Chapter 303: Minghui

Chapter 303: Minghui

Xiao Xian left the courtyard quietly. The cold wind sobered him up instantly. He walked a few steps up the stone stairs, gusts of wind blowing all around him. In an attempt to curry favor, a servant stepped forward, saying, "You are truly devoted to Lady Qingxiao, Young Master Xiao. You even allow Li Yuanping to boss you around, all for her sake... Everyone can see it. Lady Qingxiao must be deeply moved!"

Xiao Xian nodded with indifference, inhaling the scent of incense wafting through the air in Lijing Town. He was a kind-hearted person, so he did not mind the servant speaking casually and using phrases like "boss around."

The servant, seeing him silent, could only follow quietly. He had indeed hit the nail on the head. Preoccupied with his own thoughts, Xiao Xian rubbed the jade ring on his finger absentmindedly.

Although he was indeed fond of Li Qingxiao, he did not feel that he was as devoted as everyone said he was. His actions were not solely driven by self-interest but were also in the best interest of the entire Mount Yu branch.

"Ancestor Chuchou was always kind toward our branch, but he died of old age last year. Our family lost its support, and my father has become increasingly worried... These years have become more and more difficult..."

Xiao Jiuqing was a charming man with many offspring, many of whom possessed spiritual orifices. Xiao Xian's talent was not particularly good, so he never mattered much to Xiao Jiuqing.

Accompanying Xiao Guiluan to the Li Family that year had changed Xiao Xian's fate. He returned home with two pieces of pastry, wet and sticky, and told his mother everything. Her sharp instincts, honed from years of fighting and scheming in the mansion, quickly identified key points to leverage.

She called Xiao Jiuqing and exaggerated the story to him, delighting him in the process. Caught between fear and uncertainty, Xiao Xian suddenly found himself unable to avoid the Li Family. Rumors began to spread about a fated connection between the two, and Xiao Xian felt compelled to visit the Li Family.

"What kind of fate is this..."

For the past few years, Xiao Xian had been diligent, unable to tell if it was due to family pressure or his feelings for Li Qingxiao. He smiled wryly. Without Xiao Jiuqing's many resources and connections, Xiao Xian, with his limited cultivation, would never have been able to obtain such secretive information to share with Li Yuanping.

As the evening breeze brushed past his face, Xiao Xian sobered up even more. He had not actually drunk much spirit wine, but being around Li Yuanping always made him uneasy, causing him to find an excuse to leave the courtyard after a few cups.

In the darkness, Mount Lijing lay silently. Xiao Xian turned to look at the mountain, which was coiled like a serpent dragon. A faint sense of fear rose in his heart.

The Li Family has the appearance of wolf leaders. They are probably crouching and hiding now, but they would never be content living under our Xiao Family or even the Azure Pond Sect... Our family's alliance with the Li Family might bring disaster in the end...

Minghui, the monk, smiled softly and replied, "You are mistaken, Benefactor... Murong Xia merely removed these people's physical forms to bring them salvation. It is a great fortune for these two-legged sheep to enter the Euphoria Realm, a grand blessing that can only be achieved over nine lifetimes!"

Li Tongya sneered without responding. Minghui formed a hand seal and explained, "I am the top disciple of the Lotus Temple, ordered to escort Murong Xia south. If there has been any offense, please forgive me. There will be blessings in return.

"Murong Xia follows the Virtuous Benevolence Devil Dao, which is also part of my Virtuous Benevolence Zen Dao. He was ordered to go south and consume 106,756 people. Afterward, he will meditate in Linghai Prefecture to achieve enlightenment, become a Maha, and reform into the Virtuous Benevolence Zen Dao, bringing these 106,756 people into the land of blessings. It is a meritorious deed."

Li Tongya has heard of the eloquence of Buddhist monks and now experienced it firsthand. He avoided engaging further and replied directly, "The south is the domain of my immortal sect. Have your Buddhist sect obtained permission?"

Minghui nodded slightly and answered, "The immortal sect reclaimed Xu State and killed our Merciful Ones... This allowed Murong Xia to go south as an exchange. The Sword Immortal should be aware of this. If there has been any offense, I will personally go to the southern border to apologize."

Li Tongya, understanding why the monk was being so polite, realized it was due to Li Chejing's influence. While the immortal sect appeared mighty by reclaiming Xu State, it was merely an exchange of interests behind the scenes.

Despite his disdain for their methods, Li Tongya had to acquiesce.

"I see."

Minghui retracted his staff. Seeing that Li Tongya was a reasonable man, he smiled warmly. "I see that your clan governs benevolently, akin to our teachings. It must be fate! Why not let me stay here and spread our teachings...?"

Li Tongya immediately shook his head, wanting nothing to do with the Buddhist sect and hoping the monk would leave as soon as possible. He replied, "Your duty is to escort Murong Xia. Do not tarry."

His refusal was evident, but Minghui feigned ignorance and asked again with a smile, "Murong Xia has multiple monks escorting him; they do not need me. Your clan and our teachings are fated..."

"We are just a small clan, unworthy of hosting a great monk like you," Li Tongya had to refuse bluntly.

Minghui did not take offense, and instead replied, "Very well, then. However, I have one more question for you, Benefactor."