Urban Martial Saint

The question that Bloody Monk asked today has already been posed by many to Ye Qing. Ye Qing claimed that Fu Qingping was injured by The Immortal Lord at the Tomb of Ghost Valley Master, and now his injury has not yet healed, so he has not appeared.

This time, Ye Qing naturally gave the same answer to Bloody Monk. However, as he said this, his gaze slightly dodged. But fortunately, Bloody Monk didn’t notice these details. Upon hearing that Fu Qingping was injured, he sighed deeply, gaining a new understanding of the strength of a beyond peerless master.

After bidding farewell to Bloody Monk, Ye Qing finally left the courtyard and returned to his own residence.

Upon returning to the first floor, Ye Qing heard a piercing call. Looking closely, Old Chen was lying on the sofa, snoring, and clutching a bag of potato chips, apparently falling asleep while eating.

”This old fellow!” Ye Qing curled his lip but didn’t dare to wake Old Chen, as he was reluctant to listen to Old Chen’s rambling again.

He quietly went up to the second floor, and as he reached the staircase entrance, he saw someone sitting cross-legged in the second-floor living room, meditating and refining Qi. That person was none other than Fu Qingping.

Beside Fu Qingping, a few pieces of black clothing were scattered. Anyone seeing this black clothing would surely recognize it as the attire worn by the person who saved Wanyan Hongsheng earlier today!

Seeing the black clothes, Ye Qing was not surprised at all. Instead, he calmly walked over. When he got next to Fu Qingping, Fu Qingping seemed unaware of his presence, remaining seated cross-legged, eyes closed refining Qi, which surprised Ye Qing somewhat. However, seeing Fu Qingping so engrossed, Ye Qing chose not to disturb him, instead sitting nearby to wait.

In fact, the masked person in black clothes who rescued Wanyan Hongsheng was indeed Fu Qingping. Fu Qingping was nearly reaching beyond the pinnacle level, extremely powerful, able to repel Bloody Monk with one palm without difficulty.

Everything about Wanyan Hongsheng’s rescue was pre-arranged by Ye Qing, since he still needed to use the Wanyan Family for a greater purpose. Therefore, he did not directly kill Wanyan Hongsheng nor leave him here.

Moreover, Ye Qing knew the situation of the Wanyan Family well. Although the Wanyan Family was quite powerful, those underneath knew little about its affairs. Killing one or two people wouldn’t have a significant effect. However, if letting this person go could achieve a better effect, Ye Qing certainly wouldn’t kill him.

After about half an hour, Fu Qingping finally opened his eyes slowly. Turning to see Ye Qing, he softly smiled and said: ”This room is quite conducive; practicing the Innate Nine Diagrams here has yielded great results. I’ve practiced it once here, which has enhanced my perception of the Innate Nine Diagrams, moving me closer to the beyond the pinnacle level!”

”That’s good?” Ye Qing looked around the staircase entrance with surprise, saying: ”I feared that the snoring from downstairs would disturb you, Master Ancestor!”

”It’s all right; the snoring doesn’t bother me. In fact, it seems to accelerate my understanding of the Innate Skill.” Fu Qingping chuckled and said: ”I was worried about being distracted by the snoring when I arrived but found it spurred the operation of the Innate Skill once I sat down.”

”Ah? Such a thing?” Ye Qing exclaimed, ”The snoring has such an effect?”

”I don’t know why it happens,” Fu Qingping thought for a moment and said: ”I suppose it’s the realm of Forgetting Objects. External disturbances only make your cultivation more steadfast, without affecting you at all, forgetting material things and oneself, maintaining purity and focus!”

Ye Qing, not knowing much about this, was greatly shocked by Fu Qingping’s explanation. Apparently, Fu Qingping’s realm was indeed far stronger than he imagined. External dynamics not only don’t hinder his cultivation, but even aid him. Who knows when Ye Qing himself could reach such a level?

Fu Qingping stood up, took out a jade token from himself, and handed it to Ye Qing, saying: ”This item should be what you’re looking for.”

Ye Qing took the jade token, which was palm-sized with good craftsmanship, resembling the portable ornaments often used in the past. It merely had the word ”Dominate” inscribed on it, with no other notable features.

Ye Qing examined the jade token repeatedly and curiously asked: ”Does this token prove the Wanyan Family’s identity?”

”Few may recognize it, but this token definitely proves the identity of the Wanyan Family!” Fu Qingping looked at the token and said: ”I saw someone from the Wanyan Family early in my career, as he worked incognito outside. He carried a similar token. Later, I discovered that all high-ranking members of the Wanyan Family, working incognito, carry such a token to prove their identity. So, if necessary, even if others from Wanyan Family don’t recognize them, they can still use this token to prove their identity and mobilize the family’s power!”

”I see!” Ye Qing suddenly realized, clutching the jade token tightly, a gleam in his eye, saying: ”With this jade token, things will be much easier!”

Fu Qingping wasn’t as thrilled as Ye Qing, looking at him quietly and asking in a low voice: ”Do you really plan to make a move against the Sword Saint Sect?”

”If I don’t act against them, they’ll strike me sooner or later.” Ye Qing responded gravely: ”Since that’s the case, why not take the advantage and strike first?”

Fu Qingping sighed, knowing Ye Qing spoke the truth. But he remained apprehensive about the Sword Saint Sect, genuinely hoping Ye Qing wouldn’t make enemies with them. Yet, by now, avoiding conflict seemed impossible!

Seeing Fu Qingping’s demeanor, Ye Qing understood his concern and whispered: ”Master Ancestor, trust me. If the Sword Saint Sect doesn’t come for me, everything will be fine. If they do, I’ll proceed as planned!”

Fu Qingping remained silent, knowing if the Sword Saint Sect people do seek out Ye Qing, things couldn’t end peacefully. Hence, Ye Qing executing his plan appeared to be the best option.

Ye Qing noticed Fu Qingping’s worry and asked softly: ”Have you released the Wanyan Family member?”

”He’s been let go,” Fu Qingping replied: ”He hasn’t discovered my identity yet, but he suspects I’m with the Wanyan Family.”

At that point, Fu Qingping frowned suddenly and said seriously: ”Do you think the Wanyan Family might have other secretly hidden beyond pinnacle masters?”

”Hidden masters?” Ye Qing flinched, pondering that would complicate matters. Currently, known figures included The Immortal Lord and Corpse Ghost Dragon from the Wanyan Family. If there are other secretly hidden beyond pinnacle masters, it’d be a real headache. The Wanyan Family’s strength couldn’t be countered!

Fu Qingping analyzed further, ”From the appearance of the Wanyan Family member, even he seemed uncertain. When talking to me, it felt like he was also probing for information. Judging by his manner, he suspects I’m among the Wanyan Family yet hesitated to name anyone specifically, constantly testing me!” Fu Qingping paused and contemplated: ”Hence, I suspect the Wanyan Family has other hidden beyond pinnacle masters. That family member seems aware of this secret!”

Ye Qing took a deep breath, realizing Fu Qingping’s analysis was plausible. However, if such were the case, it magnifies the matter. Should the Wanyan Family have another beyond pinnacle master, it equates to having two such masters. Who could possibly handle them?

After a pause, Ye Qing gently lifted his head to gaze at Fu Qingping and declared: ”If that’s the case, then this plan must be executed at all costs.”

Fu Qingping remained silent, understanding Ye Qing’s intention. Considering the Wanyan Family’s status, he internally supported Ye Qing’s plan, though he still suspected it was risky. A slight error could end in disaster!

”Master Ancestor, everything is set. At noon tomorrow, the peak masters will return to Seven Steering Committees of Hong Alliance to discuss countermeasures against the alliance’s plan against the Wanyan Family.” Ye Qing said to Fu Qingping: ”In the evening, I intend to invite you over, under the guise of exploring the Returning Origin Technique, temporarily holding these people here.”

Fu Qingping didn’t respond immediately, merely observing Ye Qing, then asked softly: ”Tomorrow night, without me by your side, will you manage alone?”

Ye Qing smiled faintly, staring at the Taoist Sovereign at his wrist, glimmering with Qing Mang, saying confidently: ”No problem!”

Fu Qingping hesitated but held his silence in the end. He realized Ye Qing intended to exclude him from aiding him, effectively providing an ”alibi”. Ye Qing aimed to face the Sword Saint Sect single-handedly. Even if discovered by the Sword Saint Sect later, other people wouldn’t be implicated.

”Be cautious then!” Fu Qingping advised softly, although Ye Qing appeared confident, he couldn’t shake off his unease completely.

Ye Qing smiled lightly, ”Don’t worry, at worst the mission fails. But killing me isn’t going to be easy!”

Fu Qingping refrained from saying more, aware of Ye Qing’s statement. Given Ye Qing’s current condition, even Fu Qingping couldn’t kill him, let alone anyone else.