Returning to Pudu Temple

Master Wu Liao shook his head. "Nothing happened. It's just that this Benefactor Cao has a rather strange temperament, but that's consistent with his actions."

"That's good. But I wonder what brings Brother Cao here?"

"From what he said, it seems he came for the sword appreciation tournament."

"What sword appreciation tournament?"

"Hero Xiao Zijin and Heroine Qiao have found a precious sword. This sword is the very one that Master Li once used as his sword. They have invited the old friends and relatives of the Sigu Sect to admire the sword. Today is the day of the sword appreciation event."

"Oh, I see."

"This precious sword was retrieved by fishermen from the East China Sea and sold. It has changed hands forty-three times since then. Sect Leader Li, shouldn't this sword be returned to its original owner?"

"A fine sword will always find a new master if it is possessed by a virtuous person."

"The sword is fine, but what about the person? There's someone you should meet, right? Miss Qiao is in Baichuan Temple. She comes to the temple every year to pray for you."

But she refused to light the death lamp, because she firmly believed you were still alive. Master Xiao was watching over her, and she waited for you in vain, yet you refused to see her. This predicament must be resolved.

"Monk, the best solution is for me not to get involved."

"Alas, this old monk is powerless to persuade someone whose heart has given up. But now there is hope for a cure for your poisonous tea. Do you really want to live with regrets?"

Li Lianhua hesitated for a moment, thinking of the letter Qiao Wanmian had sent him years ago. He firmly shook his head. "Monk, let's not bring this up again. After all, ten years have passed, and everything has changed. Now, can you answer my question?"

"Suit yourself. The Lion Soul of the Golden Mandarin Alliance was indeed Huiyuan, who was previously expelled from Pudu Temple."

"After the East Sea, has the monk heard any news of him?"

"Back when Baichuan Academy was newly established, it went around arresting members of the Golden Mandarin Duck Alliance, imprisoning hundreds of thousands of them. Later, at the suggestion of Lady Qiao, a group of people who had never done evil were released, and the list was also drawn up by her."

If this Lion Soul hadn't died in the East Sea, the only person who would know his whereabouts would probably be Miss Qiao. The affairs of this world are truly mysterious; heh, some people you don't want to see, you have to see anyway.

Li Lianhua was speechless. This old monk was being inappropriate again. "You old monk, instead of properly reciting your Buddhist scriptures, why are you thinking about worldly affairs? When will you ever become a Buddha? Farewell."

Having said that, he left the meditation room with the fox spirit, and just then they ran into Di Feisheng, who had already sneaked into the inner courtyard to check the information, at the exit of the inner courtyard.

"Li Lianhua, Lion Soul is indeed from Pudu Temple. There's no record of him returning to Pudu Temple in the past ten years. I overheard him outside just now. The only clue we have now is Qiao Wanmian. If you don't want to go, I will."

"Who said I wouldn't go? It's just that you've lost all your internal energy, so it's best to be careful."

As they were talking, the two headed toward Baichuan Temple, where they were welcomed inside by Fang Duobing. Meanwhile, Cao Hansheng arrived at Pudu Temple, where Master Wuliao was quite surprised to see him.

"Benefactor Cao, what brings you here?"

"Of course I have something to do, Master. I'm afraid I'll have to offend you. Please call out the new cook. I've come here to ask him for something."

"Benefactor Cao, what do you mean by this? This old monk doesn't quite understand."

"It doesn't matter if you don't understand. If you're unwilling, then I, Cao, will have to find it myself. If I accidentally ruin the reputation of Pudu Temple, then I can't blame myself for being reckless."

"Please wait, Benefactor Cao. This old monk will have someone summon him immediately."

Since learning that Cao Hansheng had made progress in Yangzhou, Master Wule paid even more attention to Cao Hansheng's strength. Originally, Li Xiangyi was already a genius, but unexpectedly, Cao Hansheng was no less so.

However, the man he sent out returned in a hurry not long afterward. He glanced at Cao Hansheng, his expression somewhat indescribable.

"Tell me, what happened?"

"Reporting to the abbot, Jingren is missing, and even his belongings have all disappeared," Master Wuliao said, waving to the young monk before looking at Cao Hansheng.

"Benefactor Cao, do you know something? Why don't you speak frankly?"

"Master, you are indeed insightful. I do know some things. Why don't you come with me on this trip? Then everything will become clear. What do you say?"

"It seems that Jingren has done something extraordinary. As the abbot, I bear the responsibility for oversight and am naturally willing to go with Benefactor Cao."

Cao Hansheng led Master Wuliao to a cliff in the kitchen, then swung his palm, creating a large hole in the cliff. "Let's go, Master."

After saying that, Cao Hansheng jumped in, and Master Wuliao followed suit. After walking for about half an incense stick's time, they heard a man and a woman arguing.

The two stopped and listened intently. "Rou'er, I just love this sword. Anyway, they'll put it back in the sword pavilion after the sword appreciation event. Please, just let me play with it for a few more days. I'll definitely put it back then."

"Brother Aniu, I originally took the sword out secretly without Miss's knowledge. There are so many people at the event today, it wouldn't be good if someone found out. How about I find a chance to steal it back for you to play with after the event, okay?"

Cao Hansheng turned his head and glanced at Master Wuliao. He saw that the old monk's brows were furrowed. He was all too familiar with the man's voice; it was Jingren, the new cook at Pudu Temple.

Just then, the woman shouted, "Brother A Niu, just give me the sword, otherwise I'll have to tell Miss what happened today."

"Rou'er, you can't do this, I'll die if you do..."

Master Wu Liao exclaimed "Not good!" and then rushed forward with all his might: "Jing Ren, stop!" It seems that this old monk is also hiding his true strength. He was only three or four zhang away when he was right in front of him with two swaying movements.

Then, with a flick of his wrist, he snatched the sword from Jingren's hand and used the scabbard to press on Jingren's pressure points, instantly immobilizing him. Rou'er was so frightened that she stumbled back a few steps and landed on her bottom.

"Master, your skills are truly impressive, I admire you."

"Amitabha, this old monk thanks Benefactor Cao. If it weren't for Benefactor Cao's arrival to inform us, there would probably be another wronged soul in this cave, and Pudu Temple would also suffer damage to its reputation."

"Master, there's no need to thank me. However, I would like to borrow your Young Master Sword for a while. Would you be so kind as to grant me this request?"

"I wonder what Benefactor Cao intends to do with this Junior Master Sword?"

"Of course, Baichuan Academy will join in the fun. I love joining in the fun. Don't worry, I have never had a penchant for collecting famous swords. If you are still worried, Master, I will have to offend you."