Urban Martial Saint

Chapter 2174 - 2174: Big Brother?

Wanyan Hongsheng's explanation didn't eliminate Old Sixth Wanyan's doubts. He knows Wanyan Hongsheng well; this person is meticulous in his actions and unlikely to make mistakes. Since Hongsheng mentioned Big Brother, there must be some issue here.Old Sixth Wanyan recalled the circumstances of Wanyan Hongfeng's death. Back then, Wanyan Hongfeng was reputed as the most dazzling figure in the Wanyan Family, and all of Wanyan Family's strategies were devised by him alone. So, the path the Wanyan Family follows now was arranged by Wanyan Hongfeng previously.

While Wanyan Hongfeng was alive, the Wanyan Family's power wasn't exposed. Yet, Wanyan Hongfeng alone could uphold the Wanyan Family name during the era of peak masters, showcasing his strength.

However, heaven envies talents; the better they are, the shorter they live. Wanyan Hongfeng was like this—he was the strongest in the Wanyan Family, supporting its name single-handedly. Yet, he passed away prematurely at seventy and handed the family over to his son, Wan Yan Zong. This was a most regretful event for the entire Wanyan Family. Many of them pondered, if only Wanyan Hongfeng hadn't died so early, the Wanyan Family might not be in its current state. Some even suspected that Wanyan Hongfeng hadn't died after all!

Old Sixth Wanyan was among those who suspected Wanyan Hongfeng hadn't died. It was said he died of illness, and the Wanyan Family indeed saw Wanyan Hongfeng's corpse, proving he was dead. Yet, the family couldn't believe someone as powerful as Wanyan Hongfeng would die of illness at seventy. With his abilities, living past a hundred wouldn't be surprising. His death was too suspicious. So, despite seeing his corpse, many still suspected he hadn't died.

But over the years, with no sightings of Wanyan Hongfeng, those who initially doubted he had died began to accept that he truly had.

Now, hearing Wanyan Hongsheng suddenly mention Big Brother, Old Sixth Wanyan was naturally suspicious. Did Wanyan Hongfeng not die but merely manipulate things from behind the scenes?

Despite his doubts, Old Sixth Wanyan didn't ask Wanyan Hongsheng directly. He knew some secrets weren't his to discover. After all, Wanyan Second Master and Wanyan Hongsheng were the closest to Wanyan Hongfeng. Others, though direct descendants, were merely workers without the privilege to partake in bigger matters. Thus, even if he asked, Wanyan Hongsheng wouldn't answer, and it might instead raise suspicions.

"Can Second Brother's method really deal with the likes of Wuji and Shijia, exceeding peak masters?" Old Sixth Wanyan asked casually, though his true concern lay with Wanyan Hongfeng's fate.

"Hehe, you'll see in due time!" Wanyan Hongsheng replied with a faint smile, relieved that Old Sixth Wanyan didn't pursue questions about Wanyan Hongfeng.

Within the estate of the Seven Steering Committees of Hong Alliance, Ye Qing took care of everything and headed to Fu Qingping's secluded residence. Since returning last night, Ye Qing had been busy and hadn't had the time to visit Fu Qingping.

Now that plans were set with Wen'er's mother and Fu Qingping's help wasn't needed, Ye Qing needed to inform him lest Fu Qingping be distracted. The Mount Tai battle was approaching, and Fu Qingping needed to focus.

Entering the courtyard, Ye Qing saw Fu Qingping standing beneath a tree from afar. Clad in a robe with his hands behind him and his hair flowing in the wind, he seemed to embody the carefree air of an acme swordsman!

The Tianzhu Sword lay in the courtyard, encased and placed on a nearby stone table.

Ye Qing assumed Fu Qingping would be practicing with the Tianzhu Sword, given his loss of the Qingping Sword had diminished his battle prowess. Thus, Ye Qing gave him the Tianzhu Sword to compensate for the lost strength. But surprisingly, Fu Qingping wasn't using it. What was happening?

Ye Qing felt the Tianzhu Sword well-suited for Fu Qingping. Despite lacking the Tianzhu Sword Technique, Fu Qingping could command its powers, a rare feat as if the sword was meant for him alone. Moreover, the energy within the sword was potent, and if Fu Qingping devised a suitable swordsmanship, its power wouldn't lag behind the Qingping Sword!

Yet, Fu Qingping's reaction was puzzling; he set the Tianzhu Sword aside. What did this mean?

Ye Qing entered the courtyard; Fu Qingping remained standing, seemingly oblivious to the approaching footsteps. Ye Qing refrained from disturbing him, knowing Fu Qingping was in deep contemplation. Interrupting now could affect his focus. Hence, Ye Qing waited quietly.

After standing for a while, Ye Qing sensed a gentle breeze swirling in the courtyard. It was imperceptible until one concentrated. However, as Ye Qing's awareness heightened, the breeze strengthened. Initially gentle, it grew stronger and sharp enough to feel like knives cutting one's skin, causing Ye Qing astonishing pain.

Ye Qing had six sariras within, his body essentially a Vajra Indestructible Body. Plus, the Primal Mysterious Body's power resided within. Even assaults from famed instruments wouldn't hurt him. Yet, why did this breeze bring pain? How powerful was it?

As he mulled over this, Ye Qing realized although the wind was intense, his clothes were untouched. Thus, despite the strong breeze on him, his attire stayed still. What was going on?

Ye Qing was bewildered, glanced around, and saw nothing in the courtyard stirred. Leaves beneath the tree lay motionless, not one lifted by the wind. The gale seemed to affect him alone, leaving his clothing untouched.

How could this be?

Ye Qing knew there must be a reason. He took a deep breath and looked at Fu Qingping, who suddenly moved, taking a slow step to the side. Though the step seemed simple, Ye Qing felt a profound connection, as if Fu Qingping trod on the Dao's path. An ordinary step, yet it encompassed the Dao, provoking deep thought.

After that step, Fu Qingping took another. Every step was simple, yet each contained profound truths that sparked reflection. Moreover, Ye Qing vaguely sensed a connection between these steps and the Innate Nine Diagrams he'd taught Fu Qingping.

Nine steps in total, Fu Qingping finished with nine steps. This number matched the Innate Nine Diagrams Ye Qing knew perfectly. Witnessing these nine steps, Ye Qing suddenly realized they were a dynamic version of the Innate Nine Diagrams, seamlessly integrated and profoundly magical.

No wonder these nine steps felt like they encapsulated the Dao. Now it was clear. Fu Qingping's steps evolved from the Innate Nine Diagrams, embodying the principles found in Innate Skill, the foundation of all Cultivation Techniques in the Taoist Sect, representing the core of Dao. The Innate Nine Diagrams contained the Dao's path, making this perfectly natural.

Yet how did Fu Qingping derive these steps from the Innate Nine Diagrams? Ye Qing couldn't fathom.

Nonetheless, as Fu Qingping took these nine steps, Ye Qing unconsciously mimicked them. Strangely, the wind that previously brought pain vanished completely, as if it had never blown through the courtyard. Was it a mistaken perception? Had there never been any wind?

While Ye Qing pondered, Fu Qingping suddenly coughed softly, drawing Ye Qing's attention. Looking up, he saw Fu Qingping had turned with a gentle smile, eyes filled with a comforting glint.

"Master..." Ye Qing replied awkwardly. By reproducing Fu Qingping's steps, he essentially stole his martial arts!

"No need to be embarrassed!" Fu Qingping said calmly, "You gave me the Innate Nine Diagrams; these Innate Nine Steps are my gift to you in return!"

Ye Qing was moved. He realized Fu Qingping must have intentionally shown him the steps, effectively imparting martial arts knowledge.

"Innate Nine Steps?" Ye Qing asked Fu Qingping, "Master, is this martial art newly created by you?"

"The predecessors planted the tree, and the successors enjoy the shade!" Fu Qingping chuckled lightly, "These Innate Nine Steps simply evolve from the Innate Nine Diagrams. I merely derived them from the predecessors' groundwork, so I can't claim them as my own creation!"