dragon Clan, how could anyone afford a top-grade white jade coffin?
Moreover, the ambitious people of the Forbidden City, their actions showed their ancestors must have been formidable figures, or they wouldn’t claim to be the best in the world.
Dragon Three continued, “Over twenty years ago, you heard about that upheaval in the capital, right?”
Master Long Eyebrows quickly asked, “Third Master, are you referring to Ye Wushuang?”
“Exactly,” Dragon Three’s eyes flashed with a cold glint, “After that upheaval twenty years ago, we in the Forbidden City received word that our ancestor’s tomb had been raided by tomb robbers.”
“My elder brother was furious and sent me to deal with it.”
“I rushed here, entered the tomb, and found it had been completely looted by the thieves.”
“Fortunately, our ancestor’s coffin remained untouched.”
Dragon Three said, “I was injured at the time, so I didn’t return to the Forbidden City immediately. Instead, I stayed here to recover.”
“But one night, another group of tomb robbers came.”
“I killed every one of those wretched thieves.”
“Because my injuries were severe, and I exerted myself greatly in killing them, I lacked the strength to leave the tomb.”
“So, I stayed here for a while, until my injuries improved, then returned to the Forbidden City.”
“Upon my return, I found my elder brother and the others had gone into seclusion.”
“After staying in the Forbidden City for a time, I came back here.”
Master Long Eyebrows asked, puzzled, “Why?”
Dragon Three replied, “Two reasons. First, I was concerned more tomb robbers might come.”
“Second, since you’ve reached this place, you must have felt the heavy yin energy here. Staying here aids my cultivation.”
That explained it.
Master Long Eyebrows’ face showed sudden understanding, then he said, “Third Master, I have one more question, if you’d be so kind as to clarify.”
Dragon Three said, “Speak!”
Master Long Eyebrows said, “Forgive my bluntness, but when we first saw you, Third Master, you appeared dead, with no trace of life. How did you come back to life moments later?”
Dragon Three smiled faintly, “Long Eyebrows, have you heard of the Turtle Breath Technique?”
“I have,” Master Long Eyebrows replied, “The Turtle Breath Technique, also known as the Turtle Breath True Stability Skill, is a top-tier internal martial art from the Wudang Taoist school. When mastered, it can extend life by a hundred years. When active, the practitioner appears lifeless, without any breath. But I heard this divine skill was long lost…”
Master Long Eyebrows paused, suddenly realizing something, and looked at Dragon Three in shock, “Third Master, have you practiced the Turtle Breath Technique?”
Dragon Three said proudly, “Indeed, because I mastered the Turtle Breath Technique, I’ve been sitting here for over a decade.”
Over a decade?
Master Long Eyebrows was stunned, realizing Dragon Three had perfected the Turtle Breath Technique to an extraordinary degree.
Unable to gauge Dragon Three’s strength, Master Long Eyebrows dared not linger, fearing Dragon Three might strike at any moment.
With this in mind, Master Long Eyebrows said respectfully, “I never expected to meet Third Master here, truly a fateful encounter.”
“Third Master, since this is the Dragon Clan’s ancestral tomb, we won’t overstay.”
“I bid you farewell!”
Master Long Eyebrows shot Ye Qiu a look and turned to leave.
“Stop!” Dragon Three’s voice boomed.
Master Long Eyebrows’ expression shifted slightly. He turned back, smiling, “Third Master, any further instructions?”
Dragon Three said, “I was waiting here for my elder brother and the others, but instead, you arrived.”
“Long Eyebrows, I know a bit about Dragon Tiger Mountain. It’s been declining for years. If this continues, it might soon be struck from the Taoist ranks.”
“How about I help you restore Dragon Tiger Mountain’s glory, make you the head of all Taoist sects, and let it flourish under your leadership?”
Master Long Eyebrows was taken aback.
Dragon Tiger Mountain had no ties with the Forbidden City, so why did Dragon Three’s words carry a hint of goodwill?
Master Long Eyebrows wasn’t naive. He knew Dragon Three’s offer came with a price.
Having navigated the martial world for years, he understood human nature well. Instead of refusing outright, he said, “Thank you for your kindness, Third Master. What can I do for you?”
Dragon Three laughed, “Long Eyebrows, you’re a clever man. I like dealing with clever men…”
Pfft!
Suddenly, Dragon Three spat out a mouthful of blood.
“Third Master, are you alright?” Master Long Eyebrows asked with concern.
“Don’t worry, I won’t die just yet,” Dragon Three said, “My old injuries never fully healed, and later, while cultivating here, I encountered problems. Now I’m stuck here, unable to move.”
“I was waiting for my elder brother to come take me away, but you arrived instead.”
“Long Eyebrows, I can help you restore Dragon Tiger Mountain’s glory, but I have one condition, you must take me out of here.”
Master Long Eyebrows hesitated, “This…”
“What, you’re unwilling?” Dragon Three’s words carried a hint of menace.
Master Long Eyebrows smiled, “Don’t misunderstand, Third Master. It’s just that I came here at the Nether King Hall’s invitation. Besides, their people are still here, so I can’t decide on my own.”
Dragon Three glanced at Ye Qiu and the others, asking, “Which of you is from the Nether King Hall?”
“I am,” Tang Fei spoke up.
Dragon Three said, “Take me out of the tomb and escort me back to the capital. I promise, if the Nether King Hall faces any trouble in the future, the Forbidden City will help you resolve it.”
“And you,” he looked at Uncle Mountain Guard, “didn’t you like my sword? It’s yours.”
Dragon Three tossed the longsword to Uncle Mountain Guard, then looked at Ye Qiu, “Will you take me out of the tomb?”
“I won’t let you down.”
“If you agree to take me out, you can join the Forbidden City.”
“You should know, once you’re part of the Forbidden City, no one in the world would dare cross you.”
Ye Qiu quickly said, “I’d be honored to join the Forbidden City, but Senior, may I examine your injuries? I’m a doctor, skilled in medicine.”
“Really?” Dragon Three’s eyes held doubt.
Master Long Eyebrows, guessing Ye Qiu’s intent, said, “Third Master, don’t let this young man’s age fool you. He’s the greatest medical sage in Chinese medicine in three hundred years, with exceptional skills.”
“You know the Witch God of Miaojiang, right?”
“The Witch God had issues from his cultivation that went unresolved for years. Recently, this young man was invited to Miaojiang, treated the Witch God, and not only healed his injuries but restored his strength. He even cultivated ten strands of true qi, stepping one foot into the path of immortality.”
“Oh?” Dragon Three’s face showed shock, and he urged, “Young man, if your medical skills are that impressive, come check on me.”
“If you can heal my injuries, I’ll take you as my direct disciple.”
Ye Qiu’s face lit up, “Thank you, Third Master.”
With that, he quickly stepped forward to Dragon Three’s side.
