After stepping out of Tianxiang Hall, Jin Ancheng gazed at the festive lanterns on both sides and listened to the clamorous drinking games nearby. An indescribable sense of satisfaction rose in his heart.
This was his territory, the achievement of the first half of his life!
And all of this had been built by his own hands!
He lowered his head, staring at his pair of pale, plump hands. His smile grew more evident. Although these hands looked like those of a wealthy merchant, within Tianding City and the three neighboring provinces, they were known as the “Yama Pursuing Hands,” having crushed countless throats.
As he indulged in nostalgia, a young-faced monk suddenly appeared before him, palms joined, solemnly saying, “Amitabha, lay devotee, this humble monk observes that your Hall of Seal is darkened.”
After a brief moment of shock, Jin Ancheng’s heart surged with anger. Since when had monks taken up fortune-telling? The last person who dared mock him was now lying in the city’s outskirts, buried in a mass grave!
“Junior Master,” Jin Ancheng said with a fake smile, “why don’t you tell me exactly how dark my Hall of Seal appears?” At the same time, he raised his hand to stop his guards from stepping forward. He wanted to personally leave an unforgettable memory for this young monk.
Before his words faded, his gaze sharpened as he noticed four people standing behind the young monk—two of whom were definitely not people he could offend.
What exactly was this monk’s identity?
Meng Qi said with a half-smile, “This humble monk merely wishes to kindly remind the lay devotee. As for why it is so, heavenly secrets cannot be disclosed.”
Are you damn well a monk or a Taoist! Jin Ancheng inwardly cursed, yet his face bore a smile, “Miss, your presence here truly graces this place.”
“Master Jin, I’m merely passing by,” Cui Jinxiu replied with a smile. Ever since realizing the painting’s style was off, she had maintained this expression.
Meng Qi no longer looked at Jin Ancheng and returned to Cui Jinxiu and the others.
Jin Ancheng was the master of Tianxiang Hall, the hidden ruler of Tianding City’s most prosperous street. He was also one of the last few people to have contact with Duan Mingcheng, son of Duan Xiangfei, before the latter’s disappearance—before vanishing, Duan Mingcheng had banqueted Tianding City’s Master Cui Jinhuaxu and Chief Constable Fei Zhengqing at Tianxiang Hall, yet never returned to his purchased residence in Tianding City afterward.
Regarding Jin Ancheng’s intelligence, “Retired Hermit Master” Duan Xiangfei had provided detailed information, allowing Meng Qi to recognize him immediately. With a shift of thoughts, Meng Qi seized the opportunity to approach and scare him.
Smiling, Jin Ancheng respectfully escorted Cui Jinxiu, Meng Qi, and others into a nearby street before his expression darkened. Coldly, he ordered, “Investigate that monk’s background and determine his relationship with the young lady.”
If their connection was merely ordinary, then don’t blame me for ruthless measures!
The nickname “Yama Pursuing Hands” not only signified martial prowess but also implied a vengeful nature!
Regarding this, Jin Ancheng felt not shame but pride.
“Yes, Master,” two individuals emerged from his guards, stealthily following Cui Jinxiu’s group. They dared not tail Miss Cui directly but knew her destination was certainly the City Lord’s Mansion. They planned to wait there in advance to observe whether the monk resided in the Mansion or at an outside inn. If the latter were true, their relationship would clearly be shallow.
After issuing orders, Jin Ancheng collected his thoughts and walked toward his mansion. As he walked, the phrase “darkened Hall of Seal” echoed in his mind, making him uneasy.
“Could there be some disaster recently?”
“Don’t overthink it. What would a monk know about fortune-telling? He’s clearly a swindler!”
“Better safe than sorry. Perhaps I should visit Xian’an Temple outside the city for a protective charm…”
As a master of the underworld, having survived countless battles and witnessed countless seniors stronger and smarter than himself perish, his survival owed much to luck. Thus, he tended to believe in supernatural matters for peace of mind.
…
“Amitabha, lay devotees, when conditions arise and disperse, this humble monk’s purpose is fulfilled. I shall take my leave first,” Meng Qi said, palms joined, after walking a while.
Cui Jinxiu expressed disappointment, “I was planning to invite the Master to stay at my mansion and ask more about the Immortals.”
Old He coughed slightly, glancing at the ground, “It’s late at night. Unless they’re familiar acquaintances, it’s truly unsuitable to bring guests home.”
This was his way of reminding Cui Jinxiu of the mansion’s rules.
Because of their initial meeting, if she appeared overly enthusiastic, suspicion might arise. Thus, Meng Qi, without considering Cui Jinxiu’s attempts to retain him, uttered a Buddhist chant and lightly smiled, “If destined, we shall meet again. Then, I hope Lady Cui will grant this humble monk a vegetarian meal.”
By then, he would likely be investigating the connection between Cui Jinhua and Duan Mingcheng’s disappearance.
Without waiting for Cui Jinxiu’s reply, he turned and walked away, entering a nearby street.
Watching Meng Qi’s back, Cui Jinxiu sighed, “Though young, Master Zhen Ding carries himself with the demeanor of a great monk. Others, upon hearing they could visit the City Lord’s Mansion, would likely become overly excited.”
“Dear Sister Jinxiu, although monks do not lie, strange and supernatural tales often appear in Buddhist scriptures. Don’t take his stories about Immortals too seriously,” Li Xinyu asked with concern. Master Zhen Ding’s mysterious aura unsettled her.
Cui Jinxiu pouted, “Am I so easily deceived? I won’t believe until I witness miracles like summoning wind and rain with my own eyes.”
“That’s good, that’s good,” Li Xinyu sighed in relief, then cheerfully asked, “Dear Sister Jinxiu, speaking of which, you’ve reached the age for marriage. Has Uncle Cui already found a suitable family for you?”
“Not yet! My husband must be able to defeat me in combat and also be refined and humorous in conversation…” Cui Jinxiu continued, but upon seeing Li Xinyu’s teasing expression, she grew both shy and annoyed, her face turning bright red, “In any case, I must choose for myself!”
“You’re your family’s only daughter. Uncle Cui treasures you like a pearl in his palm. He will definitely agree,” Li Xinyu, considering Cui Jinxiu’s status, refrained from further teasing and instead humorously agreed with her.
Cui Jinxiu suddenly froze, pursed her lips, and said, “Actually, Father had already planned to arrange my engagement.”
“Oh? I wonder which fortunate young man is from such a fine family?” The two men, Zhang Zongxian and Old He, could not join the conversation between the girls and could only silently walk ahead, listening to Li Xinyu’s inquiry.
Cui Jinxiu sighed, “It was the Duan family’s elder brother.”
“‘Retired Hermit Master’s’ son?” Li Xinyu asked in surprise, then frowned. “I’ve heard that the eldest Young Master Duan indulges in wine and gambling, enjoys gathering with friends, and is quite extravagant, with rather mediocre martial arts skills.”
Cui Jinxiu shook her head, her expression complex, “I once saw the Duan family’s elder brother in action. His martial arts aren’t as poor as rumors suggest. I suspect his skills rival my brother’s. Moreover, I always feel there’s some hidden meaning behind his playboy behavior…”
Li Xinyu glanced at Cui Jinxiu and secretly pursed her lips. Perhaps it was because you’ve placed your heart on Duan Mingcheng, hence your thoughts.
This topic intrigued Zhang Zongxian, who sighed, “Rumors often exaggerate. Who would’ve thought the eldest Duan少爷 possessed such formidable martial arts?”
Cui Jinhua was hailed as the most promising young generation master capable of unlocking the human body’s secret treasury and becoming a Grandmaster. For Duan Mingcheng to be considered Cui Jinxiu’s equal, his strength must indeed be formidable.
Regarding this, he trusted Cui Jinxiu’s judgment, both because of her family’s martial arts heritage and her unlikely intention to deliberately belittle her own brother.
“In that case, Young Master Duan is both handsome and talented—truly an excellent match. Dear Sister Jinxiu, what more could you possibly desire?” Li Xinyu laughed.
Cui Jinxiu lowered her gaze to her feet, pinching her red skirt’s hem, her voice distant, “The Duan family’s elder brother has disappeared, leaving no clue. Because of this, Uncle Duan and Father have fallen out.”
“What! Young Master Duan has gone missing?” Li Xinyu and Zhang Zongxian were utterly shocked. This was the son of one of the Seven Grandmasters—the “Reclusive Master”—and his disappearance had taken place right within Tianding City!
Having obtained the treasure map and kept their movements hidden, they naturally were unaware of current major events.
…
On the rooftop of a large house, Meng Qi sat cross-legged, smiling as he watched the guards who had lost him return to report to Jin Ancheng’s mansion.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t send someone to follow me. Otherwise, with Tianding City so vast, it would take me several days to locate your residence…” Meng Qi thought happily. Duan Xiangfei’s evaluation of Jin Ancheng in the provided materials was an eight-character summary: “adaptable and vengeful.”
Yet soon, Meng Qi grew slightly troubled. Without a night robe, it would be difficult to conduct investigations and interrogations without revealing his identity, especially since he needed to maintain the guise of “Shen Hou” to possibly lure out other divine messengers—he didn’t know the contact methods or where to go, so completing the side mission required a clumsy approach.
“Where can I borrow a set…” Meng Qi pondered solutions when suddenly, his eyes lit up. On the opposite roof, a figure clad in a night robe was stealthily moving into the distance.
…
The cloaked figure carefully approached the target courtyard, his heart ablaze with anticipation. If this frame-up and murder succeeded, no one would ever suspect him regarding the lost cargo.
“Rest in peace. I’ll take good care of your orphans and widows…” Beneath his mask, his lips curled upward as he prepared to descend into the courtyard.
Suddenly, a sharp pain struck the back of his head. Shocked, he struggled to turn around but was powerless. Darkness enveloped his vision, and he completely fainted.
“You’re quite dedicated to delivering a night robe to me at night. Humanity truly knows kindness…” In a street corner, Meng Qi casually teased the unconscious figure before him while adjusting the night robe.
Unsure of the man’s true intentions, Meng Qi refrained from using excessive force, merely knocking him out with the flat of his blade.
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