Urban Martial Saint

If it’s certain that Li Changshan did these things to the children, then without a doubt, the person who poisoned Li Changqing twenty years ago must have been Li Changshan as well.

However, Li Changshan poisoned Li Changqing twenty years ago for the position of Patriarch of the Li Family. But, twenty years later, he’s come to Shenchuan City to eliminate these children — for what reason? Could it be that he’s doing it to deal with Ye Qing? Yet, dealing with Ye Qing, what benefit does it bring him? Ye Qing not only poses no threat to his Li Family in Shenchuan City but can even help elevate the Li Family’s reputation. He’s still the head of the Li Family and can use Ye Qing’s name to expand the family’s prestige; it’s completely beneficial for him. In this situation, why would he still want to deal with Ye Qing?

Furthermore, why was this case involving two people? Li Changshan killed these dozen children, but afterward, those hundreds were killed by a Peak Master. Could it mean that a Peak Master is also entangled in this case? But who is this Peak Master and what is the relationship with Li Changshan? Is there someone else behind Li Changshan? And who might this person be?

Ye Qing was filled with confusion. Even though he found the murderer, his heart grew even heavier. He vaguely sensed falling into a large trap, yet troublesome as it was, he didn’t even know what the trap was. It seemed only by finding Li Changshan could this matter be investigated clearly.

Filled with gloom, eventually overwhelmed, Ye Qing rose and walked around the courtyard. Last night’s battle involving Helian Tiehua and the others left the estate outside entirely free from prying eyes, making the estate very safe now.

Ye Qing walked alone within the manor, circled twice, then prepared to return to his own courtyard when he happened to meet Fu Qingping face-to-face. Fu Qingping, as always, carried his longsword, apparently also wandering about the courtyard.

Having seen Fu Qingping in action last night, Ye Qing admired this senior a great deal. Upon seeing Fu Qingping, he hurriedly clasped hands in salute, ”Senior Fu.”

”Hehe...” Fu Qingping glanced at Ye Qing, suddenly chuckled, ”You’re Li Changqing’s disciple?”

”Indeed.” Ye Qing, slightly stunned, watched Fu Qingping, who seemed to recognize Li Changqing.

”Unexpectedly, upon emerging this time, I can meet Li Changqing’s disciple.” Fu Qingping sighed softly, ”Fifty years ago, I was close to your master’s father, Li Changqing also followed me for a few days in swordsmanship. Unfortunately, he never reached the end in the way of the sword. Otherwise, with his talent, he would certainly achieve great success in the Sword Dao!”

Ye Qing was astonished; he hadn’t expected Li Changqing to have studied martial arts under Fu Qingping. This explained why Li Bing’en was also versed in swordsmanship; it seemed Fu Qingping had taught them. In that sense, Fu Qingping could be considered Li Changqing’s master, meaning he was Ye Qing’s grandmaster.

”Junior pays respect to Grandmaster!” Ye Qing bent down to bow, but was helped up by Fu Qingping.

”Hahaha...” Fu Qingping laughed, ”In earlier years, these etiquette were popular, meeting and bowing heads. But in this era, it’s rather unsuitable. Although I’m somewhat old-fashioned, I indeed keep up with the times.”

Fu Qingping’s words made Ye Qing smile involuntarily, finding him sociable by nature. Ye Qing encountered several hermit masters alike, emerging to seize longevity opportunities, exhaustively scheming, doing anything possible. Yet Fu Qingping, upon emergence, not only helped fend off the Four Great Villains but remained mild with people, which was most admirable.

”Grandmaster had ties with my master’s family?” Ye Qing asked.

”You could say that, our Fu Family’s relationship with the Li Family began in my grandfather’s era.” Fu Qingping nodded, ”Earlier, I’d stay with the Li Family every three years or so. Young Changqing, I practically watched him grow up. Seeing him back then, I confidently judged his future achievement limitless. Who would’ve thought, he prematurely passed away, a true pity!”

Fu Qingping sighed repeatedly, clearly very sorrowful over Li Changqing’s death.

Ye Qing looked at Fu Qingping, suddenly thinking of Li Changshan. Given Fu Qingping’s connection with the Li Family and annually visiting for a period, he certainly knew Li Changshan as well. Perhaps, Fu Qingping understood Li Changshan’s character.

”Fortunately, the uncle is still alive; the Li Family’s lineage can continue!” Ye Qing cautiously spoke.

”You mean Li Changshan.” At the mention of his name, Fu Qingping’s eyes showed disdain. He shook his head, ”This man is utterly unfit as the head of the Li Family!”

While the disdain in Fu Qingping’s eyes was brief, Ye Qing captured it, discerning Fu Qingping had no regard for Li Changshan. Hence, Ye Qing’s previous suspicion might be accurate; Li Changshan certainly wasn’t as amicable as he appeared.

”The uncle’s skills may be lacking, but as the Li Family’s descendant, taking the head position in the master’s absence is reasonable. Moreover, aside from him, no one more suitable could lead the family!” Ye Qing further probed.

Fu Qingping deeply looked at Ye Qing, ”As the saying goes, like father, like son. I didn’t say Li Changshan’s skills are inadequate; however, certain matters can’t judge by appearances alone.”

Ye Qing mildly changed face; Fu Qingping’s words transparently conveyed a message. Evidently, Fu Qingping not only lacked favor for Li Changshan but deemed him unscrupulous. In Fu Qingping’s view, regardless of Li Changshan’s skills, disdain stemmed from his character.

If Fu Qingping asserted this before, Ye Qing would surely disagree. Yet after recent events, Ye Qing must acknowledge Li Changshan’s duplicitous nature!

”By the way, I heard you used Buddha’s Relic Sharira?” Fu Qingping suddenly shifted topic.

Ye Qing, clueless as to why Fu Qingping broached the matter, initially startled then affirmed, ”Yes, I used it once, during the duel with Corpse Ghost Dragon.”

Fu Qingping’s inquiry about Buddha’s Relic Sharira alerted Ye Qing somewhat. Could this Peak Master, ultimately swayed by absolute power, aim to possess Buddha’s Relic Sharira? If so, that’d be most regrettable!

”Wonderful!” Fu Qingping joyfully exclaimed, ”When you’re free, I’d like to discuss Buddha’s Relic Sharira with you.”

”Discuss… discuss what?” Ye Qing cautiously asked, suspecting Fu Qingping desired Buddha’s Relic Sharira.

”Discuss the power of Buddha’s Relic Sharira,” Fu Qingping said excitedly, ”There are tales that Ancestor Buddha Shakyamuni’s power nearly rivals the creator of Buddhist and Taoist Magic. The Buddhist and Taoist Magic traversed closest to longevity. My cultivation technique is considerably rooted in Buddhism. Understanding Ancestor Buddha’s Relic Sharira might benefit me, potentially revealing ways to extend lifespan. As one who wielded Buddha’s Relic Sharira, you know that power intimately!”

These words relieved Ye Qing; he thought Fu Qingping sought Buddha’s Relic Sharira, realizing he only intended to explore its power to enhance his strength. That’s no daunting request, as Ye Qing wielded Buddha’s Relic Sharira and harbored daily power from it matched against Devouring Demon Flower. Hence, he knew Buddha’s Relic Sharira’s power comprehensively.

”Who doesn’t fear death? I hid for over thirty years seeking longevity opportunities.” Fu Qingping sighed, ”If Buddha’s Relic Sharira aids me, all the better. Otherwise, I can only await the Heaven Earth Man Three Gates opening.”

Ye Qing looked at Fu Qingping, softly asked, ”Grandmaster, do you also intend to vie for entering Heaven Earth Man Three Gates?”

”Certainly not.” Fu Qingping smiled, shaking his head, ”An entrance into Heaven Earth Man Three Gates isn’t about vying; it’s providential. Historically, across millennia, entrants were individuals of profound fortune, not the strongest. Many plot heaven and earth for its entry, only to find emptiness. Such things I’ve long seen through. However, with Heaven Earth Man Three Gates imminently and fully opening, it’s a rare opportunity. Furthermore, it’s rumored when fully opened, Guiguzi’s highest Taoist Secret Technique shall resume revelation.”

At this, Fu Qingping’s eyes filled with hope, ”Taoist’s ultimate Secret Technique, aligning with longevity. If I could grasp even its fringes, it’d be enough to prolong life considerably!”

Listening thusly, Ye Qing admired Fu Qingping further. He differed starkly from other reclusive masters who used all means conceivable seeking immortality. Fu Qingping, however, remained serene, choosing what he could strive for, leaving all else to fate, a trait those people couldn’t compare to.