He actually begged for alms from monks

Master Wu Liao did not answer Cao Hansheng's question immediately. Instead, he took a sip of his tea and slowly put it down, looking at Cao Hansheng.

"The actions of Benefactor Cao are naturally none of my business or the temple's business. However, I have heard that Benefactor Cao is involved in matters concerning Yucheng and Puchushan."

When Master Li was being treated for poison in the temple, he said that if he could not get through that ordeal, he would entrust me with a matter: if Benefactor Cao used the martial arts he had taught him to wreak havoc on the martial arts world, then I should glare at him with the wrath of a Vajra and use my demon-subduing methods.

If the opposite is true, then we need not concern ourselves with it. Although Benefactor Cao is ruthless in his methods, he has never done anything evil; and since Sect Leader Li is still alive and well, there is no need for this old monk to overstep his bounds.

However, in my humble opinion, trouble always seems to occur wherever Benefactor Cao appears. His presence here now is why I have this question, as this Hundred Rivers Academy is somewhat unusual in relation to Sect Leader Li.

"so what?"

"If Benefactor Cao's goal is Baichuan Academy, this old monk will have no choice but to try and stop him."

"This world of martial arts has buried countless heroes and valiant figures throughout history. Without Li Xiangyi, there would be Zhang Xiangyi and Ma Xiangyi. Without the Four Gates, there would be the Five Gates and the Six Gates."

Moreover, the Baichuan Academy is of questionable character and is currently clinging to life by relying on the remaining power of the Sigu Sect. Sooner or later, it will inevitably fall into ruin. Why should a recluse like you, Master, get involved in this mess?

"It seems that Benefactor Cao came prepared?"

"Since you know me, Master, you should know that I never do anything unprepared. Actually, there's something I'm not sure if I should ask: Why does the Master value Sigumen and Baichuanyuan? Is it because of Li Xiangyi, or for something else?"

Master Wuliao paused for a moment after hearing Cao Hansheng's words, then put his hands together and said, "Amitabha, I don't quite understand what Benefactor Cao is saying, but as a monk, I am compassionate, and my heart is also to wish for less bloodshed in the martial world."

"The master is right."

Cao Hansheng's words were very perfunctory. Master Wule almost lost his composure after hearing them and could only silently chant Amitabha in his heart. He couldn't help but curse Cao Hansheng in his heart, thinking that he was truly a devil's nightmare.

"It seems that Benefactor Cao has some misunderstanding about this old monk?"

"Master, I don't understand what you're saying at all. It's getting late. I heard that your temple has a new cook who makes excellent vegetarian dishes. Would you be so kind as to treat me to a meal?"

Master Wu Liao frowned slightly. A new cook had indeed arrived; how did Cao Hansheng know? What he found even more intolerable was that the cook was actually begging from the monks—it was utterly outrageous.

"Benefactor Cao is an honored guest. It is an honor for this old monk to have you come to my humble temple. How could I possibly use the word 'donate'?"

"Alright, I see you're quite stingy. I'll take my leave now. No need to see me off, Master. I'll come to bother you again in a few days. By then, please don't be so unapproachable."

After saying that, Cao Hansheng got up and walked out, not giving Master Wule a chance to stop him. This action left the old monk completely bewildered. This man's temper was so unpredictable; he really didn't know whether it was a blessing or a curse.

However, he remembered Cao Hansheng's words: "There must be something strange about the new cook at Pudu Temple." He then called a monk and solemnly gave him a few instructions before he felt a little relieved.

After Cao Hansheng went down the mountain, he ate something and returned to the inn. When he got to his door, he could clearly sense that someone was in the room. Just as he was hesitating whether to go in, the door opened.

"I wondered who had come uninvited, but it turns out to be the Holy Maiden. If Hyakusawain knew that the Holy Maiden had come, he would probably line up to welcome her with great joy."

"Mr. Cao speaks so kindly. When the troops from Baichuan Academy are lined up, do they also set up guns and cannons? I came here today specifically to see you."

"What brings you here? Could it be that the Holy Maiden is still reminiscing about that night in Jade City?"

It would have been better if this hadn't been mentioned, because the moment it was brought up, Jiao Liqiao's smile turned cold, and the murderous intent in her eyes almost overflowed. However, she quickly regained her gentle and calm demeanor.

"You're right, Mr. Cao really doesn't know how to cherish women. But I like it very much. I heard that you acquired a treasure at the First-Class Tomb. If you would be willing to give it to me, I will let you do as you please."

"It seems the Holy Maiden knew I had just filled my stomach and came to offer me comfort. I've been to the First-Class Tomb; as for treasures, I naturally deserve a few. If you behave well, why not give them all to you?"

"Mr. Cao is really in a hurry, where's the baby?"

Cao Hansheng slammed the door shut behind him, then looked at Jiao Liqiao, "So eager to see my treasure? You truly are worthy of being the Great Saintess Jiao. Here you go..."

"No, Cao Hansheng, you bastard... I... who wants to see this..."

. . . . . .

After several attempts, Jiao Liqiao felt reassured, and Cao Hansheng's mind also became somewhat blank. "My darling, can you give it to me now?"

"Didn't you just use that thing?"

"Mr. Cao, you can't act like that, can you?"

"When did the Holy Maiden of the Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance of the Demonic Sect start to talk about reason? Are you planning to steal the job of Baichuan Academy? If this gets out into the martial arts world, people will laugh their heads off."

"Cao Hansheng, you know what I want."

How would I know if you didn't tell me?

Looking at Cao Hansheng's shameless appearance, if she weren't outmatched, Jiao Liqiao would have wanted to capture him and torture and ravage him in every possible way. But for now, she had to put on a smiling face and lick his chest like a kitten.

"I'm already in this state, how can you bear to tease me? The small cauldron that Princess Fangji was buried with in the First-Class Tomb is what I want. Why not give it to me?"

"Not so great. That small cauldron should be the Luo Mo Cauldron, the foundation of the former Nan Yin Kingdom. If you want it, it's not impossible. You can exchange it for four pieces of Luo Mo Heavenly Ice."

How do you know about the Rama Cauldron?

"Not only do I know this, but I also know that the most powerful of the three great arts of Nanyin, the Karmic Fire Gu, is hidden in this Luo Mo Cauldron. If we want the Karmic Fire Gu to see the light of day again, Luo Mo Heavenly Ice is the only way."

After saying this, Cao Hansheng looked at Jiao Liqiao, who was in shock, and then pinched her cheek. "You think you can get such a divine object just by sleeping with me? What, are you made of gold?"

Originally, she thought Cao Hansheng knew nothing, and Jiao Liqiao even fantasized about tricking Luo Mo Ding away from him. Now it seems that the reason Cao Hansheng went to Yipinfen was for Luo Mo Ding. For a moment, her mind was filled with all sorts of thoughts, and she thought of many possibilities.

"Mr. Cao, what exactly do you want? Do you intend to dominate the martial arts world with your Karmic Fire Technique?"

"Ha, dominating the martial arts world is such a bitter job, who would want to do it? Besides, if I wanted to dominate the martial arts world, I wouldn't use something like the Karmic Fire Gu."

"It seems Mr. Cao is determined to be my enemy?"