Chapter 32: Reunion

The blazing sun shone brightly, and the stream flowed gently. At the entrance of the main path up the mountain, a group of yellow-robed warrior monks guarded the way. Nearby, simple inns and markets formed a bustling and noisy area.

“This place looks a lot like your sect’s mountain entrance,” Qi Zhengyan said slightly frowning, speaking to Meng Qi.

Meng Qi had never descended the mountain before and didn’t know what the foot of his sect’s mountain looked like. He could only shake his head and say, “I was unconscious halfway up the mountain and was carried up by an old servant. I’ve never seen the entrance to our sect.”

This was indeed the truth. It was precisely because the original body’s owner was unconscious that he was able to cross over into this world.

“I saw it when I accompanied elders of our sect to Shaolin. The layout is basically the same,” Qi Zhengyan said without elaborating further, though a hint of confusion appeared on his face. If these were two different worlds, why were they so similar? Moreover, in his own world, the Shaolin Temple was located on Liantai Mountain, while here it was on Shaohua Mountain—completely different ranges.

Meng Qi thought for a moment and said, “Once we reach the mountain, I’ll know for sure. However, if the only similarity is in the layout of the buildings, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything. According to the ‘Master of the Six Gates,’ there are countless reincarnation worlds, as numerous as the stars in the sky. Coincidences are not uncommon, especially since they are all Buddhist monasteries.”

Behind the two, Xiaozi listened to their conversation with a slightly listless expression, while Xiang Hui, whose face had been slashed, injuring his nose and muscles, winced with every word he spoke. No longer as obsequious and flattering as he had been a few days prior, he half-covered his face and occasionally groaned in pain.

Qi Zhengyan, unable to figure out the mystery, nodded and walked with Meng Qi to the mountain-guarding monks. He calmly spoke, “Master monks, we have important news to report to your abbot.”

“How can we know what kind of news this is? In these troubled times, we cannot allow people to ascend the mountain carelessly,” the leading monk asked respectfully, hands clasped together.

Meng Qi solemnly asked, “May I know the honorable master’s name?”

“The humble monk is named Deguang,” the monk replied with a slight smile. “May I ask for the younger master’s name?”

He was trying to establish a sense of familiarity.

After Meng Qi gave his dharma name, he succinctly stated, “General Dorcha intends to lead his elite warriors and army to destroy your sect. We were aided by a righteous warrior who discovered this plot and obtained the list of your sect’s traitors. This is a matter of utmost importance and cannot be discussed openly. Please, master, inform your abbot.”

Brother Deguang furrowed his brow, “Is it true, Master Zhen Ding? Did you split into two groups?”

“Indeed, master. Has the other group already arrived?” Meng Qi asked in pleasant surprise.

“Yes, two female lay devotees and two male lay devotees,” Deguang replied candidly. “The news has already spread, and lay devotees from nearby sects have come to assist. They are gathering at the nearby inn.”

Meng Qi nodded with a smile, feeling unusually cheerful. It was reassuring that Zhang Yuanshan and Jiang Zhiwei were safe. In the reincarnation world, it was difficult to encounter disciples of reputable orthodox sects with principles. If they had been harmed, there was a high chance of encountering ruthless or deceitful individuals in the future. Moreover, he had developed a close friendship with them, considering them friends.

Brother Deguang clasped his hands together and chanted, “Namo Amitabha Buddha. At this critical moment for our sect, we dare not allow anyone up the mountain carelessly, for fear of spies infiltrating. Please, junior masters, stay at the nearby inn temporarily while I consult our abbot and then invite you in.”

Hearing his sincerity and openness, Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan naturally had no objections. After returning the courtesy, they headed toward the nearby inn—Shaolin had many monks, and there were many visitors and farmers coming and going, naturally forming a place to rest at the foot of the mountain. Many sects were similar in this regard.

“Miss Jiang and Master Zhang have already arrived. Our importance has greatly diminished. No wonder they don’t value us much,” Meng Qi casually complained.

Qi Zhengyan did not echo Meng Qi’s sentiment but instead looked up at the sky, “There’s still half a day until the deadline. We should be able to enter the temple in time.”

“I hope nothing unexpected happens…” Meng Qi stopped mid-sentence, not wanting to tempt fate.

“Haha, are you also here to assist Shaolin?” At that moment, a rough-looking man approached from near the inn, asking Meng Qi and the others with a hearty laugh.

Meng Qi smiled, “Indeed.”

“We are too. Ever since we heard yesterday that the cannibal demon of the barbarians was planning to besiege Shaolin, righteous warriors from all over have rushed here,” the man said, pointing to himself. “I’m He Luo Wei Wuji. I haven’t had the pleasure of knowing your names yet, friends.”

When mentioning his own name, Wei Wuji straightened his back, seemingly preparing to receive astonished and admiring gazes, clearly believing himself to be quite famous.

Meng Qi secretly rolled his eyes. Who is this guy? Don’t act like you’re so famous and expect us to worship you.

Except for Dorcha, Meng Qi truly didn’t know who anyone was, so he deliberately ignored Wei Wuji’s gaze and smiled as he introduced the group.

Wei Wuji’s face showed slight embarrassment, but he quickly recovered, laughing heartily, “Friends, you seem to have just survived a fierce battle? And this young lady, she seems… she doesn’t seem to have any martial arts skills?”

His confusion was understandable, and Meng Qi didn’t mind. If it were himself, he might have similar questions, though perhaps not voiced so directly.

After a moment’s thought, he nodded, “On our way here, we encountered several high-level barbarian warriors and barely managed to break through.”

Then he pointed to Xiaozi, “This is Master Qi’s fiancée. Though she lacks the strength to tie up even a chicken, she has a heart full of devotion. She left the comfort of her home to voluntarily accompany us here, ready to share life and death with Master Qi.”

Clang! Qi Zhengyan’s sword fell to the ground. He looked at Meng Qi with a complex expression, a mix of accusation and anger, while Xiaozi, still confused about what was going on, looked bewildered.

Meng Qi secretly shrugged. Could he really say she was his fiancée, a monk’s?

Heh heh, when it comes to making up cheesy stories, who in this world could rival him?

Wei Wuji nodded approvingly, “For Brother Qi to win the heart of such a devoted and affectionate lady is truly admirable. I feel an instant connection with all of you. Why don’t I treat you all to a drink and help you change into some clean clothes?”

Is this the kind of chivalrous hero that fills the martial world? Meng Qi thought to himself in silence. However, since they were close to Shaolin and there shouldn’t be much danger, he pointed ahead and said, “In that case, we’ll gladly accept your generous invitation.”

“Haha, Master Zhen Ding, you’re quite the generous fellow,” Wei Wuji laughed heartily, gesturing for them to follow.

As they walked toward the inn, Meng Qi naturally seized the opportunity to ask Wei Wuji about the local news, hoping to find Jiang Zhiwei and the others.

“As soon as the news spread, the entire He Luo martial arts world was in an uproar. Under the call of several highly respected martial heroes, many friends rushed to Shaolin to help. Among them are young master Lin Bieshu of the Luohe Sect…” Wei Wuji spoke with great enthusiasm, as if the barbarian warriors and their army were about to be wiped out.

Meng Qi casually smiled and said, “Among these respected martial heroes, I suppose Wei the Great Hero is one too?”

Wei Wuji modestly smiled, “No, no, I’m just following in the footsteps of the elders. Sigh, I’ve been practicing martial arts for thirty years, yet I’ve barely touched the threshold of the Primordial Unity. Compared to young master Lin, who broke through to the Primordial Unity before he was thirty, I’m nowhere near his level.”

Primordial Unity? Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan exchanged glances. Was the cultivation hierarchy here different from their own world?

“But this time…” Wei Wuji’s expression suddenly turned somewhat puzzled, as if recalling something unbelievable.

Meng Qi looked at him curiously as they stepped through the door of the humble inn together.

Inside the inn, the crowd was bustling, not only all the tables were full, but many places were also crowded with people standing.

“Really that lively?” Wei Wuji pulled over a young and beautiful girl and asked in confusion.

The female martial artist pointed to the corner, her voice filled with awe and admiration, “Young Master Zhang has come down and is drinking and chatting with young master Lin.”

“Young Master Zhang?” Wei Wuji’s expression changed, mixed with reverence and awe.

Following the girl’s finger, Meng Qi looked over and saw a rare quiet spot inside the inn.

In the corner, there was a square table with two men sitting opposite each other, wine cups and teapots in front of them.

One of the men was mature and refined, with a smile on his face. The other wore a Zhenwu Daoist robe, had a straight nose, and exuded youthful vigor and handsomeness—clearly Meng Qi’s familiar friend, Zhang Yuanshan.

Around the two men, the passing guests instinctively left a clear space, making the area unusually tranquil.

“Young Master Zhang?” Meng Qi repeated Wei Wuji’s question, though the meaning was entirely different.

Wei Wuji turned to look at Meng Qi and nodded slightly, “Young Master Zhang is the disciple of a hermit master. It’s normal that you don’t know him since this is his first time traveling the martial world.”

“Oh?” Meng Qi took the opportunity to inquire about Zhang Yuanshan’s experiences, so as not to be caught off guard if something went wrong, so he feigned curiosity.

Wei Wuji once again looked at Zhang Yuanshan with reverence and said, “Young Master Zhang is a man of great righteousness and noble character, unlike us ordinary folks. Not only did he break through to the Primordial Unity before he was twenty, but he also braved the stars and moon, overcoming numerous ambushes to come and deliver the warning.”

Does the Primordial Unity here refer to opening the acupoints? Meng Qi nodded slightly. That was possible. According to occasional remarks from Jiang Zhiwei and others, after reaching the peak of Qi accumulation, one expels a breath of impure air, returning to the innocence of a newborn, cultivating the inner world and opening the divine acupoints.

“And among the high-level martial artists who ambushed them was ‘Zhen Heluo’ Gu Haoran, who has been in the Primordial Unity for twenty years, one of the top martial artists in the world. Unfortunately, he grew old and foolish, betraying his clan and country to become a henchman of the barbarians, and was eventually killed by Young Master Zhang.”

The female martial artist beside him nodded emphatically, her cheeks flushed with admiration, “This happened at the Guanhe town entrance. Many martial artists witnessed it, all shocked by Young Master Zhang’s strength. His reputation has already spread throughout Heluo.”

“Although Gu Haoran was old and frail, he was still a Primordial Unity expert, showing how terrifying Young Master Zhang is. Even more terrifying is that he is only nineteen years old. Sigh, I feel like I’ve wasted the first half of my life,” Wei Wuji said with self-deprecating humor, clearly feeling disheartened.

“Yes, perhaps only young master Lin can match Young Master Zhang’s caliber. The disciple of a hermit master is indeed extraordinary,” a passing martial artist added with admiration.

Wei Wuji stroked his chin, suppressing his other emotions, and respectfully said, “We should go to the other side and squeeze in there so as not to disturb Young Master Zhang and young master Lin. You, you…”

Before he finished speaking, he saw the young monk in front of him walking straight toward Young Master Zhang and young master Lin, completely ignoring his calls to stop.

He’s being too reckless! Even if he wants to make friends with a master, doing it like this will only cause resentment.

At the square table, Lin Bieshu gently sipped from his wine cup, “Thirty-year-old Luohe wine, mellow and fragrant.”

Zhang Yuanshan returned the gesture with a nod, “Indeed, it’s exceptional.”

“Sigh, the days when we can calmly sip tea and drink wine are numbered. The world is in chaos, and even Shaolin must go through a trial by fire. Who knows when peace will return?” Lin Bieshu sighed lightly.

Zhang Yuanshan smiled and took a sip of tea, “The way of the world is such that when it reaches its peak, it declines, and within death lies rebirth. Though the barbarians are strong, they will eventually decline. We must preserve our strength to serve as the seeds of revival.”

Lin Bieshu was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter, “No wonder you’re the disciple of a hidden Daoist sect…”

Suddenly, his laughter vanished, and an aura of majesty emerged as he saw a grubby little monk approaching carelessly.

“Who are you?” he asked slowly, his presence so strong that ordinary martial artists dared not come near, making Wei Wuji feel uneasy as well—after all, this was someone he had brought in.

However, he watched in disbelief as the little monk sat down without a care, casually taking a cup from in front of Zhang Yuanshan, pouring himself a glass of strong wine, and saying casually, “I’ll drink first as a sign of respect.”

Zhang Yuanshan smiled and didn’t stop him, instead picking up another cup and pouring himself a cup of light tea.

Ah? Seeing Zhang Yuanshan’s reaction, Wei Wuji and the female martial artist beside him froze in shock. Could this seemingly disheveled little monk actually be an old acquaintance of Young Master Zhang? Was he also a disciple of a hidden sect?

Lin Bieshu, who was about to be angry, paused, then a smile reappeared on his face. He picked up his wine cup and clinked it with Meng Qi’s.

The expressions of the surrounding martial artists who didn’t understand what was happening became unusually colorful, and they began to speculate wildly about who this famous martial arts master might be.

Ahem, after drinking the strong wine, Meng Qi felt a fiery line burn from his throat to his stomach, and he couldn’t help coughing.

Oh no! He had forgotten that this body wasn’t accustomed to alcohol like his original one!

At that moment, a cup of light tea appeared in front of Meng Qi, so without thinking, he picked it up and drank it, finally calming the discomfort in his stomach.

“Master Zhen Ding, aside from the matter of discipline, you shouldn’t be so reckless on your first try at drinking,” Zhang Yuanshan said gently, clearly having guessed beforehand that Meng Qi’s body wasn’t used to drinking—this wasn’t hard to guess. Usually, someone from a noble family would have strict upbringing, and having been sent to Shaolin at a young age, where would he have the chance to drink?

After stopping his cough, Meng Qi smiled and played with the wine cup, saying, “How can a humble monk understand the value and necessity of discipline without tasting strong wine?”

“Mmm, destruction leads to creation,” Zhang Yuanshan casually agreed.

“Where is Miss Jiang?” Meng Qi asked with a solemn expression.

Zhang Yuanshan smiled bitterly, “Miss Jiang is impatient with socializing and is still resting upstairs.”

“Who is this?” Lin Bieshu couldn’t help but ask.