Urban Martial Saint

Ye Qing was silent for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Honored Purple-robed Elder, there are other matters that I can assist you with. However, on this particular issue, I must beg your pardon as I cannot help you."

The faces of a few people nearby changed at his words. In their view, for the Purple Robe Lama to personally come and discuss this matter with Ye Qing was already showing him great respect. Furthermore, the Purple Robe Lama had been so courteous in his speech, which already made them feel somewhat displeased. Under such circumstances, Ye Qing's outright refusal greatly angered the crowd. If it weren't for the Purple Robe Lama's presence, someone would have certainly lashed out.

The Purple Robe Lama hesitated slightly and asked, "Mr. Ye, are you worried that I won't keep my promise?"

"Honored Purple-robed Elder, I certainly am not worried about you breaking your promise. It's just that..." Ye Qing sighed and said, "These children are still young, most of them are still not sensible. To take so many children on such a long journey, should any mishap occur along the way, it would not be ideal."

The Purple Robe Lama said, "You can rest assured regarding this matter. I guarantee that no accidents will happen to these children."

Ye Qing shook his head slowly and said, "Honored Purple-robed Elder, the journey from here to Tianzhu is not short. Furthermore, we must pass through the border and an uninhabited desert, and no one can guarantee that nothing unexpected will happen. Moreover, these children cannot endure such a journey; taking them on such a long trip, who can assure their safety? Besides, there are many things that cannot be controlled just because you wish to control them. It's better to be safe than sorry; I still feel that it's best for these children to stay at home."

"Ye Qing, what exactly do you mean?" An elder beside him finally couldn't hold back and said in a deep voice, "Honored Purple-robed Elder has come to you with good intentions, showing you great respect. Don't think that our Brahmin people must negotiate everything with you!"

This time, the Purple Robe Lama didn't stop the elder because he had to accomplish this matter regarding the children, as it pertained to the inheritance of the Brahmanism. Since Ye Qing was consistently disagreeing, he also felt that Ye Qing needed some pressure; for the sake of the entire Brahmanism, he didn't care what methods his people employed.

Ye Qing looked at the Purple Robe Lama, and seeing that he had no intention of speaking, he generally understood the Lama's thoughts. Tonight appeared to be cordial with the opponent apologizing first, but it was actually the strategy of politeness before force. First, they attempted to appease Ye Qing, then proposed taking the children away. If Ye Qing disagreed, he would be in the wrong, as they had first spoken kindly.

Honestly, when Ye Qing first arrived and heard the Purple Robe Lama's words, his heart felt warm, and he greatly admired the Lama. However, now seeing through the opponent's intentions, his previous admiration vanished completely.

Ye Qing said, "I don't expect the Brahmanism to consult me on everything, but I believe that every action has its bottom line. You all are esteemed monks; don't you find it inappropriate to trouble some children like this?"

The elder glanced at the Purple Robe Lama, and seeing that the Lama remained expressionless, he knew that he was to continue handling the matter. He immediately raised his voice, "What's inappropriate about it? We are merely taking them back for a trip, not intending to harm them. You're repeatedly blocking us; do you truly believe our Brahmanism fears you? Furthermore, with the honored Elder's personal assurance, you continue to obstruct us. Do you think our Brahmanism people are easy to bully? Hmph, I'll tell you, don't think that just because this is in Huaxia, our Brahmanism people will be afraid of you!"

The elder's words were entirely in a threatening tone, intimidating Ye Qing.

Ye Qing calmly looked at the elder and said, "Those children have no connection with Brahmanism, yet you intend to take them without cause. This matter, discussed anywhere, favors none of you. Though our strength is far from that of the high monks, we understand reason. Should you persist in using force, we will never back down. Despite your strength, even if you kill me, Mr. Ye, you may not escape Huaxia!"

"Such arrogance!" The elder slapped the table and stood up, loudly saying, "I'll see what you can do to prevent us from leaving Huaxia!"

Ye Qing also stood up and calmly said, "Honored Purple-robed Elder, you personally came today, I came as well to show respect. You stated your elder and a monk died, wanting to pursue accountability. However, you know this was not our doing; the fault is not with us. But have you asked how many of our people were killed by yours? If you apologize for this account, I can accept it. Nonetheless, saying sorry doesn't mean I must submit to you. Regarding the children, it's non-negotiable. If you insist on taking them, you may try. Though I stand alone, if it comes to it, I'll take a few of you down with me!"

Ye Qing's words carried a calm but penetrating tone, delivering each word clearly for everyone in the Brahmanism present to hear. Especially in the last few sentences, the simple words conveyed Ye Qing's resolute stance. Even if not Brahmanism's match, Ye Qing would fight them to the very end.

The Purple Robe Lama's eyes gleamed, as Ye Qing's words were truly admirable, earning his internal praise. If not for the reincarnated True Buddha involvement, based on Ye Qing's attitude, he would support him fully. But involving the True Buddha left him no choice; he must persist.

"Ye, don't talk about your losses now; what matters is the children," the elder defiantly said. "I'll tell you, since you're here today, you must resolve this matter. Otherwise, you won't leave this Wuming Temple!"

Ye Qing sneered coldly and turned to the Purple Robe Lama, "Honored Elder, do you intend to keep me here?"

The Purple Robe Lama smiled faintly and said, "Mr. Ye, you're overthinking. I merely wish to discuss these children with you, not using force. However, this issue is of utmost importance to Brahmanism. Today, I hope you'll agree with my proposal!"

"And if I refuse?" Ye Qing said coldly, "Are you then going to kill me here today?"

The Purple Robe Lama smiled lightly without responding, only deeply gazing at Ye Qing, as the atmosphere tensed, almost freezing.

Meanwhile, outside Wuming Temple on a large tree, Li Qianqiu hidden amidst the foliage was quietly observing the inside. He had arrived early but chose not to intervene, watching instead. If Ye Qing faced no danger, he wouldn't act to avoid unnecessary issues for the Seven Steering Committees of Hong Alliance. However, in danger, he would act without hesitation.

Though far, he clearly heard the dialogue within. Initially, as talks flowed well, he assumed things would resolve smoothly. Unexpectedly, the conversation derailed, tensions inside rose, mirrors the unfolding danger, causing his heart to tighten. The situation was not easily resolvable tonight.

Li Qianqiu slightly clenched his fists, intent on descending the tree to support Ye Qing. But as he reached to move the leaves, a large hand suddenly seized his arm, halting his action.

Li Qianqiu's face changed; someone came so close without him noticing, revealing the newcomer's superior strength. At that level, killing him would be effortless.

He quickly turned to see a towering figure standing on the tree's trunk behind him, who was none other than his master, Helian Tiehua, General of Meng District!

Seeing Helian Tiehua startled Li Qianqiu. He sought Helian Tiehua yesterday to ask him to aid Ye Qing, but Helian Tiehua excused himself due to seclusion, not even meeting him. Li Qianqiu thought Helian Tiehua had decided to ignore the matter entirely. His solitary visit tonight was a desperation born of intent to fight fiercely; unexpectedly, the master had also arrived.

Li Qianqiu's heart warmed; quickly cupping his hands, he wished to speak but was silenced by Helian Tiehua's gesture. Without evident movement, Helian Tiehua's resounding voice entered Li Qianqiu's ears: "Don't speak, watch carefully."

Helian Tiehua didn't open his mouth; the voice was his. Li Qianqiu knew this was his master's unique skill: mastering inner strength to transmit voice through throat vibrations without mouth movement—truly marvelous.

Li Qianqiu dared not speak, knowing that at this distance, speech would alert the Purple Robe Lama below. He merely pointed to Ye Qing, then to the Purple Robe Lama, signaling Helian Tiehua about Ye Qing's peril.

"No need to worry; Ye Qing is not in danger. Just keep watching," Helian Tiehua's voice came again.

Assured by Helian Tiehua, though Li Qianqiu felt concern, he remained silent. Helian Tiehua's presence indicated involvement, assuring that even if the Purple Robe Lama showed aggression, Ye Qing would face no threat.