Urban Martial Saint

The entrance and exit paths are each split into five forks. Isn’t this cave too vast?

Ye Qing stared for a moment at the five forked paths he had come from. Suddenly, a bold idea formed in his mind.

Upon entering the cave, he was faced with those five forked paths. People would certainly have to make choices at those forks. And here, there were five exits again. Could it be that the final exit of those five forked paths converges into one? Thus, no matter which path you choose, the result is the same—ultimately reaching this fork. So what difference does it make which path one chooses?

Thinking of this, Ye Qing shook his head vigorously. He felt things weren’t that simple. If the outcomes of these five forked paths were identical, then why make people choose outside? It would not serve to confuse people. There must be distinctions among these five paths.

After a period of silence, a thought suddenly struck Ye Qing. He quickly turned to look at the five forked paths leading into the cave. These paths were similar to the ones he had first encountered, each left with many carved marks—signs left by those who came in to aid them in finding their way back.

However, upon closer inspection, one could still see differences between the marks on these paths and those outside. The most obvious difference was that the number of markings on these paths was far fewer than on the paths outside!

Seeing this distinction made Ye Qing’s heart leap. He finally understood the difference in the initial five forked paths.

When Ye Qing reached the first fork, the amount of carvings, although he couldn’t determine the exact number, was chaotic and numbered over ten thousand. But here, the quantity was far less, not even a third of the previous path!

What does this show? It shows that less than a third of those arriving at the first fork reached this one!

So, where did the other two-thirds go? Could it be they didn’t make it here?

With this thought, Ye Qing quickly turned his gaze towards the five exits he had walked through, his heart racing. These five exits were undoubtedly the exits of the previous five forks. But the number reaching this place was less than a third, suggesting the other two-thirds encountered misfortune.

Ye Qing had earlier wondered what difference these five paths had. Now he understood—the greatest distinction was here. The path Ye Qing chose had no dangers. But the other four paths were uncertain. Otherwise, why had so few managed to reach here? It showed that two-thirds had perished in the other four paths, explaining why those reaching here were scarce!

Realizing this, cold sweat ran down Ye Qing’s back. He hadn’t anticipated he’d narrowly avoided Ghost Gate Pass with his choice at the first fork. Had he chosen incorrectly and ventured into the other four paths, he too might have perished, like the two-thirds who left their lives there!

It seems Yin Xianzi was right; Beimang Mountain is indeed fraught with danger. Thankfully, Ye Qing followed the Buddhist markings. Had he chosen incorrectly, the consequences would have been unimaginable!

Taking a deep breath, Ye Qing turned to continue seeking the Buddhist markings in these forked paths. Following that mark, he avoided danger. Thus, the one who left that mark likely also encountered no danger. Surely, they would have left signs here. Following their chosen path should be correct!

This time, Ye Qing sought this Buddhist mark with purpose, making it easier to find. Before long, he found this marker at one of the tunnel entrances, indicating the monk took this route.

Discovering the monk’s path, Ye Qing hesitated not, directly following this forked path inside.

After walking a further distance, the same situation arose again—another set of five forks appeared. The exits matched, confirming Ye Qing’s earlier suspicion. It seemed no matter the chosen path, they all ultimately led to the same place. Though, choosing wrongly meant encountering dangers, likely resulting in death along the way.

Reaching the next fork, Ye Qing glanced about, indeed finding the number of markings was merely a third of the previous fork. Again, two-thirds had perished along this path. The cave itself was truly perilous.

Searching in the area, Ye Qing again found the Buddhist mark. This time, without delay, he followed the indicated path further. Walking through consecutive forks, each was identical to the last. The only difference was the diminishing marks. Initially, as he entered, there were over ten thousand; now here, not even thirty remained. Meaning, from start to here, over ten thousand had already perished.

Moreover, this number was but an estimate. Ye Qing surmised the death count far exceeded his estimate. After all, not everyone who entered left markers outside. Likely there were more reckless ones, and their numbers might surpass those leaving marks. It meant, possibly tens of thousands had already died within this cave—a truly terrifying number.

Seeing the scant remaining marks on the five paths, Ye Qing sighed lightly. Throughout history, countless have entered this place, pursuing the elusive chance for longevity. Immortality bears tremendous allure. Despite such high fatalities, some still risk entering Beimang Mountain, hoping for that slim chance. Even ants desire life; how much more humans?

However, greed must be met with a price. The vast number who’ve perished along the way is the greatest irony. Seeking extended life, yet losing one’s life instead—what’s the point?

Facing the five forks ahead, Ye Qing ultimately chose the path marked by the Buddhist sign. Having traveled so far, it proved the monk’s choices were correct. At least, Ye Qing met no danger; the journey was smooth—showing the monk’s wise choices.

Yet, who this monk truly was, remains unknown. Making no wrong turns along the way, had he previously come to Beimang Mountain, or did luck and skill simply guide him? This remained uncertain. But one thing was sure—the monk was an extraordinary, enlightened master!

Ye Qing followed the monk’s chosen path further inside. Shortly after, a faint noise reached his ears, resembling snakes slithering.

Ye Qing’s heart skipped. He had traveled far, hearing such noises for the first time. Previously, all was quiet and safe; but now, the noise raised alarm in Ye Qing’s mind. Did he mistakenly choose the wrong path, encountering dangers inside this cave?

Ye Qing initially thought all the monk’s choices were correct, yet now it seemed he put too much faith in the monk. Could it be he’d face death inside this cave?

Various thoughts flashed through his mind, but ultimately he steadied himself. Taking a deep breath, he spun around and shone his flashlight toward the direction from which the sound had come.

The flashlight’s beam was exceptionally bright in this darkness. As soon as it shone forward, a skull lunged at Ye Qing aggressively. The flashlight’s beam illuminated the skull fully, appearing particularly terrifying in the darkness.

Seeing the skull, Ye Qing felt his hairs stand on end. Nonetheless, he reacted quickly; seeing the skull’s menacing charge, he stepped back to evade it. Simultaneously, he swung his Wu Hong Dagger towards the skull. Although unsure of what the skull was, he could only fight for his life.

Ye Qing’s retreat dodged the skull, and the Wu Hong Dagger severed one of its limbs. The skull crashed to the ground, immobile as if dead.

Ye Qing stood nearby, illuminating the skull with the flashlight, not daring to avert his gaze, fearing it might suddenly spring up again. After a long while, seeing the skull truly unmoving, he finally exhaled deeply.

Looking up to the spot the skull had lunged from, Ye Qing was shocked to see several more skeletons resting on a giant rock nearby. However, they were close to the rock’s edge, precariously positioned to fall off.

Ye Qing finally understood the skull’s situation. It wasn’t a haunting—it merely fell from the rock by accident. His flashlight had illuminated it just right, creating the illusion of encountering a ghost.

Realizing it was not a ghost, Ye Qing sighed in relief, preparing to approach and examine the skull. Suddenly, he felt something tightly wrap around his waist. Before he could react, he was yanked back by this thing, unable to resist, lifted off the ground!