Chapter 639

After understanding these, Ye Qin immediately began to fuse and optimize.

Now he can vaguely control some of it, which makes him feel increasingly wondrous; perhaps one day he will uncover the secret of the Diamond Bracelet.

However, Ye Qin still respectfully thanked Hong Qigong. After all, if not for Hong Qigong's fulfillment, his techniques would not know when they could evolve.

"Senior Seven, thank you this time!" Hong Qigong truly deserves his respect. Though born a beggar, he harbors righteousness, repeatedly gathering enemy intelligence, with Beggar Sect disciples spread across the world, playing an irreplaceable role.

What makes Ye Qin even more grateful is that Hong Qigong, unlike many cold and aloof masters, remains affable and approachable, never bullying the weak; on Qin Lake, he is among the few righteous and prominent figures.

"You little brat, got something?" Hong Qigong startled, asked, "I merely explained the essence of the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms once, and you already grasped it?"

Know that he only explained it once. Moreover, for Ye Qin to comprehend something at such a young age in such a short time—this talent is simply terrifying.

Hong Qigong watched, his heart stirred, unable to resist urging: "Little brat, want to quit office and become my disciple? After two years familiarizing with the Beggar Sect, you'll take over as sect leader. This way, your fortune won't be lost, and may even surpass the national fortune you gained from that post in the Royal City Directorate."

The more he looked, the more he felt Ye Qin should be his successor. Such talent, if given to another, would be wasted.

Look, just like Huang Yaoshi, one of the Five Absolutes of Innate, his few disciples also achieved nothing.

Southern Emperor One Lamp Master and Western Poison Ouyang Feng are also not good masters. As for Wang Chongyang, look at the conduct of the Seven Masters of Quanzhen—you'll know he's also not a good master.

Ye Qin, though moved, still shook his head: "Senior Seven, I appreciate your kindness, but you know I currently serve in the Royal City Directorate, where the court treats me well. With powerful enemies eyeing us covetously and corrupt officials causing chaos within, how could I leave without worry?"

The court actually also has grand ambitions, merely lacking the power to change the status quo. Since I came into this world, I naturally wish to aid him with all my strength, to accomplish his great undertaking.

Please do not hastily deny me. The Great Song's current state is not solely the emperor's fault, but the accumulated problems of several generations of emperors. Of course, the reasons are very complex.

However, I feel the Great Song's commercial prosperity is also one of the emperor's merits. He is not completely ignorant, nor has he done nothing.

If Qin Shi Huang and Yang Guang were of the same kind, their policies were harmful in the present but beneficial for a thousand years; then today's emperor and Li Shimin are of the same kind, but he lacks Li Shimin's opportunity. The dynasty has endured to this day, with some things already deeply rooted, relying only on scholar-officials to jointly govern the realm. Even if one wishes to change, it is extremely difficult.

"You really think that way?" Hong Qigong frowned; though loyal to the Great Song, he harbors no good feelings toward the Zhao Song emperor.

"Yes!" Ye Qin nodded without hesitation, then explained, "Actually, I do this not only for the emperor, but also for myself. After all, having an identity makes things much easier to accomplish, and yields more resources.

Another point is, I want to do something for the common people of this era. Others blame me as a heartless demon who slaughters villages and mountains without hesitation. But I feel this is the best reckoning for all under heaven."

Hong Qigong was stunned by Ye Qin's words, remained silent for a long time, then helplessly sighed: "Fine, if you don't come, then forget it. After all, I also hope to see the day when all under heaven live in peace and the people dwell happily. I just don't know if I'll live to see it."

"It will surely happen." Ye Qin nodded and smiled, "Senior Seven, your body is still strong. If you could break through the Innate Realm and reach a higher level, perhaps your lifespan would increase."

Speaking of this, Hong Qigong held no hope, shook his head and sighed: "What is a higher level? No one knows. With my old beggar's talent and age, I fear there is no hope."

"Senior Seven, you..." Ye Qin still wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Hong Qigong: "Come on, let's go to Mount Song to see what those bald donkeys of Shaolin are up to!"

In the Mount Song area, due to Shaolin's desire to reopen the mountain gate, martial artists from all over gathered, merchants came and went continuously. However, as martial artists assembled, disputes among the major sects flared up again, putting Shaolin under great pressure. After all, the original agreement was now unilaterally broken by Shaolin, undoubtedly making them enemies of the Qin Lake sects, major powers, and aristocratic families; in short, they want a share of the incense, to compete for offerings.

"Everyone must prepare countermeasures; the Qin Lake people come with great force, will not give up easily, requiring us to unite and resolve this!" The Shaolin abbot instructed each courtyard to stand united, after all, reopening the mountain gate was a joint decision of all courtyards, and with the Bodhidharma Courtyard leading, Du Zhen became the main figure, and the Shaolin abbot also gladly nurtured this talent.

Du Zhen pondered for a moment, firmly stated: "Everyone rest assured, since I proposed the suggestion to reopen the mountain gate, I have already made the mental preparation."

"Then good!" The many elder monks, hearing this, breathed a sigh of relief; if truly targeted by the martial world's sects, Shaolin would be finished.

At this moment, in a small town at the foot of Mount Song, Ye Qin, Huang Rong, and Hong Qigong checked into an inn. Looking around, the inn bustled with people, mostly Qin Lake men carrying knives and swords.

"Hmph, Shaolin has great audacity, daring to reopen the mountain gate now—do they not take us seriously?" A purple-robed man said coldly, face full of anger.

Coincidentally, Ye Qin passed by, saw this familiar face, and couldn't help but coldly chuckle: "Chief Qiu, little did I expect the world to be so small, to meet you here."

This purple-robed man is precisely Qiu Qianren, Chief of the Iron Palm Sect. After the Capital Tragedy ended two months ago, he, as chief, also suffered severe injuries; though his postnatal perfection cultivation is profound, he nearly lost his life; after two months of rest, he has finally regained some mobility. If not for Shaolin's current mischief, he wouldn't have come out. Ye Qin also didn't expect to meet Qiu Qianren here—truly, enemies meet on a narrow path!

After the Capital Tragedy, Ye Qin, as that veiled expert who comprehended sword intent, became famous far and wide; even those slightly versed in martial arts know that the one who injured Qiu Qianren at the Zhao Prince's mansion is none other than Ye Qin, Deputy Director of the Royal City Directorate.

Qiu Qianren had been depressed over this, his pair of iron sand palms actually inferior to a demon's—where to go for justice?

Upon hearing Ye Qin's voice, Qiu Qianren thought he had misheard; after all, Ye Qin's reputation is ill, and here in Shaolin territory on Mount Song, with Qin Lake martial artists gathered, he ought not to dare come here.

However, turning his head, locking eyes with Ye Qin, he couldn't help but tremble all over; previously injured by Ye Qin in the Capital, he has not yet fully recovered. He forced a smile: "So it's Governor Qin, truly fated!"

If he had not fought Ye Qin, he might still think his iron sand palms could sweep the world invincible, even teach Ye Qin a lesson. But now, his heart is filled with dread.

Ye Qin glanced at him, coldly chuckled: "It is fate, alas, an evil fate. Last time Chief Qiu still wanted to lecture me; I don't know if he has such thoughts this time."

Teach him again? Qiu Qianren's face stiffened, he secretly groaned. He thought, if you hadn't comprehended sword intent, I might still have this idea, but now, who knows who will teach whom. Though he is arrogantly self-assured, believing his iron sand palms invincible, yet he stumbled upon Ye Qin and fell. Seeing Ye Qin's unfriendly tone, Qiu Qianren hastily dropped his arrogant demeanor, apologetically smiling: "Governor Qin, you jest; I am but a small sect minor figure—how dare I lecture you? If you don't disdain, shall we sit and share a cup of tea?"

But that smile of his is uglier than crying.

Ye Qin looked at him disdainfully, coldly said: "Forget tea. If Chief Qiu is willing to spar with this official, that would be even better. I am petty; I lost face at the Zhao Prince's mansion initially, lacked the ability to regain it, now I feel my strength has improved, so..."

He paused, the rest unsaid, but Qiu Qianren already guessed. He felt depressed, thinking, Zhao Prince's mansion you lost face? Then the one who ended up injured like a bloody person—could that be me faking it?

Ye Qin's words made him extremely depressed; he had already lowered himself to apologize with a smile, yet Ye Qin gave him no face at all. Does he still want face?

Thus, staring at Ye Qin's cold face, Qiu Qianren's mind heated, he coldly replied: "Since Governor Qin wishes to spar with this seat, if this seat does not accept, would it not invite ridicule?"

In anger and defeat, he still agreed. Ye Qin satisfiedly nodded, lightly said: "Good, then I'll wait for you later at the open ground behind the town behind Mount Song."

After speaking, he first went with Hong Qigong and Huang Rong to settle in the inn. That rear hill is not Mount Song, just a wasteland plain.

Hong Qigong was somewhat puzzled, after going upstairs he asked: "Little Qin, you came and immediately provoked Qiu Qianren—aren't you afraid of his iron sand palms?"

Though he had heard of the Zhao Prince's mansion incident, Qiu Qianren has led the Iron Palm Sect for years, his iron sand palm skill makes him wary, not to mention worrying for Ye Qin.

Ye Qin laughed and shook his head, saying: "Senior Seven, he's merely a defeated subordinate; I am confident I can defeat him, no problem!"

Beside them, Huang Rong suddenly understood, guessing: "Brother Qin, if I'm not mistaken, you want to use Qiu Qianren to establish prestige? After all, many Qin Lake people have come here."

！

Ye Qin's reputation is poor; if he doesn't establish prestige, fear stray cats and dogs will come to disturb him. Ye Qin neither confirmed nor denied Huang Rong's guess, nodded and smiled: "Still, Rong'er you are clever, you saw through it at once."

Exactly, that's his plan. Without prestige, everyone wants to step on him, treating him as a stepping stone. Though Ye Qin isn't afraid, too many people would annoy him.

However, beside them, Hong Qigong became dissatisfied, gave Ye Qin an angry glance, saying: "Hmph, you little brat, beating around the bush to scold me this old beggar as stupid, right?"

Though he joked a couple of words, he wasn't actually angry. If Qiu Qianren were strong, he'd watch and ensure Ye Qin this fine seedling wouldn't wither.

Ye Qin's old face turned red, embarrassed: "Senior Seven, you overthought it; I had no such intention. You old man surely guessed it right away, just didn't say it, right?"

"Hmm, that's true." Hong Qigong then satisfiedly nodded.

Ye Qin saw this, laughed and cried, silently muttered: This old mischievous child.

At the foot of Mount Song, on a wasteland behind the town, Ye Qin, Hong Qigong, and Huang Rong sat together on a large stone slab, surrounded by many martial artists, seemingly all wanting to witness whether Ye Qin can suppress Qiu Qianren, after all Qiu Qianren is also a sect chief, status not ordinary.

"Brother Qin, won't Qiu Qianren be timid and afraid? We've waited nearly half an hour, his airs are truly great." Huang Rong complained dissatisfiedly.

Letting her and Ye Qin wait is fine, but Hong Qigong is a martial arts senior; Qiu Qianren in the inn couldn't have failed to see them three together.

"He will come." Ye Qin said calmly, "Otherwise, the Iron Palm Sect will have no foothold on Qin Lake, and will also thoroughly offend me and Elder Seven, which for him would be a loss not worth the gain."

If Qiu Qianren were wise, he would not choose to flee; of course, it is not ruled out that he might be momentarily muddle-headed.

Then Ye Qin explained again: "Shaolin is about to reopen its mountain gate; as one of the two major sects on Qin Lake, the Iron Palm Sect, even without mentioning incense and fortune, Shaolin's reopening will surely suppress them and seize part of their property. If Qiu Qianren is not a fool who only knows martial force, he should know what to do."

If he thoroughly offends him, with both overt and covert means, the Iron Palm Sect will be finished, and Qiu Qianren will also follow suit in collapse.

As the words fell, Qiu Qianren was seen walking over under the escort of the Iron Palm Sect members, his face full of arrogance, causing the people of Qin Lake around to glance sideways in succession.

"Magistrate Qin, I have come; you decide what to do, lay down the path." Qiu Qianren, before many heroes and champions, did not want to lose face.

But in his heart he was deeply torn; Ye Qin had already grasped sword intent, and once they clashed, it was likely he who would be injured. He had trained Iron Sand Palm for decades, thinking that after mastery, the Five Absolutes would not appear and the world would have no match for him, yet he did not expect Ye Qin's sword intent to be so powerful.

Ye Qin smiled faintly and said lightly: "Chief Qiu indeed keeps his word; I thought you wouldn't dare come. Since you have come, not fighting a bout how can we settle this? Here's the deal: if you can withstand one of my moves, our grudges will be wiped clean; from now on, as long as you don't provoke me, I won't seek you out—how about that?"

This is currently the best solution. Ye Qin had considered cutting Qiu Qianren down with one sword, but then Qin Lake would lose a force to check Shaolin; after all, compared to Shaolin, the Iron Palm Sect is nothing.

Upon hearing this, Qiu Qianren first froze, then nodded and agreed: "Very good, only hoping Magistrate Qin will keep his word."

He worried Ye Qin might not keep his promise, but thought that withstanding one of Ye Qin's moves should not be difficult; one who has grasped sword intent, no matter how strong, cannot possibly kill him in one move, so withstanding one move should be fine.

"Rest assured, I am more trustworthy than you." Ye Qin smiled faintly, then raised his gaze and said, "Whether you can withstand my move depends on your luck!" (End of chapter)