Chapter 406: The Gathering at Half-Mountain Pavilion

By the banks of the Tianxiu River, a small courtyard stood by the water, the night wind bitterly cold.

“It might just be a pure coincidence. The Wolf King has always been cautious by nature, skilled at hiding, and it’s only reasonable that he changes his hideouts from time to time,” Wang Zai speculated, his brows slightly furrowed.

Jiang Zhiwei gazed thoughtfully at the quietly flowing river before her and said, “It’s also possible that someone has been watching us all along, and upon discovering something, notified the Wolf King in advance.”

Someone from Mythos? Meng Qi understood the implications behind her words without further explanation. Wang Zai, however, continued to speculate, “Both the Crown Prince and the Third Prince have arrived in Yingcheng. With so much intrigue in the shadows, it’s quite possible that someone is indeed watching us.”

He linked this matter to the recent assassination attempt on Prince Jin Zhao Yi.

He paused, then continued, “This blood-stained cloth must have been used by the Wolf King to wrap his wounds. Allow me to take it and see if I can trace him through the Bai family’s unique techniques.”

The Bai family originated from the southern barbarian tribes. Rumors told of their possession of exotic arts and poisons, including techniques for tracking through blood. Hence Wang Zai’s suggestion. Otherwise, it would likely require seeking help from a master of the external scenes or a true disciple from either the Buddhist or Daoist sects, employing supernatural abilities like the Divine Eye to track the Wolf King through his blood.

“Fine,” Meng Qi nodded. “However, the Wolf King didn’t leave in a hurry. Since he left behind a bloodied cloth strip, he probably has his own ways to avoid pursuit.”

After some discussion, the three found no clear leads and temporarily parted ways to return to their respective lodgings. Jiang Zhiwei would continue to have the Xijian Pavilion in Yingcheng dispatch personnel and contact local contacts to search for the Wolf King’s trail.

…

The next day, the sky was clear and bright, the sunlight warm but not scorching, bringing a touch of winter’s comfort.

Since they had already submitted their secret report two days ago, and Master Qi had reported to the Huanhua Sword Sect much earlier, with Gu Xiaosang and the wandering Taoist of the Luo sect secretly waiting, Meng Qi, already in the mood to act as bait, invited Jiang Zhiwei to tour Yanyu Mountain together.

The mountain scenery was ethereal, with beautiful sights everywhere. Unlike other mountains filled with strange rocks and steep cliffs, Yanyu Mountain was elegant and verdant, embodying the gentle charm of the Jiangdong region, presenting a unique kind of beauty.

“The scenery of Jiangdong is truly vastly different from the northern regions,” Meng Qi remarked. The brilliant sunlight pierced through the usual mist, enveloping the entire Yanyu Mountain in a golden glow, making the mountain streams and ancient trees appear almost sacred, as if Jiang Zhiwei were bathed in divine light and celestial qi.

The Xijian Pavilion was located at the border of Huazhou and Ganzhou, which could be considered the northern region.

There were many pavilions in the mountains, with faint sounds of music and singing drifting through the air. The noble families, martial sects, and wealthy officials of Yingcheng had all built pavilions and academies within Yanyu Mountain, where martial artists of varying abilities coexisted.

Looking at the beautiful mountain scenery and distant pavilions, Meng Qi chuckled and said, “I’ve heard that the Woxin Monastery is located at the northern peak, famous for its fragrant Tiehua tea and delicious homemade tofu. How about we pay them a visit?”

Jiang Zhiwei smirked, “I thought you would choose Puxian Nunnery.”

“Why?” Meng Qi widened his eyes in feigned surprise, as if the thought had never crossed his mind.

“Aren’t you a little monk? Paying homage at a temple should be second nature to you,” Jiang teased, then smiled. “Puxian Nunnery’s vegetarian feast, known as one of the finest in Yingcheng. Since you love to eat, shouldn’t you be eager to go there first?”

She paused thoughtfully, then said seriously, “I know you don’t like being a monk, but since you’ve already returned to secular life, what harm is there in visiting a temple? If you keep avoiding it, it will only show that you haven’t truly let go, and over time, it could become a mental block, attracting external disturbances.”

The Xijian Pavilion always emphasized mental cultivation, hence Jiang Zhiwei’s reminder to Meng Qi.

Meng Qi smiled bitterly, “I’ve already visited a nunnery. Why should I fear a temple? It’s just that the Crown Prince is staying at Puxian Nunnery, and I’ve already been involved with Prince Jin. If I go there recklessly, I might get dragged into the royal family’s conflicts and cause trouble.”

He had previously only told Jiang Zhiwei about Zhao Yi and mentioned that the Crown Prince had also arrived in Yingcheng, but not where he was staying.

Jiang Zhiwei then understood, slightly raised her head, her face slightly flushed, and looking up at the sky with a “calm” expression, said, “I thought too much and misunderstood you.”

She was completely sincere and unpretentious.

Meng Qi chuckled wisely, tactfully changing the subject. The two continued chatting and laughing as they made their way toward the northern mountain.

After climbing a while up the stone steps, they reached a flat area halfway up the mountain where a pavilion stood. Inside, a group of people had gathered.

At the forefront stood a man with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant mountains shrouded in faint clouds and mist. He wore a bright yellow robe and a tall hat, his posture upright and dignified.

Behind him stood a middle-aged man dressed in black robes and a black hat, his demeanor subtly sinister. Just looking at him sent a chill down one’s spine.

Beside the middle-aged man was a monk wearing a red robe, with a fat face and big ears, his expression always smiling, making him seem approachable at first glance.

Around them stood five monks dressed in yellow robes, around forty years old, their faces thin and gaunt. Though their appearances differed, they gave the impression of being of one essence.

Outside the pavilion were scattered guards dressed in dark red uniforms, all of them exuding a fierce aura and clearly skilled in martial arts.

Meng Qi’s eyes narrowed, and he smiled bitterly, saying, “What must come cannot be avoided. I didn’t go to the mountain, but the mountain came to me.”

From the sheer presence of this group, Meng Qi could tell that the leader was indeed the Crown Prince of Jin, Zhao Qian.

“If it’s a blessing, it won’t be a disaster; if it’s a disaster, it cannot be avoided. Since they’ve come to us, we might as well meet them,” Jiang Zhiwei suggested.

“Of course. They’ve blocked the path, so we should at least hear what they want to avoid being caught off guard in a dangerous place later,” Meng Qi regained his composure, his long saber at his waist, hands behind his back, climbing the steps with an air of ease.

Jiang Zhiwei, sword in hand, her dress fluttering in the mountain breeze, looked like a celestial maiden descending to the mortal world.

“The Crown Prince invites the two of you to the pavilion,” a guard approached Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei as they advanced.

“Please lead the way,” Meng Qi politely replied.

The guard escorted the two through the tight security and into the Half-Mountain Pavilion.

Prince Zhao Qian slowly turned around. His facial features bore a strong resemblance to Zhao Yi and Zhao Heng, but his eyebrows were not as thick. They were light and faint, his nose slightly curved at the tip, sharp like a blade, giving an impression of decisiveness and resolution.

“Fate brings us together from afar. Meeting you two on the mountain path fills my heart with joy,” Zhao Qian spoke in a mellow voice, his tone so persuasive that it would be captivating even in a sermon.

Meng Qi smiled and bowed, “A humble commoner greets the Crown Prince.”

“Every day, I encounter strangers. This is the fate of a distant reunion, but almost all of them merely pass by without recognition, due to shallow connections,” he used a direct analogy to tell the prince that their connection was shallow, implying that if there was something important, he would prefer not to be involved.

Zhao Qian remained as calm as an old monk, unfazed by the remark. He pointed to the fat monk beside him and said, “This is the abbot of Puxian Nunnery, Master Huayan.”

“Amitabha, the two of you are indeed extraordinary individuals, living up to your reputation,” Huayan smiled, clasping his hands in a respectful gesture. He looked like a monk who was fond of collecting donations, yet Meng Qi and Jiang Zhiwei dared not underestimate him in the slightest. This was a master of the external scenes, and judging by appearances alone could lead to errors.

“Especially Master Su, coming from a Buddhist background, possessing the Breaking Precepts Saber Technique. Although your actions may seem ruthless, they are righteous and just, eliminating evil and rescuing the distressed, which is in line with Buddhist principles. Truly, you have a deep connection with the Buddha,” Huayan smiled as he looked at Meng Qi.

You’re the one with a connection to the Buddha, and your whole family too! Meng Qi inwardly cursed, but then chuckled to himself. Huayan was already a high-ranking monk; no one would believe it if he said he had no connection to the Buddha. As for his family, considering his age, his parents must have already passed away, and he had no wife or children…

Seeing Meng Qi remain silent, Zhao Qian smiled slightly, “I often hear of Master Su’s deeds and feel deeply moved. Holding a killing blade with a Buddhist heart, isn’t that exactly what a Dharma Guardian is?”

Dharma Guardian… Guardian… Meng Qi’s impression of Zhao Qian plummeted, finding him even worse than Zhao Yi.

He forced a smile and said, “It’s said that the Crown Prince is devoted to Buddhism, contemplating the emptiness of the four elements. Why not abandon the throne, retreat from the world, and attain great purity and liberation?”

Jiang Zhiwei also interjected, “Now you cling to power and pursue authority, which seems contradictory to Buddhist teachings?”

The two were subtly accusing Zhao Qian of hypocrisy, criticizing him for believing in Buddhism while remaining attached to worldly power and influence.

“You! How disrespectful!” The effeminate middle-aged man stepped forward, pointing his finger at the two.

He did not directly suppress them with his aura or physically attack. Su Wuming was known for protecting his disciples. If he were to attack, it would be seen as bullying the young, and he would never dare to leave the capital again, or else he would surely face a sword strike.

Zhao Qian raised his hand, signaling the middle-aged man to calm down. He smiled faintly and said, “The Buddha has a smile with a flower, as well as a fierce look of a Vajra. If everyone were to indulge in self-cultivation and ignore worldly affairs, who would save all beings?”

“If I can hold the throne and issue a command that the entire world follows, allowing ordinary people to be free from oppression and martial cultivators to be free from the evils of slaughter, enabling everyone to attain liberation and reach the other shore, I would rather abandon my cultivation, engage in petty struggles, and pursue power to gain greater strength!”

His smile was faint, but his tone was decisive and resolute, exuding a sense of determination to go against all odds.

…Meng Qi was slightly moved. The Crown Prince was somewhat different from what he had imagined.

But if he fully leaned toward Buddhism, the Daoist sects and aristocratic families would surely do everything possible to stop him, making it extremely difficult for him to ascend the throne!

“Although your great vow is admirable, it contradicts the idea of purity and may lead to much bloodshed and carnage,” Meng Qi casually replied.

Zhao Qian shook his head and smiled, “Anyone else can say that to me, but you, Su Meng, have no right to. Wasn’t it you who said, ‘Killing to protect life, cutting karma, not people’?”

“It was precisely after hearing those words that I felt a sense of kinship and wanted to meet you in person.”

…I just made that up on the spot… Meng Qi blinked innocently.

“This path is destined to be paved with white bones and blood, but if it can bring peace to all beings, what does it matter if I fall into the eighteenth hell?” Zhao Qian declared loudly.

His expression was solemn, exuding a majestic aura.

But what does this have to do with me… Meng Qi whispered secretly to Jiang Zhiwei, “I thought Buddhism was about seeking purity and wisdom. I never expected the Buddhist sect to support Zhao Qian…”

“Buddhism has the Chan Sect, which focuses on self-cultivation and inner peace, as well as the Pure Land Sect, which believes that merely reciting ‘Amitabha Buddha’ can lead one to the Western Paradise. There are many different sects, each with their own interpretations of the sutras and methods of cultivation. How can they all be the same?” Jiang Zhiwei explained.

Zhao Qian regained his composure and smiled, “Su Meng, how about we make a bet?”

“What kind of bet?” Meng Qi instinctively asked.

Zhao Qian pointed at the five monks in yellow robes, “They are the five masters of the Pure Land Sect—Long, Xiang, Hu, Bao, and Peng. Individually, they may not be your match, but they excel in teamwork, their energies harmonizing. Together, the five of them are no less formidable than any of the top ten on the martial ranking. If you can withstand their combined attack for twenty moves without defeat, I will consider myself defeated and grant you a favor. In the future, if you have any requests that do not involve treason or violating ethics, I will help you fulfill them.”

“If you lose, you must help me with one task. Don’t worry, it won’t involve anything like family betrayal or mutual killing among friends.”

Meng Qi looked at the five monks and noticed that their auras were subtly connected, as if they were one entity.