I began to understand the myriad things by chopping wood

Chapter 223: Gathering of Prodigies
After hearing Huijue's roar, Xie Yuan stood there in a daze for at least three breaths.

...What kind of weird thing is this monk?
Xie Yuan's face darkened, and he said in a deep voice:
"What are you doing?"

Huijue looked innocent:
"Didn't you ask me to call you?"

"When did I tell you to scream?"

Xie Yuan's fists were clenched so hard that they made a crackling sound.

"Didn't you just say that no one knew? I thought that Benefactor Xie didn't win easily, so I helped Benefactor Xie to become famous. Recently, the Jinling Grand Meeting will be held, and countless warriors will come here to make a name for themselves. Doesn't Benefactor Xie have this interest? Well, Benefactor Xie is so powerful that he beat me by half a move. I am willing to admit that I am inferior, so of course I want to let people know."

Huijue looked at Xie Yuan with a strange expression, as if he was the one with the problem. However, he couldn't help but curl up the corners of his mouth slightly, obviously unable to suppress his true thoughts.

Xie Yuan was speechless. This damn bald donkey didn't seem to accept his defeat and it was obvious that he was seeking revenge!
How could the Prajna Temple Zen Buddhism have such a kind of heir? Isn't he afraid of going to hell?

He took a fierce look at the innocent Huijue and spat:
"Someone is coming soon. You are so cunning, I will let you go today!"

Not to mention his identity as a wanted criminal, the fact that he had just foiled the plan of the Yao and Qian families in Wuhe must have been on their minds. If he were to reveal his whereabouts now, the consequences would be unpredictable.

After Xie Yuan finished speaking, he turned around and used his skills to prepare to leave the alley and blend into the crowd.

As a result, he had just run a few steps when he felt the sound of wind behind him. He turned his head subconsciously and then fell silent.

After a moment, Xie Yuan stopped and frowned:
"Why are you following me?"

Huijue said with a smile:

"Thank you, benefactor. You just won. Didn't you say you wanted to ask me some questions? Since it's not convenient here, I have no choice but to follow you."

Xie Yuan frowned, not believing that he was so honest.

If I bring him along, it would feel like this bald guy is a powder keg that will explode at any time.

Xie Yuan snorted:
"Master Huijue is so trustworthy? Forget it, let's say goodbye today, but we will meet again next time."

Xie Yuan looked at him deeply, then he took a deep breath, lightened his body, circulated his remaining internal energy, and accelerated again.

As a result, he took two steps and found that Huijue also accelerated, with no intention of leaving. His face darkened and he stopped suddenly. Looking at the monk next to him who couldn't control his inertia and rushed out two steps, then stopped in a panic, he said seriously:
"Master Huijue, it seems that you must compete with me today?"

He already had a vague feeling that someone was coming from another direction. If he continued to get entangled with Huijue, he would probably have a hard time escaping once the local government officials and masters of the aristocratic families surrounded him!
Seeing that Xie Yuan had no idea what was going on, he directly picked up the axe and even began to gather strength. Huijue was stunned and waved his hands repeatedly, saying:
"Thank you, benefactor. Why are you so angry... Stop, stop, stop! I really want to admit defeat. Let's find a place to talk first."

After saying that, Huijue walked forward obediently and went into a smaller alley nearby.

Xie Yuan frowned and did not retract his axe. After hesitating for a moment, he followed Huijue forward.

Not long after the two men left, a swift shadow suddenly rushed over from the alley, stopped at the entrance of the small temple, and revealed his figure. It was Yao Qinglai, the foreign affairs elder of the Yao family.

He quickly scanned the surroundings, then looked to the side and stepped into the temple. However, the temple was not big, with only an ordinary old monk. Yao Qinglai walked around for a while and found nothing.

He stepped out of the temple, and saw several masters of the Yao family coming into the alley. They were all at the second and third transformation level of Qi and Blood. There was also a constable wearing a constable's robe and a standard long sword on his waist. He was the chief constable of Jinling Prefecture and his surname was also Yao.

Several people looked at each other and shook their heads, indicating that no one around had noticed it.

Yao Qinglai frowned and said:

"Was that really the shout from Master Zhiling's disciple Huijue?"

The head constable pondered for a moment and said:
"That sound was made with the Buddhist lion's roar. The internal force is pure and orthodox."

He did not say whether it was Huijue or not. After all, no one around him could be sure.

Several people nodded silently upon hearing this, but no one had seen Huijue. They just frowned and said:

"For the time being, let's assume that it was Monk Huijue of the Prajna Temple. Then the Xie Yuan he mentioned... is that Xie Yuan, right?"

After exchanging glances for a while, they naturally knew which Xie Yuan that was.

It was not Xie Yuan who was well known to them because of the Hidden Dragon List, but because of the incident in Wuhe.

These members of the Yao family are quite powerful and their status in the family is not low, at least above the level of deacon.

Therefore, most of the Yao family members have been talking about the fact that Yao Zhizhang, who was the county magistrate in Wuhe, was beheaded by Xie Yuan and left a note in a arrogant manner. They knew about it even more.

The family elders would be furious and make a big fuss about this, asking all the Yao family members outside to keep an eye out for Xie Yuan in Yunzhou. If they found him, they would report it immediately and send people to capture him. They were so angry that many family members were afraid to talk.

Well-informed people heard that the killing of Yao Zhizhang was not the worst possible outcome; it was said that the more serious issue was that all the family arrangements there were destroyed.

Although not everyone knew what specific business the family was doing in Wuhe, one could imagine that given the family's reaction, things there must have been complicated, but they were completely ruined by Xie Yuan.

In addition, when Xie Yuan later made it onto the Hidden Dragon List, they remembered the name even more clearly.

As the foreign affairs elder, Yao Qinglai knew the most about this matter. He nodded silently and said in a deep voice:

"If it is Xie Yuan who came to Jinling, according to the Council of Elders, he must not be allowed to leave."

The other few people nodded silently. The captain of a law enforcement team frowned and said slowly:

"But... Huijue is the true disciple of Master Zhiling of Prajna Temple and the third-ranked disciple on the Tianlong Ranking. But he said that he is no match for Xie Yuan..."

Several people looked at each other with some shock in their eyes.

Even the aristocratic families will respect the reputation of the Grand Master.

Master Zhiling has been a grandmaster for nearly a hundred years, and many people grew up listening to his stories of subduing demons and eliminating evil.

As a disciple of one of the world's top warriors and a direct descendant of the Prajna Temple, one can easily imagine his talent and strength.

I heard that Huijue entered Bodhi Temple at a young age. Such a profound knowledge of Buddhism is equal to strength and potential for Buddhist warriors.

Among the Yao family, only a few were at the second level of transformation. They thought that they would never be a match for Huijue. Even the others at the third level of transformation would not ignore the grandmaster's disciple, even if his cultivation was one level higher.

But does this most outstanding warrior in the world say that he cannot defeat Xie Yuan?

Then what is Xie Yuan's strength?
Several people looked at each other, their expressions were somewhat shocked and cautious.

One person said slowly:

"If this is true, if we want to catch Xie Yuan, I'm afraid..."

He didn't finish his words, but the meaning was clear.

Another person echoed:

“Perhaps, we still need to ask the clan’s Grand Master Elder to take the lead.”

The head constable's face darkened and he scolded:

"You're already encouraging others before you've even met them? We haven't even determined whether this 'Hui Jue' is real or fake, let alone whether this statement is true!"

"What if it's true? Can we really catch him with just a few of us?"

The other person asked back without giving in.

"So what if it's true? He's just a Qi and Blood Level 2 Transformation. How can he turn the world upside down?"

The head constable snorted heavily:
"We still have to trouble the Grand Master Elders, aren't you afraid of being punished by the higher-ups? The Grand Master will not move lightly!"

Several people were silent.

During the Eight Gates Rebellion, the Yao family suffered the heaviest losses, with many masters dying, and they have not recovered in all these years.

Therefore, the Yao family formed alliances widely and made friends everywhere, and finally maintained the situation by relying on their foundation. Unfortunately, the remaining few masters were still not enough to support such a large force, and they could only rely on the name of a thousand-year-old family to barely hold on.

If someone like this dared to come to Jinling during the heyday of the Yao family, the Grandmaster would definitely come out to capture him. But now, the Yao family has always had a rule that "the Grandmaster does not act rashly", whether it is because the Grandmaster is too busy or he is afraid of being killed. Most things are done by these strong men in the third level of Qi and Blood. Relying on the Yao family's reputation, it is basically enough.

But this time was obviously an exception. If what Ha said was true, then Xie Yuan and his men would never guarantee that they could catch him, especially the Yao family members who, although they had cultivation, were not necessarily that strong, at least certainly not stronger than the descendants of Prajna Temple. They were all a little nervous.

It would be fine if I didn’t encounter it, but if I did, should I go up or not?

If I don't go, I won't be able to easily explain myself if I disobey the order of the Elders Council; but if I go...

If Xie Yuan can defeat Huijue, then he can easily defeat me... or is Huijue actually a fake?
Forget it. Rather than believing that a great master on the Tianlong Ranking would accept a fake disciple, it would be better to believe that they could defeat Xie Yuan if they burst out on their own...

Yao Qinglai saw that the morale of several people was broken by Huijue's howl, and they were thinking in different ways. He said solemnly:
"Let's not talk about whether this Huijue is real or fake, and why this is happening, but it is very likely that Xie Yuan appeared in Jinling. After all, he clearly refused to deal with us in Yunzhou, so it's not surprising that he came to pick a fight again."

The captain snorted:
"This kid is arrogant. Coming to Jinling is like walking into a trap!"

Yao Qinglai nodded slowly and glanced at everyone:

"This is Jinling, the ancestral land of our Yao family. Why should we be afraid of a boy from another family? No matter how talented he is, he has just made it onto the Hidden Dragon List, and is only at the second level of Qi and Blood Transformation. Since he is here, we must not let him go!

"Pass on my order. All law enforcement teams will cancel their vacations. The entire city will be under martial law. Everyone must keep an eye on each other and communicate with each other to ensure that no corner is left untouched!"

Several people looked stern, knowing that this was a serious matter.

The head constable said slowly:

"Then the government..."

"Just say that it is to ensure the smooth running of the Little Hidden Dragon Society and to assist the government in catching wanted criminals. You should mobilize the forces of the Jinling government office as well."

A cold light flashed in Yao Qinglai's eyes:
"You arrogant boy, you actually dared to come to Jinling Mansion on your own initiative. I will set up a net for you, and now that you are here, don't leave!"

After the few people reached an agreement, they searched the surrounding area reluctantly for a while, but naturally found nothing, so they had to leave in a hurry.

Not long after the Yao family left, a young Taoist priest in cloth clothes and straw sandals suddenly appeared in the alley.

He looked around, stared at the entrance of the small temple for a long time, tossing the copper coins in his hand, and his eyes gradually brightened.

But he jumped for joy for a while, then took out a piece of blood-soaked rag, his expression suddenly became serious, and his brows knitted into a "川" shape:
"Let's put aside the idea of ​​finding someone to spar with for now. There are so many evil spirits in this world!"

……

Xie Yuan didn't know how intense the Yao family's reaction was after Huijue exposed him with his howl.

But he could imagine that he must be being targeted, and he couldn't help but stare at Huijue's back in front of him with an unfriendly look.

This guy, he looked as strong as a King Kong just now, and now he is so fair and clean, the kind that can make the Queen of Daughters fall in love with him... Damn, this bald guy is so mean and so annoying, I really want to smash him to pieces with one punch!
The two of them walked around for a long time, almost to the other side of Jinling Prefecture, far away from the alley, and then stopped in a secluded place.

Xie Yuan was already exhausted, and this run almost made him, a warrior in the second transformation realm, out of breath. When he saw Huijue finally stop, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

He sighed twice and asked Huijue:

"Monk, why do you stop here? Do you have to run so far?"

Huijue said calmly:
"Actually, no need. I just want to see how much energy you have left."

creak-

Xie Yuan clenched his fists and walked towards Huijue:

"You'll know right away."

"Stop it! Thank you for your generosity. A gentleman should use his mouth instead of his fists. Peace is the most precious thing, peace is the most precious thing!"

Huijue waved his hands and dodged backwards, looking like a cowardly monk like Tang Monk.

He could only talk tough... If Xie Yuan had not seen the golden-bodied Arhat, he would probably think so.

Even now, Xie Yuan was not sure how much strength Huijue had left. After all, seeing that he had walked for such a long time without getting red in the face or out of breath, he seemed to be in better condition than himself... but it was obviously not the case at the beginning.

Xie Yuan looked a little cautious, and Huijue glanced at him and suddenly said:
"The golden light of the Immortal Golden Bell is indestructible, and so is the Qi and blood. As long as the person is not dead and the Kung Fu is not broken, I have recovered a lot by now."

Xie Yuan narrowed his eyes:
"Do you know what I'm thinking? Can you read his mind?"

Huijue looked strange:
"Thank you, donor. I feel like you believe in the five supernatural powers even more than I do. How is it possible that you can know what others are thinking? I can only guess from your expression. Sigh, sometimes I feel that you are quite intelligent and can join my Buddhist sect; sometimes I feel that you are too dull to be a handyman in Prajna Temple, so forget it."

Xie Yuan was silent for a while. After half a day, he had become somewhat accustomed to the monk's bad breath.

However, this Indestructible Golden Bell Cover is indeed the world's top external training method. Not only is its defense amazing when it is in use, its special effects are also really powerful. The blood and energy it produces is probably of extraordinary quality. This can be seen from the fact that it can support Huijue to use the golden body arhat Dharma image that is obviously not at his own level.

But now that Huijue had recovered, Xie Yuan silently tightened his grip on the axe, staring intently at this naughty and mysterious monk.

Huijue watched Xie Yuan's actions and chanted the Buddha's name:

"Amitabha! Thank you, don't be nervous. Monks don't tell lies. I will accept the loss and will not fight again today."

There will be no more fighting today...

Xie Yuan muttered silently, then asked:
"Then Master Huijue can answer my questions?"

"But it doesn't hurt to ask."

Huijue put his palms together and smiled, like a monk waiting for his doubts to be answered.

Xie Yuan took a deep breath, put aside other thoughts, and asked first:

"What exactly happened to the murder of Wang Zhiyi, the steward of the Sword Sect's branch?"

Huijue maintained his unchanged smile and said softly:
"Instead of listening to me, go and see for yourself."

"Go and see for yourself?"

Xie Yuan frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled. What was this monk up to?
Huijue did not answer, but just looked at the tall courtyard wall next to him.

Xie Yuan looked over and found that the courtyard wall was particularly tall, obviously the residence of a wealthy family. In the distance, a few guards were looking around, and seeing that the two of them had been staying in this alley for a long time, it seemed that they were about to come over to chase them away.

It looks familiar... Is it the Ningguo Mansion?

Just as the guard was about to approach, the two men left the alley and turned to the side.

Xie Yuan frowned and asked:

"You mean, it's related to Duke Ning?"

"I didn't say that. But didn't you, the donor, want to see him before?"

Huijue smiled.

Xie Yuan was not surprised that Hui Jue seemed to know everything. He was too lazy to think about it and just nodded:

"It's a pity that he stayed behind closed doors. I don't know why."

Duke Ningguo is a member of the imperial court. Logically speaking, this should not be done, whether for the purpose of avoiding an alliance between the sect and the aristocratic families, or because the Sword Sect has always had a harmonious relationship with the imperial court.

"In that case, I will take you to see him."

Huijue said so.

Xie Yuan raised his eyebrows:
"Do you have any idea?"

"Duke Ning has been very devout to Buddha in recent years."

Huijue smiled faintly.

Oh?
Xie Yuan glanced at Huijue and felt that his smile was a little different from before. There was some indescribable meaning in it, as if it contained a hint of ridicule.

He pondered for a moment, nodded, then changed his clothes in a secluded place and followed Huijue:
"Master Huijue, let's go."

"You are now..."

"The nameless person from a small sect you met on the road."

Xie Yuan couldn't possibly reveal his true identity to see the Duke of Ningguo, as he was still a wanted criminal; nor could he disguise himself as Zhang Shan, after all, Huijue had just howled, and most of Jinling Prefecture had heard that he and he had fought. If Zhang Shan and he appeared at the same time, it would inevitably arouse suspicion.

Just get a disposable identity, follow the monk, and throw it away after use.

Huijue brought Xie Yuan to the gate of Ningguo Mansion and saluted the two guards:
"Two donors, please go to Huijue of Prajna Temple and ask to see Duke Ningguo."

When the two guards heard the name of Prajna Temple, they immediately showed awe and one of them hurried in to pass on the message.

After a while, a sturdy old man with fierce eyes and wearing a gorgeous robe rushed out with his shoes on backwards. When he saw Huijue, he was surprised and happy, with a smile on his face:

"Oh, Master Huijue, you are finally here!"

Xie Yuan lowered his eyebrows, glanced at the shoes dragging on his feet calmly, and said in his heart:
"Isn't this Duke Ning in seclusion for cultivation? Hearing that Huijue was coming, he was more excited than anything else. He actually behaved like this..."

It can be seen that he is really devout to Buddhism.

Huijue bowed slightly:

"I have met His Excellency the Duke. He has written to the temple several times before and donated a lot of incense. My master specially asked me to come and thank His Excellency the Duke this time."

Duke Ningguo showed a look of surprise:
"Master Zhiling is still thinking about me? Hahaha, it's such an honor for me! Ah, look at me, I'm so old and confused that I neglected you at the door! Master Huijue, please come in quickly!"

Duke Ningguo led the way in person and welcomed Huijue in. He also glanced at Xie Yuan and, seeing that he was Huijue's companion, nodded kindly with a very amiable attitude. He looked like an old man next door instead of a high-ranking duke.

However, not long ago, this kind old man ignored Xie Yuan and other members of the Sword Sect for a few days before saying he would not see them again.

Xie Yuan followed Huijue and Duke Ningguo to a large study room. Among all the studies Xie Yuan had ever seen, its size was second only to the large study room where Li Xingtuo performed martial arts from time to time.

This study is luxuriously decorated. The screens and vases are all famous products, very elegant, revealing the style of a duke's mansion.

Duke Ningguo was so enthusiastic that he invited Huijue to take the seat, and sat beside him. He also asked someone to bring a small stool for Xie Yuan, and asked people to serve fruits and snacks, all of which were delicious. He also brewed some tribute tea, and the fragrance of tea filled the room.

Xie Yuan silently took in the Duke of Ning's enthusiasm and felt a little strange. His eyes were opened. Although the status of Prajna Temple was high, could it be so high? Even if he was a disciple of a grandmaster, he would not let a duke lower his posture like this. He himself was also a martial arts master who had been famous for many years!

After Huijue and Duke Ningguo sat down, Duke Ningguo began to ask about Buddhism with a pious look on his face. Xie Yuan didn't understand this and felt that the questions he asked were a bit profound and difficult to understand, but Huijue remained calm and smiled, and answered Duke Ningguo's questions one by one without haste.

Seeing Duke Ningguo's expression of sudden enlightenment from time to time, although Xie Yuan only had a half-understanding, he felt that Huijue must have really explained it to him. The young monk in Bodhi Temple should not have got the reputation for nothing.

It's just his personality. He is definitely not the great monk he looks like now...

The two of them discussed Buddhism for a long time. Huijue paused for a moment, drank a sip of tea, and then said:

"My Lord, I've noticed that Jinling Prefecture is unusually busy these days. Is there something big happening?"

The gray-haired Ningguo Duke took the initiative to make tea for Huijue and said with a smile:

"Master Huijue is an outsider, and doesn't know about the mundane things in Jinling Prefecture. Recently, Jinling Prefecture held the Little Hidden Dragon Meeting, and young talents from all over the world came to the prefecture to compete in the arena and vie for the top spot. Oh, of course, these talents can't compare with Master Huijue. Although Master Huijue is young, his Buddhist teachings are profound, and young people can't even dream of it."

Halfway through his speech, he began to praise Huijue again. However, judging from his words, he was still quite proud of the Xiao Qianlong Society.

Huijue nodded, as if he had suddenly realized something:

"So it's the Little Hidden Dragon Meeting. I've heard about it in the temple, but I don't know when it happened because I was worshipping Buddha and practicing every day. I didn't expect it to be such a coincidence that the meeting will be held soon."

Install, then install...

Xie Yuan complained in his heart, this monk clearly knows everything.

Duke Ningguo said with a smile:
"Since it's a coincidence, Master Huijue, would you like to join in the fun? I'll arrange a prime guest seat for you, so you can have a panoramic view of the arena."

Huijue shook his head:
"I like quietness and don't like fighting. Thank you for your kindness, Lord Duke."

Duke Ningguo slapped his thigh and said ashamedly:
"Look at me... I have forgotten that the master has a deep Buddhist heart and does not care about these worldly things. Alas, I still don't practice enough, I don't practice enough!"

Huijue shook his head repeatedly:

"Duke Ningguo has a great wisdom and a sincere heart in worshipping Buddha. Master has praised him highly. There is no need to belittle yourself!"

Duke Ningguo was very happy and said:

"Master Huijue, did your teacher really say that to me?"

"Monks don't lie."

Huijue said sincerely.

Well, it seems that Master Zhiling doesn't know who Duke Ningguo is...

Seeing Duke Ningguo grinning from ear to ear, Xie Yuan silently sighed that if Huijue's skills were not fake, he would have suspected that he was a charlatan from nowhere.

Huijue looked at Duke Ningguo quietly and smiled for a while, then chanted a Buddhist name, put his palms together and said:

"Your Excellency, I recently heard about an incident in Jinling Prefecture and I am a little curious."

"Oh? Master Huijue, you may ask me anything. As long as it is about the affairs of Jinling Prefecture, there is nothing that this Duke does not know! I will definitely help Master Huijue to solve his doubts."

Duke Ningguo said proudly.

Huijue has an innocent look on his face:
"I heard that the manager of the Jinling branch of the Yunshan Sword Sect died recently. The name of the Yunshan Sword Sect is well-known, and I often hear about it in the temple. In particular, their disciples are said to have sharp swordsmanship. I have longed to be like them, haha. But how could the manager of such a big sect and its branch suddenly die?"

When Duke Ningguo heard Huijue ask about this, his eyes flickered slightly, and he said calmly:
"Master Huijue has heard of this? Alas, I was also friends with Wang Zhiyi, but I didn't expect that he passed away so suddenly. It's a pity."

"Oh? Since the Duke knows Steward Wang, do you know who killed him?"

Duke Ningguo shook his head:
"I don't know the specific details. Wang Zhiyi has a wide range of friends and complicated relationships. The Yunshan Sword Sect has risen rapidly. I don't know how many people he has offended. It's hard to say who is responsible for this."

Completely different from his heroic appearance just now, Duke Ningguo suddenly knew nothing about anything and... he didn't seem embarrassed at all.

If his lies were exposed on the spot and Master Huijue was not satisfied, he should have felt a little ashamed and hesitated instead of being so decisive...

Xie Yuan understood everything and watched silently by himself.

Huijue nodded in understanding, and then asked with pure curiosity:

"This is my first time going down the mountain. I have heard about many love and hatred in the martial arts world before... Haha, maybe I haven't practiced Buddhism well enough. I am always curious. I heard that Nanjing is ruled by the Yao family. Then, will this Steward Wang..."

Duke Ningguo sat back and shook his head.

"I am indeed not aware of this matter, but I have not heard of any conflict between the Yao Family and the Yunshan Sword Sect."

Huijue nodded, calmly changed the subject, and started chatting about Buddhism with Duke Ningguo.

Duke Ningguo's interest was clearly revived. He discussed Buddhist works with Huijue with great excitement, quoting from scriptures and classics, and it was obvious that he had learned a lot.

Huijue answered the Duke of Ningguo's questions very patiently, without any pause from the beginning to the end. Even though Xie Yuan did not understand Buddhism, he could see that Huijue did have some real knowledge in this regard. In terms of Buddhism alone, he deserved the title of a master.

He entered the Bodhi Temple at such a young age and was called a master. Could it be that this monk really has innate wisdom?

Xie Yuan saw that Huijue impressed Duke Ningguo very much, and his face was full of respect. He looked at the sky and put his palms together:

"Amitabha! I discussed Buddhism with the Duke today. It was very interesting. I also gained a lot of insights."

Duke Ningguo sighed:
"Master Huijue is a master of Buddhism, and I have benefited a lot from it. I have asked the kitchen to prepare vegetarian food, and I invite you to stay in this courtyard after dinner. If I were not worried about the fatigue of the journey, I would like to talk about Buddhism with you and sleep with you!"

Huijue declined politely:
"Your Excellency the Duke is very thoughtful, but vegetarian meals are not necessary. I have been bothering you for a long time, so I should take my leave now."

Duke Ningguo was startled and said repeatedly:
"Master Huijue, I will never spend lavishly on vegetarian meals. Please do me a favor."

Huijue said with a firm look:
"Master gave me money for my trip and always told me not to accept food from others. The temple already has many devotees, how can I come here to beg for food?"

When Duke Ningguo saw him bring up Master Zhiling, he had to give up.

He walked Huijue and Xie Yuan all the way to the gate of the Duke's Mansion. He opened his mouth several times along the way. Xie Yuan saw it, and Huijue saw it too, but he pretended not to see it, which made him a little curious.

Finally, seeing that they were almost at the door, Duke Ningguo could not help but whisper:

"Master Huijue, I wonder if you have received a reply to the letter I sent to the Divine Monk Zhiling?"

Upon hearing this, Huijue turned around, clasped his hands together and said loudly:
"Amitabha, Duke Ningguo wants to become a monk and become my disciple, and become my fellow apprentice. This is of course a sincere wish. However, my temple has strict rules for accepting disciples, so Master has no intention of doing so for the time being."

After hearing this, Xie Yuan was stunned for a moment and suspected that there was something wrong with his ears.

Duke Ningguo wants to take Master Zhiling as his teacher?
He subconsciously looked over, but saw that many of the attendants and guards around him froze and had strange looks on their faces.

Duke Ningguo was petrified, and it took him a long while to come back to his senses. His face flushed as he said:

"Oh, so... Master Huijue, please take care."

Duke Ningguo, who had always been courteous to Huijue, became anxious in his tone. To Xie Yuan, "walk slowly" clearly meant "get out quickly."

Xie Yuan felt amused. This monk was definitely speaking loudly on purpose so that others couldn't recognize his true face.

Huijue had a pure smile on his face, put his palms together, said goodbye to Duke Ningguo at the door, and then left slowly with Xie Yuan and blended into the crowd.

"Thank you, what do you think?"

Huijue said lightly.

I became Yuan Fang? How come this monk is leading me to investigate a case...

Xie Yuan complained in his heart, and after a moment of hesitation, he said seriously:

"This Duke Ning is a little weird."

"Thank you, benefactor. You are talking nonsense."

Xie Yuan's face flushed, he glared at the foul-mouthed monk, then said hesitantly:
"He... doesn't even look like someone sent by the court to look after the family."

Regardless of whether he was proud of the Xiao Qianlong Society or vaguely speaking for the Yao family, Duke Ningguo's attitude was a bit strange.

Although the Prince of Yunshan has a good relationship with the Yunshan Sword Sect and they often go up the mountain to cool off, if something happens, they will never act like one of their own - especially when the Yunshan Sword Sect is quite cooperative with the court.

Huijue nodded gently:

"The Buddha's words are true. This Jinling Prefecture is also like a snake with its tail in its mouth."

Seeing him return to his old ways, Xie Yuan curled his lips, then said thoughtfully:

"You mean, all the forces in Jinling Prefecture are united?"

"Thank you, sir, you are not that stupid."

Xie Yuan ignored Huijue's words and said puzzledly:
"But the Duke of Ningguo has been conferred the title for three generations and has been favored by the emperor. They are obviously die-hard members of the imperial party. How could they also..."

Huijue smiled and asked:
"Thank you, benefactor. What do you think of Duke Ningguo's attitude towards me?"

Xie Yuan shook his head and said:
"He is treated as a distinguished guest and treated with great respect."

"Then Mr. Xie, do you think I am worthy of this?"

Xie Yuan glanced at him and told the truth:

"Not worthy."

Seeing Huijue smiling, he nodded and said:
"So, he has something to ask of you... He wants to join the Prajna Temple?"

Xie Yuan looked a little strange.

Huijue sighed softly:
"His desire to join my temple is just a means to an end. What he really wants is my master's cultivation method."

"For a higher realm?"

Xie Yuan pondered and said, if a warrior reaches a bottleneck, he will indeed try every possible means to break through.

Huijue smiled with a hint of sarcasm again:

"If so, he is indeed a great master."

"No? Then why..."

Xie Yuan frowned slightly.

"Thank you, benefactor. How many years do you think Duke Ningguo will live?"

Huijue asked abruptly.

Xie Yuan was stunned for a moment:
"Ah? He is a martial arts master. I remember he is not very old. Logically, he should still be alive..."

Having said this, he suddenly paused.

Today, I saw Duke Ningguo. Although he looked energetic and vigorous, as a martial arts master, his hair was graying and he looked decadent. Logically speaking, only martial artists with declining vitality would have this phenomenon...

Seeing that he had reacted, Huijue nodded slightly:
“Duke Ningguo was seriously injured when he was young, and his foundation was damaged. Although he achieved a breakthrough to the Grandmaster level, he was left with a chronic illness, and his condition has been getting worse in recent years.

"My master has been a Grand Master for nearly a hundred years, and he is still in his prime. This is due to the Grand Master's uniqueness and the skills of our temple. Therefore, Duke Ningguo could not treat him, and he has written to me several times, saying 'piety'."

After hearing this, Xie Yuan suddenly understood and understood Duke Ningguo's attitude towards Huijue.

It turned out that he was seeking a way to immortality, so it was reasonable for him to act like a grandson. However, seeing that he had a deep understanding of Buddhism, I thought he was really devout, but it turned out that he was just putting in real effort.

Thinking of this, Xie Yuan's mind moved, and he concentrated:
"So, he secretly betrayed the royal family and colluded with the noble families, which is also..."

"good."

Huijue looked indifferent.

"Does the noble family have such a method?"

Xie Yuan was puzzled, but soon he realized it was normal. A thousand-year-old family, what secrets don't they have?
Huijue looked at Xie Yuan and said with a half-smile:

"Hasn't Mr. Xie seen it?"

"What do you mean?"

Xie Yuan frowned.

It was really annoying when the monk was giving riddles, but he really knew a lot, so Xie Yuan had to be patient.

Huijue looked into the distance and said faintly:

"Thank you, benefactor. Why did you come here to investigate the family?"

"Because in Yunzhou, I..."

When Xie Yuan reached this point, he paused.

He suddenly looked at Huijue and said in a deep voice:
"You mean, those people..."

"Part of it."

Huijue sighed.

Xie Yuan clenched his fists gradually. Was this the reason for kidnapping people from the border states?

To prolong the life of the master of the aristocratic family?

What kind of evil is this?
Xie Yuan thought that the noble families had mastered the correct method of prolonging life by taking pills and refining the essence of heaven and earth. But it needed the help of other people... What other method could it be? And what happened to these people after they were "used" was unnecessary to say... Just looking at the arrangement of the noble families in Wuhe, one could tell what their attitude was.

Xie Yuan frowned tightly:

"Which family? Or were all eight families present? Was this also the reason for the death of Steward Wang? Who is the murderer?"

Seeing Xie Yuan was a little excited, Huijue sighed:
"Thank you, benefactor. I don't really have the five supernatural powers of Buddha. I only know these because they are related to my temple and you, benefactor. No matter how many inside stories there are, not only me, but even my master may not know them all."

After Xie Yuan heard this, he calmed down a little. Looking at Hui Jue, whose face was filled with pity, he felt something in his heart:
"Master Huijue, why did you come to see me? What did you say when you were sparring with me...what did it mean?"

Huijue chanted the Buddha's name and lowered his eyes slightly:

"Thank you, benefactor. I am a Buddhist monk and also a martial artist. I dare not say that I can save all sentient beings in this life, but how can I bear to see evil spirits running rampant and the people suffering? After accidentally discovering the things behind this Jiangnan family, I know that you are also a chivalrous person, so I came to find you to find the truth together."

After hearing this, Xie Yuan looked at Huijue and fell into deep thought.

Although what he said made sense, I always felt that he was not fully telling the truth...

But no matter what, at least from the first half of the sentence, Xie Yuan could feel that this nasty monk was speaking from the bottom of his heart.

Although the ghost monk was full of nonsense and not a single truth in his ten sentences, Xie Yuan could somehow sense his joking and sincerity. Maybe he didn't really want to lie.

Xie Yuan nodded slowly:

"Master Huijue is compassionate, I understand. So what do you think we should do next?"

Huijue put his palms together and smiled:
"As the old saying goes, two people make short plans, three people make long plans. We should wait for one more person to act together."

...Isn’t that what the ancient saying says?
Xie Yuan shook his head, not caring about it, but curiously asked:
"Who are you waiting for? Do you have any companions here?"

"Amitabha, if we are walking the same path, who wouldn't be a companion? Thank you, benefactor, why bother?"

Huijue smiled in an unfathomable manner and did not answer.

Xie Yuan's eyelids twitched and he clenched his fists again. The inexplicable feeling of tacit understanding that had just arisen in his mind disappeared.

He followed Huijue and stood in an inconspicuous place on the long street, silently looking at the Ningguo Mansion, not knowing what they were waiting for.

Suddenly, a young Taoist with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes strode to the gate of the Duke's Mansion from a distance, said a few words to the guard, and after a while someone welcomed him in.

However, not long after, the Taoist priest was "invited" out, looking quite embarrassed.

He stood at the gate of the Duke's Mansion, pointing at the door and cursing, and passers-by around him all looked at him sideways.

But what was strange was that although the guards of the Duke's Mansion looked embarrassed, no one went up to touch him and just ignored him.

Huijue, who was far away, listened attentively, smiled amusedly, and said:
"The person we are waiting for has arrived."

Xie Yuan's expression changed, but he saw Huijue signaling him to go find the Taoist priest.

Xie Yuan was completely confused. He didn't even know who that person was or what he was doing. Was he going to go up and ask if he wanted to join him in attacking the aristocratic family?

"Thank you, benefactor. That's what you said..."

Huijue whispered a few words, and Xie Yuan looked strange and stepped forward with half belief and half doubt.

The young Taoist priest was frowning and cursing the Duke's Mansion in the street when he suddenly felt someone pat his shoulder lightly.

He was suddenly startled and turned around instantly, seeing an ordinary-looking boy.

Who is this person? How could he approach me so quietly when he looks so ordinary?

Xie Yuan looked at the young Taoist priest, coughed lightly, and said:
"Taoist, if you want to know the truth, follow me."

Seeing the Taoist's pupils shrink, and his expression as if he was facing a great enemy, Xie Yuan thought silently:

"So this is what it feels like to be the Riddler... Not bad."

(End of this chapter)