Cao Cao's soul transmigrates into Murong Fu's body

"Of course. There's another matter I'd like to inquire about: will Young Master Murong accompany me to Shaolin this time?"

"Does the master also want to become the leader of the martial arts world? Or does he want to kill Xiao?"

"Whether Xiao Feng is a Khitan or not is none of my business as a Tibetan. I just want to go to Shaolin Temple to see the heroes of the Central Plains martial arts world. If I can be with Young Master Murong, at least my life will be safe."

"Master, are you also afraid of Shaolin Temple's unparalleled masters appearing? Your concerns are reasonable. Shaolin Temple's ability to survive for hundreds of years is definitely not due to luck. Besides the openly known Xuan-generation monks, there are definitely hidden masters within the temple. Therefore, whenever the temple faces a critical moment of destruction and death, these unparalleled masters will step in!"

"Young Master Murong's guess is quite reasonable. It was only by chance that I could come and go freely in Tianlong Temple, but it would be difficult in Shaolin Temple. I originally planned to attack Shaolin Temple after I had mastered the Six Meridians Divine Sword, but now it seems that it is not appropriate."

"Why did the master attack Shaolin? Was it a religious conflict?"

"No, it's because my junior brother Tianmoni has been imprisoned in Shaolin Temple for 12 years. This time, besides attending the Heroes' Gathering and seeing the heroes of the world, I also want to ask Shaolin Temple to release him in person. I wonder if Young Master Murong can help me?"

"Your junior brother Tianmoni has been imprisoned for more than 10 years? What did he do?" Cao Cao knew that Shaolin Temple was a prestigious and orthodox sect and would not imprison people casually, especially not Tibetans.

"My junior brother, Tianmoni, in a moment of foolishness, went to the Sutra Repository to secretly peek at martial arts manuals..."

"I see."

Cao Cao knew that many people in the world would sneak into the library to peek at the scriptures, but only a few would be able to leave safely.

Or rather, a reclusive master of the level of the Sweeping Monk doesn't care who comes to see it, but whether they can promote Shaolin martial arts after seeing it, so he doesn't worry about such things.

"Tianmoni's capture can only be attributed to his lack of skill. While it is unacceptable for Shaolin to peek at Shaolin's martial arts manuals, he has already been imprisoned in Shaolin for ten years, which can be considered a punishment. I believe this matter can be reported to Abbot Xuanci."

"With Young Master Murong bringing this up with me, I believe Abbot Xuanci won't say anything."

"Yes, timing is crucial, and you mustn't push your luck!"

Cao Cao was well aware of the purpose of this gathering of martial arts heroes: to discuss how to deal with Xiao Feng.

After all, Xuan Ci was guilty and afraid that Xiao Feng would come knocking on his door. He had also heard that the so-called martial arts masters who participated in the Battle of Yanmen Pass had all died tragically at the hands of Xiao Feng, which made Xuan Ci's heart waver.

Moreover, he was also worried that Xiao Feng, after turning to the dark side, would pose a threat to the martial arts community in the Central Plains, causing panic among the people of the Song Dynasty.

The Liao Kingdom could take advantage of the situation, since the conflict between the Song and Liao dynasties was still very deep. This was a matter for the country and its people, and the Shaolin Temple had to shoulder this responsibility!

Carrying the big flag and using the tiger's skin!

"This humble monk is puzzled. Why has Shaolin summoned heroes from all over the land this time? Is Xiao Feng really that dangerous?"

It's not just that Kumozhi of Tibet didn't believe that the renowned Qiao Feng would start a massacre after being identified as a Khitan; there must have been a reason for this.

Kumārajīva knew so much gossip for a reason. Firstly, he knew that Murong Fu should have some connection with Xiao Feng, and the two were heroes who had been equally famous in the Central Plains martial arts world for many years. Murong Fu's evaluation was very important, which was crucial for Kumārajīva's subsequent choice of sides.

"Master, Xiao Feng is a great hero. What you have heard and seen are all rumors. I was there the whole time at the Beggars' Sect meeting in Luoyang when Qiao Feng was reduced to Xiao Feng. So Master, you don't need to just parrot what others say."

"If that's the case, the Shaolin Heroes' Gathering will surely be a fierce battle. Young Master Murong, whose side will you take?"

"Where is the master?"

"I side with the Murong family!"

"Then watch my eyes and act accordingly. Ding Chunqiu of the Xingxiu Sect is on my side."

"The Old Monster of Xingxiu? Young Master Murong has a past with him too?"

"We have some old acquaintances."

"With the combined strength of the three of us, even if a reclusive master from Shaolin Temple were to appear, they would have to think twice!"

Kumārajīva was right. They were all top masters of their time. Each of them could easily kill a senior monk of the Xuan generation from Shaolin, let alone three.

However, what Kumārajīva didn't know was that, besides the three of them, Xiao Feng and his son Xiao Yuanshan were even stronger in combat. The combined power of the father and son, now weakened, was even greater. The three of them working together might not be able to defeat the Xiao family father and son!

"If Murong Bo comes too, the situation will become even more chaotic. It seems we should inform Murong Bo in advance and let him develop overseas."

This time, Deng Baichuan, the chief retainer of the Murong family, led the so-called family retainers, who were actually assassins trained by Cao Cao over the years, and came with a training purpose.

This group of people formed the foundation for the Murong clan's expansion. However, Deng Baichuan's words were insufficient to support the task of overseas expansion. Currently, they mainly run merchant caravans and have accumulated some experience in maritime transportation.

"Young Master Murong, I apologize for disturbing you. This humble monk will take his leave now."

The two talked all night long, and Kumārajīva had become Cao Cao's loyal partner. Although it was their first meeting, and unlike Ding Chunqiu, Kumārajīva still greatly admired Cao Cao's personal charisma.

In addition, Kumārajīva and the Murong family are old friends, and they really help each other when something happens. Moreover, they are bound by interests, so their relationship will be even closer.

"The key now is that the Xiao family father and son do not know Murong Bo's true identity. Even if they do, given my current relationship with the Xiao family father and son, I can still cover it up, but it will be troublesome. Xiao Feng can understand the idea that the son should pay for the father's debts, but Xiao Yuanshan is different. His stubborn old ideas are hard to explain."

Cao Cao pondered for a moment, then summoned Deng Baichuan to inquire about the situation.

"Uncle Deng, has my father contacted you all these years?" Deng Baichuan was an elder of the Murong family and Murong Bo's most trusted retainer.

Cao Cao knew that Deng Baichuan must know some inside information, and he guessed that Deng Baichuan had probably taken the opportunity to report on the recent developments of the Murong family several times. Cao Cao's intelligence system had known about this for a long time.

Cao Cao already knew that Murong Bo had faked his death by using a cenotaph and then hid in the Shaolin Temple's Sutra Pavilion.

What he's worried about now is that if Xiao Yuanshan and Murong Bo fight, the Shaolin Temple will definitely get the last bit of benefit.

"My lord, the old master did contact me, and he even asked me to deliver a letter to you."

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear!

Murong Bo was in a similar situation. It's likely that he knew the Murong family was planning something big, which is why he left a letter.

"Okay, I understand."

Cao Cao read Murong Bo's letter, which mainly praised Cao Cao's preparations for the Murong family's restoration over the years.

He also realized that restoring the country was not something that could be achieved by mere words, and that he could not rely on some江湖人士 (jianghu figures, people from all walks of life); the key was to cultivate his own power.

He also talked about what he had been doing these days and what his plans were.

However, Murong Bo did not elaborate on the specifics of the plan, but instead arranged to meet with Cao Cao to discuss important matters!