Urban Martial Saint

It was Ye Qing’s first time in Liaoshen City, so he had no idea where to find martial artists here, nor did he know whom to ask.

However, this was not a problem for Ye Qing. The members of the Northern Xingyi School back then were a faction from the north, and they were quite familiar with the local sects. Now, with the merger of the Northern and Southern Xingyi Schools into Xingyi School, all residing in Shenchuan City, the people of the Northern Xingyi School should know more about Liaoshen City.

Ye Qing immediately called Du Tianyi and briefly explained the situation here. Du Tianyi promptly contacted Du Yongwu, the former Sect Leader of the Northern Xingyi School, who had spent a long time in the north and was of course familiar with the situation here.

Du Yongwu had visited the Northern Li Family before, and upon hearing that Ye Qing was heading there, he quickly provided Ye Qing with their location. However, he added a note of caution: ”Mr. Ye, over these twenty years, the Northern Li Family has changed significantly. If you intend to go there, it’s best to be careful. Rumors outside suggest that Prince Nalan has anointed you as the rightful heir of Northern Fist King Third Master Li, completely disregarding the Northern Li Family. Many in the Northern Li Family are narrow-minded. I’m afraid they will harbor animosity towards you as well!”

Hearing this, Ye Qing was reminded of the time in the capital when Prince Nalan had seated him at the table, claiming he was the successor of Northern Fist King Third Master Li, thus deserving a seat. Now, it seemed Prince Nalan was setting him up for a fall. At the very least, the people of the Northern Li Family were hostile towards Ye Qing!

The situation of the Li Family was similar to that of the Shen Family, not located in the city center but in the suburbs of Liaoshen City, in a place called Dalin Tun. This Dalin Tun was relatively remote, with little nearby development. Thus, there were few luxury communities here, and even the roads were narrower than elsewhere.

The Shen Family’s situation was similar back then, with Shen Family Manor being in an undeveloped area with only the Shen Family residing in seclusion. The Shen Family’s standing in Xi Hang was so strong that no one dared disturb this martial arts family. It’s likely that the Li Family’s situation is the same, as such great families wield powerful influence. Although the Li Family’s reputation was not as bright as during Third Master Li’s time, an old monster never truly dies; locally, no one dared to bully them.

Old Wang Ba and Du Yongwu had warned Ye Qing, so he dared not recklessly intrude upon arriving at the Li Family. He circled the Li Family Courtyard several times to commit its layout to memory.

The Li Family Courtyard’s area was much larger than that of the Shen Family. The courtyard was even bigger than two high school campuses. Moreover, the buildings within the Li Family’s courtyard were much more luxurious than those of the Shen Family.

Most of the Shen Family Manor’s buildings were ancient structures left from decades ago, with a quaint style making the entire manor resemble an ancient village. In stark contrast, each house within the Li Family Courtyard resembled a villa, standing out boldly in such a secluded area.

Ye Qing observed the Li Family from the outside for a while, during which five vehicles entered, each worth no less than a million. Whether or not these cars belonged to the Li Family, one thing was certain: the lifestyle of the Li Family members was extremely luxurious. No wonder Du Yongwu said the Li Family today was different from before; Ye Qing had never seen such extravagance among martial arts families, making them appear like an upstart family.

Honestly, before arriving, hearing what Old Wang Ba and Du Yongwu said had disadvantaged Ye Qing’s impression of the Li Family. Now, witnessing their luxurious lifestyle firsthand, he was even more displeased.

In his later years, Third Master Li lived a life of destitution, having to farm for his sustenance, eventually dying in obscurity in a small mountain village. However, the Li Family lived in extravagance and even believed that Third Master Li had shamed the family, leaving him cast off in disdain. In comparison, the Li Family and Third Master Li couldn’t be more worlds apart!

Ye Qing watched the place for quite some time, until the early hours, yet the Li Family Courtyard remained brightly lit. Furthermore, as it got later, more vehicles arrived there. Ye Qing counted; since his arrival, over twenty luxury cars had entered the Li Family Courtyard. What in the world was going on with the Li Family, to be growing livelier as the night grew deeper? This was not how a martial arts family should be!

While Ye Qing was puzzled, he focused more on the people inside. According to Old Wang Ba, Third Master Li’s grandson was an idiot with an intellectual disability. Ye Qing was mainly trying to see if he could spot such a person, but after watching for so long, he found nothing.

Ye Qing had planned to stealthily sneak into the Li Family late in the night for a closer look. Yet, even by 2 AM, the Li Family Courtyard remained brightly lit, with laughter emanating from within, indicating it only grew more lively as it got later, forcing Ye Qing to abandon the idea. It seemed hoping to sneak in undetected while they slept was nearly impossible.

Moreover, Ye Qing had spent a whole sleepless night waiting here, and he was starting to feel sleepy. So, reluctantly, Ye Qing decided to return to the hotel in the city to rest for the night.

By the time he returned to the city, it was about 4 AM, and even the hotel lobby staff had dozed off. Fortunately, the hotel’s main entrance was freely accessible, and Ye Qing did not disturb the staff, heading directly to his room. Just as he was about to open the door, he abruptly paused, noticing signs indicating the door to his room had been tampered with.

Ye Qing immediately became alert. Few knew of his arrival in Liaoshen, making it unlikely someone was pursuing him here. Moreover, he had not revealed his identity, and the Li Family didn’t know he was around. In such circumstances, who was secretly watching him and even entered his room?

After a moment’s pause, Ye Qing pushed open the door and went inside. He knew if someone was indeed targeting him, that person would be watching from the shadows. Lingering too long would surely raise the other’s guard.

Ye Qing carried the bomb detector given to him by King of Explosives, capable of detecting most bombs worldwide. The device remained silent, indicating there were no bombs in the room, so Ye Qing felt secure. His main concern was discovering who was observing him and their intentions.

Upon entering the room, Ye Qing quickly glanced around. There were signs of certain areas having been searched. However, it was clear the intruder was quite skilled, as one wouldn’t notice the tampering without close inspection. If it wasn’t for Ye Qing’s exceptional vigilance, an ordinary person would probably miss it.

Ye Qing took out his phone, adjusted a few settings, and walked around the room, ensuring there were no surveillance devices installed, finally relaxing a little.

After sitting and thinking carefully, he concluded that the intruder entered before his return, indicating no intention of direct confrontation. Furthermore, since no bombs or traps were planted, the intruder was not aiming to take his life. Additionally, no surveillance was installed, suggesting no intent to monitor him. Leading Ye Qing to deduce the intruder’s motive was likely theft.

Concerning what to steal, it was clear: the Seven-Star Ancient Sword Ye Qing carried was one of the Seven Keys of Heaven, Earth, and Man. Many outside sought to snatch this sword, some lacking the ability, resorting to theft as their only tool.

However, this person had real audacity, daring to steal from Ye Qing. This was seeking excitement. With such skills, they could be considered first-rate thieves. But in front of Ye Qing, these tricks were insufficient.

Realizing someone was targeting his Seven-Star Ancient Sword, Ye Qing remained unbothered, as if unaware. After resting half a day in the room, regaining his energy, he had lunch. Rejuvenated, Ye Qing left the hotel to purchase a backpack and baseball cap from a nearby supermarket.

Since entering the Li Family at night was impossible, Ye Qing decided to try during the day. Naturally, he wasn’t confident enough to break into the Li Family outright, even though it no longer held the same domineering presence without Third Master Li alive. Nevertheless, this was still Li Family’s territory. Ye Qing only wanted to locate the fool and take him away.

Having visited last night, Ye Qing was now familiar with the area. He hired a vehicle to a point ten miles from the Li Family, where local people could still be found. Ye Qing was unsure how the Li Family’s guards operated but knew approaching too closely with a vehicle would arouse suspicion, as even locals seldom ventured near.

After getting out, Ye Qing donned the backpack and baseball cap he had bought earlier and gradually walked towards the Li Family via the trail. His attire made him look like an out-of-town visitor. In this way, even if the Li Family noticed him, they’d see him only as a lost tourist.