Chapter 69: Qi Master
Translator: Tim Editor: Tehrn
Ye Mo understood Ning Qingxue’s desire to return home, but her choice puzzled him. However, her departure removed his urgency. Under the cover of night, he planned to secretly re-enter her home and treat her injuries. He remained undecided about taking the Silver Heart Grass.
Knowing the ambulance would transport Ning Qingxue, Ye Mo didn't follow. Instead, he sought the individuals responsible for her near-fatal condition. Although he suspected the Song family, he didn't know their current location in Ning Hai.
After dining at a clean restaurant, Ye Mo saw three people—two men and a woman—leaving a high-end establishment. He recognized one man as Wang Peng. However, Ye Mo's attention focused on the other man: a man of about 40, medium build, long face, short hair, and slightly prominent temples. Ye Mo instantly recognized him as a master martial artist.
The man, seemingly sensing Ye Mo's scrutiny, looked up. Ye Mo quickly looked away, recognizing the man's considerable power. He judged the man stronger than Wen Dong, and almost as strong as himself.
This was Ye Mo's first encounter with such a master, and he immediately surmised this man had healed Wang Peng's hand. His enhanced spirit sense, now spanning an 8-meter radius, allowed him to eavesdrop on their conversation. He positioned himself in a nearby newsagency for optimal observation without detection.
"I was incredibly lucky to have Brother Hu's help last time; otherwise, my hand would still be useless. I'm deeply ashamed I can't properly thank you for coming to assist me," a voice, identifiable as Wang Peng's, said.
Ye Mo confirmed the man had healed Wang Peng, signifying him as a Qi Master—his first encounter with one on Earth. Wen Dong, his previous acquaintance, possessed only superior brawling and assassination skills, lacking Qi cultivation.
The middle-aged man waved dismissively. "You're too polite, Young Master Peng. Your father supports Young Master Tan, so this is a minor favor. However, avoid those street vendors selling fake medicine; some are quite capable."
"Yes, I'll heed Brother Hu's advice. Please convey my father's regards to Young Master Tan; it's inconvenient for me to visit now. Thank you, Brother Hu!" Wang Peng replied respectfully.
The middle-aged man entered an Audi, which sped away. Ye Mo disregarded Wang Peng, focusing on "Brother Hu"—the master martial artist. He immediately followed.
Twenty minutes later, as dusk settled, the Audi arrived at a private mansion. Ye Mo's spirit sense detected numerous security cameras, rendering entry impossible.
Ye Mo decided to return at night to disable the cameras and locate Brother Hu. He needed to understand the local martial arts system and gauge his own cultivation level for safety. He was prepared to forcefully interrogate Brother Hu if necessary, to avoid being caught unprepared by stronger opponents. However, it was too early; he needed to treat Ning Qingxue first.
It was impractical to visit her now, given the likely presence of others. He would wait until later. He considered visiting Shi Xiu at Ning Hai University but abandoned the idea. His current vulnerability made him a potential target for the Song family should they discover his connection to Shi Xiu.
Leaving Brother Hu's mansion, Ye Mo planned to purchase supplies. After treating Ning Qingxue, he intended to visit Luo Cang to seek employment, or alternatively, Chi Wanqing's cousin's company.
He planned to find lodgings, and once settled, analyze the soil composition before planting Silver Heart Grass seeds—given their lengthy growth period. He also intended to visit the Taklimakan Desert. He couldn’t afford to wait for the grass to mature; it was a waste of time.
On this Earth, deficient in spirit Chi, he couldn't predict his cultivation progress if he wasted time. Though his future strength remained uncertain, he felt hope in striving; inaction would only bring regret. Ning Qingxue’s sacrifice of her life for a seedling haunted him, though he couldn't understand her reasoning.
"Hm, it's you! I finally found you!" a voice interrupted Ye Mo's thoughts. He turned to see Fang Weicheng, whom he'd met while practicing martial arts at Qing Du Lake Park, where he'd been defeated swiftly.
"Oh, it's you, Fang Weicheng," Ye Mo acknowledged.
Fang Weicheng, delighted Ye Mo remembered him, exclaimed, "I didn't expect you to remember! I've waited for you at Qing Du Lake Park, but never saw you again. I'm so lucky to find you!"
Ye Mo smiled. "You need something?" Fang Weicheng, aware of Ye Mo's strength, seemed nervous.
"I I wondered if you had time for a chat."
Ye Mo, having time to spare, agreed. Fang Weicheng eagerly led him to a quiet Western restaurant, ordering several dishes without asking Ye Mo's preference.
Though unfamiliar with Western cuisine, Ye Mo found it palatable. After a few bites, he asked, "What's this about?" He anticipated a request to become Fang Weicheng’s teacher, which he would refuse; he lacked the time for disciples.
Fang Weicheng clasped his fists in a salute. "I haven't yet learned your honorable name."
"I'm called Shi Ying," Ye Mo replied, avoiding his real name. The name held dual meaning: a reference to his master, Luo Ying, and a homonym suggesting remembrance of his master.
Fang Weicheng, momentarily surprised by the seemingly feminine name, quickly recovered. He wouldn't voice his thoughts; he needed Ye Mo's help.
Note: The Chi cultivated in Ye Mo's previous world is spirit Chi, an energy superior to the Qi cultivated by Earth's martial arts masters. To avoid confusion, mortal martial artists' energy is referred to as Qi.