Chapter 27
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Regarding flying by sword, Pei QianYue was probably the best in the world. A distance would have taken normal people most of the day to travel across, he only needed four hours, not even.
As the moon hung high in the skies, the two people arrived outside of Gusu City.
The pure white sword light landed. Pei QianYue appeared on the summit of a cliff, holding Feng Ci around the waist.
As soon as they landed, Feng Ci recognized this place.
This was where he stood yesterday inside the dream.
Raising his head and looking over, he was able to see, halfway up the mountain, the corner of a Buddhist Temple that was obscured heavily amidst the shadow of trees.
Suddenly someone yelled from the side: “City Master, over here!”
Feng Ci turned his head to the sound and saw a scholarly looking young man currently beckoning at them.
“Finally here. I’ve been waiting here for so long……” The youth ran close swiftly. Before he finished those words, he hastily waved his hands: “Not that I didn’t want to wait, nor did I feel like you came too late, that’s not what I meant, City Master!”
While he spoke, he looked into Pei QianYue’s expressionless face and hastily shut his mouth. Bowing properly and respectfully, he saluted: “Greetings, City Master.”
Finally Pei QianYue introduced him to Feng Ci: “Xue Wei.”
Feng Ci asked: “He’s the scout that you dispatched to watch Hanshan Temple?”
Pei QianYue: “En.”
“But he……”
Although the youth in front of him was born with good looks, his innate constitution was average and his spirit energy was on the low side. Most likely, he had just established his foundations. He didn’t really seem like a disciple of LangFeng City. Not to mention, he didn’t display the same restraint and fear that other LangFeng disciples showed upon seeing Pei QianYue. The youth’s eyes were very bright. He was currently looking back and forth between the two of them and examining them curiously.
It’s only now that Feng Ci realized Pei QianYue was still holding him.
Just now, there was only so much space on the sword. This position was nothing. However, now that they’ve landed, to keep standing like this was indeed a bit strange.
Feng Ci subconsciously wiggled a bit, but Pei QianYue held on tighter. He was temporarily unable to break free.
The youth’s eyes lit up.
“……” Feeling a bit awkward under that gaze, Feng Ci grinded his teeth: “Can you release me? Shi. Zun.”
Under this situation where everything was still unknown and his physical body has not been found yet, the two people decided, after a discussion, to avoid divulging Feng Ci’s identity at the moment. Therefore, his current identity was still Pei QianYue’s direct disciple, Lu JingMing.
Feng Ci emphasized those two syllables very heavily. However, Xue Wei only blinked and said quietly: “Teacher and disciple huh.”
Pei QianYue loosened his arms, looking very reluctant: “Understood, my beloved disciple.”
“And it’s older gong.” Xue Wei said: “I ship it.”
Feng Ci: “?”
Pei QianYue: “……”
Pei QianYue said: “Focus.”
“Oh.” Xue Wei cleared his throat and said seriously: “I’ve been observing attentively around this area for the last few days. There’s nothing abnormal with Hanshan Temple. I have also not seen anyone strange appearing nearby. Today, after receiving the City Master’s message, I even specifically found an excuse to enter their temple to look around. Everything seemed pretty normal, except……”
Pei QianYue: “Except what?”
“I didn’t see Hui Kong, that old monk…… no I mean, Great Master Hui Kong. I’m not sure if he’s inside the temple or not.”
“…… Great Master Hui Kong rarely journeys outside. I visit him frequently and he likes me quite a bit. After receiving City Master’s message today, I dropped by Gusu City to buy his favorite pastry and went to see him. However, the monk at the temple said he wasn’t there. They didn’t even answer when I asked where he was. I wanted to wait for him at the temple, but they kicked me out.”
Reaching here, Xue Wei rubbed his chin in bewilderment: “It felt like they were hiding something and didn’t want me to find out.”
“That’s indeed a bit strange.” Feng Ci said.
He didn’t say anything else. Instead, he turned to walk to the edge of the cliff.
The mountain cliff where they stood faced Hanshan Temple exactly. There was a small river between the two mountains. Feng Ci looked up at the round moon in the skies. Then he closed his eyes and felt the night breeze blowing over the top of the cliff.
Ktlr ofia fzjmais atf rjwf jr atf rmfcf lc tlr vgfjwr.
Ktf bcis vloofgfcmf kjr atja atf yfii ogbw Ljcrtjc Kfwqif vlv cba abii.
Mfcu Jl jrxfv: “Gbfr Ljcrtjc Kfwqif cbgwjiis abii j yfii?”
“Yo mbegrf.” Wef Qfl jcrkfgfv: “Devvtlra wbcxr qjs qjgalmeijg jaafcalbc ab atf wbgclcu jcv fnfclcu abiir, ktlmt rswybilhf wbcjralm qgjmalmf. Ktfs jikjsr raglxf la j ofk alwfr lc atf wbgclcu jcv fnfclcu. P vlvc’a qjs jaafcalbc ab la abvjs, yea ja atlr alwf…… la rtbeiv tjnf jigfjvs rbecvfv.”
Feng Ci: “So early?”
“Normally it’s always around this time?” Xue Wei scratched his hair, almost not quite understanding why Feng Ci was asking this: “It’s only the 1st and 15th of every month that the bell needs to be struck the full 108 times, which lasts all the way to midnight.”
He paused and said quietly: “Actually, it’s a bit bothersome to the public. I can’t even sleep properly.”
Only struck the full 108 times on the 1st and 15th of every month? But Feng Ci clearly heard 108 tolls in his dreams.
Feng Ci then asked: “What’s today’s date?”
“The 16th.” Xue Wei lived amongst the mortals and was much more familiar with the date than Feng Ci and Pei QianYue. He answered without even thinking about it, but then became slightly bewildered: “Huh? In other words, yesterday night was the 15th. I don’t remember hearing any tolls from the bell……”
Feng Ci frowned pensively.
He had no more questions to ask, so Pei QianYue instructed Xue Wei: “You can return to Gusu.”
Xue Wei was definitely different from Pei QianYue’s other subordinates. After hearing such a clear and definite order, he actually dared to ask back: “City Master, you don’t need me to follow? I’m familiar with this place and can guide the way for you guys.”
Pei QianYue: “Get lost.”
Xue Wei shrunk back slightly: “Oh.”
He turned around and walked off reluctantly. As he left, he was even mumbling “must be because he thinks my voltage is too bright”, “how’s he supposed to chase the wifey when he’s so mean”, and other related words.
“……” Feng Ci pinched the center of his brows: “This child…….”
Pei QianYue said calmly: “Often undisciplined and improper, babbling nonsense. You can ignore him.”
Feng Ci gazed at the youth’s retreating back, wanting to speak but hesitating. However Pei QianYue clearly didn’t want to discuss him anymore, so Feng Ci also stopped mentioning it.
Gusu was built on the waterfront. The babbling brooks flowed through the mountains and merged into the canals of the bright and lively city in the distance.
Pei QianYue said: “Master hasn’t visited the mortal realm for a very long time. Once this is over, I’ll accompany you on a trip there.”
Feng Ci stood on the summit of the cliff. The lights from Gusu City reflected in his eyes. However, he shook his head: “I’ve seen plenty of the human realm, every manner possible. They’re virtually the same. Not very interesting.”
He sighed and withdrew his gaze: “Let’s focus on what we came here for.”
Pei QianYue looked like he still wanted to say something, but Feng Ci was currently preoccupied by thoughts and didn’t notice. He took half a step forward and leaped. Like being lifted by a cool breeze, his body began to float, light as a feather.
Similar to the scene in his dreams, Feng Ci very quickly saw the gates of that ancient, motley temple, as well as the little monk sweeping the grounds in front of the temple door.
Feng Ci landed in front of the temple. Behind him, Pei QianYue also landed quietly.
The young monk put down the broom and walked over towards them quickly. Greeting them with a Buddhist gesture of respect: “May I ask for your names, Immortal Masters, and why you have come to Hanshan Temple?”
Similar questions to that of his dream.
Pei QianYue was just about to answer, but Feng Ci raised his hand to stop him. He asked that little monk: “Is the Abbot present?”
The little monk’s manner remained courteous: “The Abbot is out on a trip and has not returned. If this Immortal Master wishes to find him, why not come back another day.”
Feng Ci inquired: “Where did Great Master Hui Kong go?”
The little monk: “This young monk does not know.”
Feng Ci: “Then when will he return?”
The little monk: “This young monk does not know.”
“……” Feng Ci remained silent for a moment and then smiled: “What a pity. My Shizun was once old friends with Great Master Hui Kong. Today we passed by this place. Originally he wanted to reminisce with Great Master Hui Kong. Looks like it wasn’t meant to be. However, since it’s already late tonight, can we take a rest inside?”
But the little monk still repeated the same words: “The Abbot is out on a trip and has not returned. If this Immortal Master wishes to find him, why not come back another day.”
Feng Ci frowned and turned his head to glance at Pei QianYue.
Pei QianYue was already somewhat displeased: “You dare obstruct this Venerable One?”
The little monk: “May I ask where you two are from, Immortal Masters?”
Pei QianYue: “LangFeng City.”
The little monk’s expression changed slightly.
Right at this moment, the gates of the temple suddenly opened: “Jing An, how can you neglect our esteemed guests? You can head back.”
The new arrival was a young monk around 20 years old. The little monk pressed his palms together, replied “Yes” and returned to the front of the temple. He picked up the broom placed against the side of the door and started to sweep the grounds again.
“I am Jing Chen. This one must be City Master Pei, right?” The young monk stepped forth in greeting and explained: “Our small temple has been in seclusion for a long time. Monks within the monastery cannot recognize such an important figure as yourself and you’ve been treated poorly. I hope City Master Pei can forgive us.”
Pei QianYue asked coolly: “Can this Venerable One enter now?”
“Naturally.” Jing Chen turned sideways and made way. He made a ‘please’ gesture: “City Master, please.”
The two finally set foot on the stone steps in front of the ancient temple. Before entering the temple doors, Feng Ci turned his head and glanced at the little monk named Jing An.
“Little master Jing An.” Feng Ci called out to him: “There doesn’t seem to be any dust on the floors here. It’s getting pretty late at night, so why don’t you head back and rest early.”
Don’t even mention dust, the empty area in front of the temple doors was so clean, not even a piece of fallen leaf can be found.
The little monk’s hand, which held the broom, trembled slightly. He didn’t raise his head and only quietly chanted Amitabha.
This ancient temple has already been around for a very long time. The marks of time could be seen everywhere. It was just in time for night classes right now. The recitation of Buddhist mantras could be heard drifting in the air everywhere within the monastery. As Feng Ci and Pei QianYue walked through, plenty of monks greeted them.
“My shifu went out on a trip a few days ago. He probably won’t be returning to the monastery anytime soon.” Jing Chen said: “If City Master Pei is looking for my shifu because of important matters, you can tell this young monk. I will pass on the message.”
Pei QianYue: “This Venerable One just happened to pass this place by chance and wanted to reminisce with an old friend. If I can’t see him, then so be it.”
Jing Chen: “I see.”
Pei QianYue continued to make some indirect inquiries about, for example, if anything strange happened in the last few days, was there anyone suspicious, and other related questions. Jing Chen answered each of the questions. There didn’t seem to be anything unusual.
As Feng Ci listened, he examined the place all over.
Suddenly, he saw a shadow flash by around the corner.
Feng Ci stopped walking.
Pei QianYue turned to ask him: “What?”
“I seemed to have seen……” Feng Ci pointed at the corner, but there was no longer anything there. Feng Ci shook his head: “It’s nothing.”
The thing just now…… was it a small animal?
However, Feng Ci didn’t sense any ill intent from it; therefore he didn’t think too much of it.
Jing Chen very quickly guided the two people to the front of a small residential courtyard.
“This small monastery rarely sees guests. Therefore the guest house is simple and crude. Hope City Master Pei does not mind.” Jing Chen said.
The house in front of them was indeed not very big. Feng Ci stepped forward to push the door open. The inside was even smaller than the courtyard he had in the outer disciple’s courtyard at LangFeng City. There was only a single bed.
Pei QianYue looked pretty satisfied however: “It’s fine. We’re the ones disturbing.”
Saying this, he got ready to walk inside. However, he was stopped by Jing Chen: “City Master, your room is next door.”
“……” Pei QianYue: “Two rooms?”
The young monk nodded and said seriously: “Although our little monastery is simple and crude, we still have 4-5 guest rooms. There’s no need to squeeze inside one room.”
Pei QianYue: “……”
Pei QianYue stood in front of the house motionless. Feng Ci looked at him in bewilderment and asked in confusion: “You like this room? No problem, I can go next door.”
“……No need.” Pei QianYue said to Jing Chen: “Lead the way.”
After settling them down, Jing Chen left the little courtyard. Feng Ci laid on the bed, eyes closed and resting. He heard a knock on the door.
“Come in.” Feng Ci said.
It was Pei QianYue.
Feng Ci sat up cross-legged and asked him: “How’s it?”
Pei QianYue said: “I examined nearby. Nothing strange.”
Feng Ci nodded: “Looks like that murderer really hasn’t arrived yet, but……”
Pei QianYue asked: “Does Master have some kind of clue?”
Feng Ci thought briefly. Hiding part of the details, he told Pei QianYue his previous dream.
“108 tolls.” Pei QianYue said: “Yesterday night was the 15th, but Xue Wei said there was no sound from the bell yesterday. The monks within this monastery are alive and well as well.”
“So it wasn’t last night.” Feng Ci sighed: “It’s not like we can really wait here idly for half a month, right?”
Pei QianYue said: “Tomorrow I will go investigate nearby again and see if there are any other clues.”
Feng Ci nodded.
Right at this time, there was suddenly a slight sound outside the door.
“Shhh.” Feng Ci raised his hand and pressed it next to his lips, telling Pei QianYue to remain silent. He turned and looked towards the door.
A fluffy head slowly nudged open the unlatched door and poked inside.
That was a small fox, body petite and round. Curled up next to the door, it looked just like a tiny ball of fur. Its fur was dark red throughout. Only the tips of its two ears have white hairs.
Feng Ci’s eyes practically lit up.
So. Adorable!
The little fox poked its head inside and peered around the room. When it raised its eyes, it looked straight into Feng Ci’s eyes. With an ‘ao’, it retracted.
“Ai, don’t go!” Without even thinking, Feng Ci got out of bed and chased outside. The little fox didn’t run far. He caught it right inside the courtyard.
Feng Ci pressed the little fox on the ground and stroked it twice: “Speak. Were you the one secretly peeking at me just now?”
The little fox whined and cried. It rubbed against Feng Ci’s hand out of both cowardice and flattery.
Feng Ci has never been able to resist this kind of soft and fluffy, little animal. He couldn’t resist stroking it twice again before Pei QianYue followed over: “Master, this fox……”
“Is a demon(妖), I know.” Feng Ci didn’t even raise his head: “But it’s so small, how cute.”
“And fluffy.”
“It feels so soft, do you want to give it a try?”
Pei QianYue: “……”
Pei QianYue clenched his teeth: “……No.”
Randomly receiving the blunt of this powerful demon(妖)’s killing intent, the little fox’s entire body of fur puffed up instantly.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Regarding flying by sword, Pei QianYue was probably the best in the world. A distance would have taken normal people most of the day to travel across, he only needed four hours, not even.
As the moon hung high in the skies, the two people arrived outside of Gusu City.
The pure white sword light landed. Pei QianYue appeared on the summit of a cliff, holding Feng Ci around the waist.
As soon as they landed, Feng Ci recognized this place.
This was where he stood yesterday inside the dream.
Raising his head and looking over, he was able to see, halfway up the mountain, the corner of a Buddhist Temple that was obscured heavily amidst the shadow of trees.
Suddenly someone yelled from the side: “City Master, over here!”
Feng Ci turned his head to the sound and saw a scholarly looking young man currently beckoning at them.
“Finally here. I’ve been waiting here for so long……” The youth ran close swiftly. Before he finished those words, he hastily waved his hands: “Not that I didn’t want to wait, nor did I feel like you came too late, that’s not what I meant, City Master!”
While he spoke, he looked into Pei QianYue’s expressionless face and hastily shut his mouth. Bowing properly and respectfully, he saluted: “Greetings, City Master.”
Finally Pei QianYue introduced him to Feng Ci: “Xue Wei.”
Feng Ci asked: “He’s the scout that you dispatched to watch Hanshan Temple?”
Pei QianYue: “En.”
“But he……”
Although the youth in front of him was born with good looks, his innate constitution was average and his spirit energy was on the low side. Most likely, he had just established his foundations. He didn’t really seem like a disciple of LangFeng City. Not to mention, he didn’t display the same restraint and fear that other LangFeng disciples showed upon seeing Pei QianYue. The youth’s eyes were very bright. He was currently looking back and forth between the two of them and examining them curiously.
It’s only now that Feng Ci realized Pei QianYue was still holding him.
Just now, there was only so much space on the sword. This position was nothing. However, now that they’ve landed, to keep standing like this was indeed a bit strange.
Feng Ci subconsciously wiggled a bit, but Pei QianYue held on tighter. He was temporarily unable to break free.
The youth’s eyes lit up.
“……” Feeling a bit awkward under that gaze, Feng Ci grinded his teeth: “Can you release me? Shi. Zun.”
Under this situation where everything was still unknown and his physical body has not been found yet, the two people decided, after a discussion, to avoid divulging Feng Ci’s identity at the moment. Therefore, his current identity was still Pei QianYue’s direct disciple, Lu JingMing.
Feng Ci emphasized those two syllables very heavily. However, Xue Wei only blinked and said quietly: “Teacher and disciple huh.”
Pei QianYue loosened his arms, looking very reluctant: “Understood, my beloved disciple.”
“And it’s older gong.” Xue Wei said: “I ship it.”
Feng Ci: “?”
Pei QianYue: “……”
Pei QianYue said: “Focus.”
“Oh.” Xue Wei cleared his throat and said seriously: “I’ve been observing attentively around this area for the last few days. There’s nothing abnormal with Hanshan Temple. I have also not seen anyone strange appearing nearby. Today, after receiving the City Master’s message, I even specifically found an excuse to enter their temple to look around. Everything seemed pretty normal, except……”
Pei QianYue: “Except what?”
“I didn’t see Hui Kong, that old monk…… no I mean, Great Master Hui Kong. I’m not sure if he’s inside the temple or not.”
“…… Great Master Hui Kong rarely journeys outside. I visit him frequently and he likes me quite a bit. After receiving City Master’s message today, I dropped by Gusu City to buy his favorite pastry and went to see him. However, the monk at the temple said he wasn’t there. They didn’t even answer when I asked where he was. I wanted to wait for him at the temple, but they kicked me out.”
Reaching here, Xue Wei rubbed his chin in bewilderment: “It felt like they were hiding something and didn’t want me to find out.”
“That’s indeed a bit strange.” Feng Ci said.
He didn’t say anything else. Instead, he turned to walk to the edge of the cliff.
The mountain cliff where they stood faced Hanshan Temple exactly. There was a small river between the two mountains. Feng Ci looked up at the round moon in the skies. Then he closed his eyes and felt the night breeze blowing over the top of the cliff.
Ktlr ofia fzjmais atf rjwf jr atf rmfcf lc tlr vgfjwr.
Ktf bcis vloofgfcmf kjr atja atf yfii ogbw Ljcrtjc Kfwqif vlv cba abii.
Mfcu Jl jrxfv: “Gbfr Ljcrtjc Kfwqif cbgwjiis abii j yfii?”
“Yo mbegrf.” Wef Qfl jcrkfgfv: “Devvtlra wbcxr qjs qjgalmeijg jaafcalbc ab atf wbgclcu jcv fnfclcu abiir, ktlmt rswybilhf wbcjralm qgjmalmf. Ktfs jikjsr raglxf la j ofk alwfr lc atf wbgclcu jcv fnfclcu. P vlvc’a qjs jaafcalbc ab la abvjs, yea ja atlr alwf…… la rtbeiv tjnf jigfjvs rbecvfv.”
Feng Ci: “So early?”
“Normally it’s always around this time?” Xue Wei scratched his hair, almost not quite understanding why Feng Ci was asking this: “It’s only the 1st and 15th of every month that the bell needs to be struck the full 108 times, which lasts all the way to midnight.”
He paused and said quietly: “Actually, it’s a bit bothersome to the public. I can’t even sleep properly.”
Only struck the full 108 times on the 1st and 15th of every month? But Feng Ci clearly heard 108 tolls in his dreams.
Feng Ci then asked: “What’s today’s date?”
“The 16th.” Xue Wei lived amongst the mortals and was much more familiar with the date than Feng Ci and Pei QianYue. He answered without even thinking about it, but then became slightly bewildered: “Huh? In other words, yesterday night was the 15th. I don’t remember hearing any tolls from the bell……”
Feng Ci frowned pensively.
He had no more questions to ask, so Pei QianYue instructed Xue Wei: “You can return to Gusu.”
Xue Wei was definitely different from Pei QianYue’s other subordinates. After hearing such a clear and definite order, he actually dared to ask back: “City Master, you don’t need me to follow? I’m familiar with this place and can guide the way for you guys.”
Pei QianYue: “Get lost.”
Xue Wei shrunk back slightly: “Oh.”
He turned around and walked off reluctantly. As he left, he was even mumbling “must be because he thinks my voltage is too bright”, “how’s he supposed to chase the wifey when he’s so mean”, and other related words.
“……” Feng Ci pinched the center of his brows: “This child…….”
Pei QianYue said calmly: “Often undisciplined and improper, babbling nonsense. You can ignore him.”
Feng Ci gazed at the youth’s retreating back, wanting to speak but hesitating. However Pei QianYue clearly didn’t want to discuss him anymore, so Feng Ci also stopped mentioning it.
Gusu was built on the waterfront. The babbling brooks flowed through the mountains and merged into the canals of the bright and lively city in the distance.
Pei QianYue said: “Master hasn’t visited the mortal realm for a very long time. Once this is over, I’ll accompany you on a trip there.”
Feng Ci stood on the summit of the cliff. The lights from Gusu City reflected in his eyes. However, he shook his head: “I’ve seen plenty of the human realm, every manner possible. They’re virtually the same. Not very interesting.”
He sighed and withdrew his gaze: “Let’s focus on what we came here for.”
Pei QianYue looked like he still wanted to say something, but Feng Ci was currently preoccupied by thoughts and didn’t notice. He took half a step forward and leaped. Like being lifted by a cool breeze, his body began to float, light as a feather.
Similar to the scene in his dreams, Feng Ci very quickly saw the gates of that ancient, motley temple, as well as the little monk sweeping the grounds in front of the temple door.
Feng Ci landed in front of the temple. Behind him, Pei QianYue also landed quietly.
The young monk put down the broom and walked over towards them quickly. Greeting them with a Buddhist gesture of respect: “May I ask for your names, Immortal Masters, and why you have come to Hanshan Temple?”
Similar questions to that of his dream.
Pei QianYue was just about to answer, but Feng Ci raised his hand to stop him. He asked that little monk: “Is the Abbot present?”
The little monk’s manner remained courteous: “The Abbot is out on a trip and has not returned. If this Immortal Master wishes to find him, why not come back another day.”
Feng Ci inquired: “Where did Great Master Hui Kong go?”
The little monk: “This young monk does not know.”
Feng Ci: “Then when will he return?”
The little monk: “This young monk does not know.”
“……” Feng Ci remained silent for a moment and then smiled: “What a pity. My Shizun was once old friends with Great Master Hui Kong. Today we passed by this place. Originally he wanted to reminisce with Great Master Hui Kong. Looks like it wasn’t meant to be. However, since it’s already late tonight, can we take a rest inside?”
But the little monk still repeated the same words: “The Abbot is out on a trip and has not returned. If this Immortal Master wishes to find him, why not come back another day.”
Feng Ci frowned and turned his head to glance at Pei QianYue.
Pei QianYue was already somewhat displeased: “You dare obstruct this Venerable One?”
The little monk: “May I ask where you two are from, Immortal Masters?”
Pei QianYue: “LangFeng City.”
The little monk’s expression changed slightly.
Right at this moment, the gates of the temple suddenly opened: “Jing An, how can you neglect our esteemed guests? You can head back.”
The new arrival was a young monk around 20 years old. The little monk pressed his palms together, replied “Yes” and returned to the front of the temple. He picked up the broom placed against the side of the door and started to sweep the grounds again.
“I am Jing Chen. This one must be City Master Pei, right?” The young monk stepped forth in greeting and explained: “Our small temple has been in seclusion for a long time. Monks within the monastery cannot recognize such an important figure as yourself and you’ve been treated poorly. I hope City Master Pei can forgive us.”
Pei QianYue asked coolly: “Can this Venerable One enter now?”
“Naturally.” Jing Chen turned sideways and made way. He made a ‘please’ gesture: “City Master, please.”
The two finally set foot on the stone steps in front of the ancient temple. Before entering the temple doors, Feng Ci turned his head and glanced at the little monk named Jing An.
“Little master Jing An.” Feng Ci called out to him: “There doesn’t seem to be any dust on the floors here. It’s getting pretty late at night, so why don’t you head back and rest early.”
Don’t even mention dust, the empty area in front of the temple doors was so clean, not even a piece of fallen leaf can be found.
The little monk’s hand, which held the broom, trembled slightly. He didn’t raise his head and only quietly chanted Amitabha.
This ancient temple has already been around for a very long time. The marks of time could be seen everywhere. It was just in time for night classes right now. The recitation of Buddhist mantras could be heard drifting in the air everywhere within the monastery. As Feng Ci and Pei QianYue walked through, plenty of monks greeted them.
“My shifu went out on a trip a few days ago. He probably won’t be returning to the monastery anytime soon.” Jing Chen said: “If City Master Pei is looking for my shifu because of important matters, you can tell this young monk. I will pass on the message.”
Pei QianYue: “This Venerable One just happened to pass this place by chance and wanted to reminisce with an old friend. If I can’t see him, then so be it.”
Jing Chen: “I see.”
Pei QianYue continued to make some indirect inquiries about, for example, if anything strange happened in the last few days, was there anyone suspicious, and other related questions. Jing Chen answered each of the questions. There didn’t seem to be anything unusual.
As Feng Ci listened, he examined the place all over.
Suddenly, he saw a shadow flash by around the corner.
Feng Ci stopped walking.
Pei QianYue turned to ask him: “What?”
“I seemed to have seen……” Feng Ci pointed at the corner, but there was no longer anything there. Feng Ci shook his head: “It’s nothing.”
The thing just now…… was it a small animal?
However, Feng Ci didn’t sense any ill intent from it; therefore he didn’t think too much of it.
Jing Chen very quickly guided the two people to the front of a small residential courtyard.
“This small monastery rarely sees guests. Therefore the guest house is simple and crude. Hope City Master Pei does not mind.” Jing Chen said.
The house in front of them was indeed not very big. Feng Ci stepped forward to push the door open. The inside was even smaller than the courtyard he had in the outer disciple’s courtyard at LangFeng City. There was only a single bed.
Pei QianYue looked pretty satisfied however: “It’s fine. We’re the ones disturbing.”
Saying this, he got ready to walk inside. However, he was stopped by Jing Chen: “City Master, your room is next door.”
“……” Pei QianYue: “Two rooms?”
The young monk nodded and said seriously: “Although our little monastery is simple and crude, we still have 4-5 guest rooms. There’s no need to squeeze inside one room.”
Pei QianYue: “……”
Pei QianYue stood in front of the house motionless. Feng Ci looked at him in bewilderment and asked in confusion: “You like this room? No problem, I can go next door.”
“……No need.” Pei QianYue said to Jing Chen: “Lead the way.”
After settling them down, Jing Chen left the little courtyard. Feng Ci laid on the bed, eyes closed and resting. He heard a knock on the door.
“Come in.” Feng Ci said.
It was Pei QianYue.
Feng Ci sat up cross-legged and asked him: “How’s it?”
Pei QianYue said: “I examined nearby. Nothing strange.”
Feng Ci nodded: “Looks like that murderer really hasn’t arrived yet, but……”
Pei QianYue asked: “Does Master have some kind of clue?”
Feng Ci thought briefly. Hiding part of the details, he told Pei QianYue his previous dream.
“108 tolls.” Pei QianYue said: “Yesterday night was the 15th, but Xue Wei said there was no sound from the bell yesterday. The monks within this monastery are alive and well as well.”
“So it wasn’t last night.” Feng Ci sighed: “It’s not like we can really wait here idly for half a month, right?”
Pei QianYue said: “Tomorrow I will go investigate nearby again and see if there are any other clues.”
Feng Ci nodded.
Right at this time, there was suddenly a slight sound outside the door.
“Shhh.” Feng Ci raised his hand and pressed it next to his lips, telling Pei QianYue to remain silent. He turned and looked towards the door.
A fluffy head slowly nudged open the unlatched door and poked inside.
That was a small fox, body petite and round. Curled up next to the door, it looked just like a tiny ball of fur. Its fur was dark red throughout. Only the tips of its two ears have white hairs.
Feng Ci’s eyes practically lit up.
So. Adorable!
The little fox poked its head inside and peered around the room. When it raised its eyes, it looked straight into Feng Ci’s eyes. With an ‘ao’, it retracted.
“Ai, don’t go!” Without even thinking, Feng Ci got out of bed and chased outside. The little fox didn’t run far. He caught it right inside the courtyard.
Feng Ci pressed the little fox on the ground and stroked it twice: “Speak. Were you the one secretly peeking at me just now?”
The little fox whined and cried. It rubbed against Feng Ci’s hand out of both cowardice and flattery.
Feng Ci has never been able to resist this kind of soft and fluffy, little animal. He couldn’t resist stroking it twice again before Pei QianYue followed over: “Master, this fox……”
“Is a demon(妖), I know.” Feng Ci didn’t even raise his head: “But it’s so small, how cute.”
“And fluffy.”
“It feels so soft, do you want to give it a try?”
Pei QianYue: “……”
Pei QianYue clenched his teeth: “……No.”
Randomly receiving the blunt of this powerful demon(妖)’s killing intent, the little fox’s entire body of fur puffed up instantly.
Regarding flying by sword, Pei QianYue was probably the best in the world. A distance would have taken normal people most of the day to travel across, he only needed four hours, not even.As the moon hung high in the skies, the two people arrived outside of Gusu City.Thepure white sword lightlanded. Pei QianYue appeared on the summit of a cliff, holding Feng Ci around the waist.As soon as they landed, Feng Ci recognized this place.This was where he stood yesterday inside the dream.Raising his head and looking over, he was able to see, halfway up the mountain, the corner of a Buddhist Temple that was obscured heavily amidst the shadow of trees.Suddenly someone yelled from the side: City Master, over here!Feng Ci turned his head to the sound and saw a scholarly looking young man currently beckoning at them.Finally here. I've been waiting here for so long The youth ran close swiftly. Before he finished those words, he hastily waved his hands: Not that I didn't want to wait, nor did I feel like you came too late, that's not what I meant, City Master!While he spoke, he looked into Pei QianYue's expressionless face and hastily shut his mouth. Bowing properly and respectfully, he saluted: Greetings, City Master.Finally Pei QianYue introduced him to Feng Ci: Xue Wei.Feng Ci asked: He's the scout that you dispatched to watch Hanshan Temple?Pei QianYue: En.But heAlthough the youth in front of him was born with good looks, his innate constitution was average and his spirit energy was on the low side. Most likely, he had just established his foundations. He didn't really seem like a disciple of LangFeng City. Not to mention, he didn't display the same restraint and fear that other LangFeng disciples showed upon seeing Pei QianYue. The youth's eyes were very bright. He was currently looking back and forth between the two of them and examining them curiously.It's only now that Feng Ci realized Pei QianYue was still holding him.Just now, there was only so much space on the sword. This position was nothing. However, now that they've landed, to keep standing like this was indeed a bit strange.Feng Ci subconsciously wiggled a bit, but Pei QianYue held on tighter. He was temporarily unable to break free.The youth's eyes lit up. Feeling a bit awkward under that gaze, Feng Ci grinded his teeth: Can you release me? Shi. Zun.Under this situation where everything was still unknown and his physical body has not been found yet, the two people decided, after a discussion, to avoid divulging Feng Ci's identity at the moment. Therefore, his current identity was still Pei QianYue's direct disciple, Lu JingMing.Feng Ci emphasized those two syllables very heavily. However, Xue Wei only blinked and said quietly: Teacher and disciple huh.Pei QianYue loosened his arms, looking very reluctant: Understood, my beloved disciple.And it's older gong. Xue Wei said: I ship it.Feng Ci: ?Pei QianYue: Pei QianYue said: Focus.Oh. Xue Wei cleared his throat and said seriously: I've been observing attentively around this area for the last few days. There's nothing abnormal with Hanshan Temple. I have also not seen anyone strange appearing nearby. Today, after receiving the City Master's message, I even specifically found an excuse to enter their temple to look around. Everything seemed pretty normal, exceptPei QianYue: Except what?I didn't see Hui Kong,that old monk no I mean, Great Master Hui Kong. I'm not sure if he's inside the temple or not. Great Master Hui Kong rarely journeys outside. I visit him frequently and he likes me quite a bit. After receiving City Master's message today, I dropped by Gusu City to buy his favorite pastry and went to see him. However, the monk at the temple said he wasn't there. They didn't even answer when I asked where he was. I wanted to wait for him at the temple, but they kicked me out.Reaching here, Xue Wei rubbed his chin in bewilderment: It felt like they were hiding something and didn't want me to find out.That's indeed a bit strange. Feng Ci said.He didn't say anything else. Instead, he turned to walk to the edge of the cliff.The mountain cliff where they stood faced Hanshan Temple exactly. There was a small river between the two mountains. Feng Ci looked up at the round moon in the skies. Then he closed his eyes and felt the night breeze blowing over the top of the cliff.Ktlr ofia fzjmais atf rjwf jr atf rmfcf lc tlr vgfjwr.Ktf bcis vloofgfcmf kjr atja atf yfii ogbw Ljcrtjc Kfwqif vlv cba abii.Mfcu Jl jrxfv: Gbfr Ljcrtjc Kfwqif cbgwjiis abii j yfii?Yo mbegrf. Wef Qfl jcrkfgfv: Devvtlra wbcxr qjs qjgalmeijg jaafcalbc ab atf wbgclcu jcv fnfclcu abiir, ktlmt rswybilhf wbcjralm qgjmalmf. Ktfs jikjsr raglxf la j ofk alwfr lc atf wbgclcu jcv fnfclcu. P vlvc'a qjs jaafcalbc ab la abvjs, yea ja atlr alwf la rtbeiv tjnf jigfjvs rbecvfv.Feng Ci: So early?Normally it's always around this time? Xue Wei scratched his hair, almost not quite understanding why Feng Ci was asking this: It's only the 1st and 15th of every month that the bell needs to be struck the full 108 times, which lasts all the way to midnight.He paused and said quietly: Actually, it's a bit bothersome to the public. I can't even sleep properly.Only struck the full 108 times on the 1st and 15th of every month? But Feng Ci clearly heard 108 tolls in his dreams.Feng Ci then asked: What's today's date?The 16th. Xue Wei lived amongst the mortals and was much more familiar with the date than Feng Ci and Pei QianYue. He answered without even thinking about it, but then became slightly bewildered: Huh? In other words, yesterday night was the 15th. I don't remember hearing any tolls from the bellFeng Ci frowned pensively.He had no more questions to ask, so Pei QianYue instructed Xue Wei: You can return to Gusu.Xue Wei was definitely different from Pei QianYue's other subordinates. After hearing such a clear and definite order, he actually dared to ask back: City Master, you don't need me to follow? I'm familiar with this place and can guide the way for you guys.Pei QianYue: Get lost.Xue Wei shrunk back slightly: Oh.He turned around and walked off reluctantly. As he left, he was even mumbling must be because he thinks myvoltage is too bright, how's he supposed to chasethe wifeywhen he's so mean, and other related words. Feng Ci pinched the center of his brows: This child.Pei QianYue said calmly: Often undisciplined and improper, babbling nonsense. You can ignore him.Feng Ci gazed at the youth's retreating back, wanting to speak but hesitating. However Pei QianYue clearly didn't want to discuss him anymore, so Feng Ci also stopped mentioning it.Gusu was builton the waterfront. The babbling brooks flowed through the mountains and merged into the canals of the bright and lively city in the distance.Pei QianYue said: Master hasn't visited the mortal realm for a very long time. Once this is over, I'll accompany you on a trip there.Feng Ci stood on the summit of the cliff. The lights from Gusu City reflected in his eyes. However, he shook his head: I've seen plenty of the human realm, every manner possible. They're virtually the same. Not very interesting.He sighed and withdrew his gaze: Let's focus on what we came here for.Pei QianYue looked like he still wanted to say something, but Feng Ci was currently preoccupied by thoughts and didn't notice. He took half a step forward and leaped. Like being lifted by a cool breeze, his body began to float, light as a feather.Similar to the scene in his dreams, Feng Ci very quickly saw the gates of that ancient, motley temple, as well as the little monk sweeping the grounds in front of the temple door.Feng Ci landed in front of the temple. Behind him, Pei QianYue also landed quietly.The young monk put down the broom and walked over towards them quickly. Greeting them with a Buddhist gesture of respect: May I ask for your names, Immortal Masters, and why you have come to Hanshan Temple?Similar questions to that of his dream.Pei QianYue was just about to answer, but Feng Ci raised his hand to stop him. He asked that little monk: Is the Abbot present?The little monk's manner remained courteous: The Abbot is out on a trip and has not returned. If this Immortal Master wishes to find him, why not come back another day.Feng Ci inquired: Where did Great Master Hui Kong go?The little monk: This young monk does not know.Feng Ci: Then when will he return?The little monk: This young monk does not know. Feng Ci remained silent for a moment and then smiled: What a pity. My Shizun was once old friends with Great Master Hui Kong. Today we passed by this place. Originally he wanted to reminisce with Great Master Hui Kong. Looks like it wasn't meant to be. However, since it's already late tonight, can we take a rest inside?But the little monk still repeated the same words: The Abbot is out on a trip and has not returned. If this Immortal Master wishes to find him, why not come back another day.Feng Ci frowned and turned his head to glance at Pei QianYue.Pei QianYue was already somewhat displeased: You dare obstruct this Venerable One?The little monk: May I ask where you two are from, Immortal Masters?Pei QianYue: LangFeng City.The little monk's expression changed slightly.Right at this moment, the gates of the temple suddenly opened: Jing An, how can you neglect our esteemed guests? You can head back.The new arrival was a young monk around 20 years old. The little monk pressed his palms together, replied Yes and returned to the front of the temple. He picked up the broom placed against the side of the door and started to sweep the grounds again.I am Jing Chen. This one must be City Master Pei, right? The young monk stepped forth in greeting and explained: Our small temple has been in seclusion for a long time. Monks within the monastery cannot recognize such an important figure as yourself and you've been treated poorly. I hope City Master Pei can forgive us.Pei QianYue asked coolly: Can this Venerable One enter now?Naturally. Jing Chen turned sideways and made way. He made a please' gesture: City Master, please.The two finally set foot on the stone steps in front of the ancient temple. Before entering the temple doors, Feng Ci turned his head and glanced at the little monk named Jing An.Little master Jing An. Feng Ci called out to him: There doesn't seem to be any dust on the floors here. It's getting pretty late at night, so why don't you head back and rest early.Don't even mention dust, the empty area in front of the temple doors was so clean, not even a piece of fallen leaf can be found.The little monk's hand, which held the broom, trembled slightly. He didn't raise his head and only quietly chantedAmitabha.This ancient temple has already been around for a very long time. The marks of time could be seen everywhere. It was just in time for night classes right now. The recitation of Buddhist mantras could be heard drifting in the air everywhere within the monastery. As Feng Ci and Pei QianYue walked through, plenty of monks greeted them.My shifu went out on a trip a few days ago. He probably won't be returning to the monastery anytime soon. Jing Chen said: If City Master Pei is looking for my shifu because of important matters, you can tell this young monk. I will pass on the message.Pei QianYue: This Venerable One just happened to pass this place by chance and wanted to reminisce with an old friend. If I can't see him, then so be it.Jing Chen: I see.Pei QianYue continued to make some indirect inquiries about, for example, if anything strange happened in the last few days, was there anyone suspicious, and other related questions. Jing Chen answered each of the questions. There didn't seem to be anything unusual.As Feng Ci listened, he examined the place all over.Suddenly, he saw a shadow flash by around the corner.Feng Ci stopped walking.Pei QianYue turned to ask him: What?I seemed to have seen Feng Ci pointed at the corner, but there was no longer anything there. Feng Ci shook his head: It's nothing.The thing just now was it a small animal?However, Feng Ci didn't sense any ill intent from it; therefore he didn't think too much of it.Jing Chen very quickly guided the two people to the front of a small residential courtyard.This small monastery rarely sees guests. Therefore the guest house is simple and crude. Hope City Master Pei does not mind. Jing Chen said.The house in front of them was indeed not very big. Feng Ci stepped forward to push the door open. The inside was even smaller than the courtyard he had in the outer disciple's courtyard at LangFeng City. There was only a single bed.Pei QianYue looked pretty satisfied however: It's fine. We're the ones disturbing.Saying this, he got ready to walk inside. However, he was stopped by Jing Chen: City Master, your room is next door. Pei QianYue: Two rooms?The young monk nodded and said seriously: Although our little monastery is simple and crude, we still have 4-5 guest rooms. There's no need to squeeze inside one room.Pei QianYue: Pei QianYue stood in front of the house motionless. Feng Ci looked at him in bewilderment and asked in confusion: You like this room? No problem, I can go next door.No need. Pei QianYue said to Jing Chen: Lead the way.After settling them down, Jing Chen left the little courtyard. Feng Ci laid on the bed, eyes closed and resting. He heard a knock on the door.Come in. Feng Ci said.It was Pei QianYue.Feng Ci sat up cross-legged and asked him: How's it?Pei QianYue said: I examined nearby. Nothing strange.Feng Ci nodded: Looks like that murderer really hasn't arrived yet, butPei QianYue asked: Does Master have some kind of clue?Feng Ci thought briefly. Hiding part of the details, he told Pei QianYue his previous dream.108 tolls. Pei QianYue said: Yesterday night was the 15th, but Xue Wei said there was no sound from the bell yesterday. The monks within this monastery are alive and well as well.So it wasn't last night. Feng Ci sighed: It's not like we can really wait here idly for half a month, right?Pei QianYue said: Tomorrow I will go investigate nearby again and see if there are any other clues.Feng Ci nodded.Right at this time, there was suddenly a slight sound outside the door.Shhh. Feng Ci raised his hand and pressed it next to his lips, telling Pei QianYue to remain silent. He turned and looked towards the door.A fluffy head slowly nudged open the unlatched door and poked inside.That was a small fox, body petite and round. Curled up next to the door, it looked just like a tiny ball of fur. Its fur was dark red throughout. Only the tips of its two ears have white hairs.Feng Ci's eyes practically lit up.So. Adorable!The little fox poked its head inside and peered around the room. When it raised its eyes, it looked straight into Feng Ci's eyes. With an ao', it retracted.Ai, don't go! Without even thinking, Feng Ci got out of bed and chased outside. The little fox didn't run far. He caught it right inside the courtyard.Feng Ci pressed the little fox on the ground and stroked it twice: Speak. Were you the one secretly peeking at me just now?The little fox whined and cried. It rubbed against Feng Ci's hand out of both cowardice and flattery.Feng Ci has never been able to resist this kind of soft and fluffy, little animal. He couldn't resist stroking it twice again before Pei QianYue followed over: Master, this foxIs a demon, I know. Feng Ci didn't even raise his head: But it's so small, how cute.And fluffy.It feels so soft, do you want to give it a try?Pei QianYue: Pei QianYue clenched his teeth: No.Randomly receiving the blunt of this powerful demon's killing intent, the little fox's entire body of fur puffed up instantly.
