Hmph, going out without bringing the cat, courting death!
Before dawn, the main gate of the Liuhe Temple at Dragon Claw Peak was being knocked loudly.
The old monk, advanced in years, was preparing for the morning prayers. Startled by the noise, he stumbled to open the door, only to find the ancient temple gate, weakened by years, collapsing under the forceful banging.
A group of fierce and menacing Jinyiwei (imperial guards) rushed in.
“This is—”
The old monk, recognizing the attire of a third-rank military official leading the group, immediately fell silent.
The official, with a square face and neatly trimmed beard, exuded an aura of authority and steadiness.
His piercing gaze scrutinized the old monk.
Trembling with fear, yet trying to maintain composure, the old monk joined his palms and chanted a Buddhist mantra.
The official, showing disdain, turned his head and walked up the stone steps, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
From the temple’s backyard, sounds of chaos and clashing weapons erupted.
The skilled Jinyiwei were met with hastily prepared resistance from the martial artists staying at the temple, who, unable to escape, fought back in frustration, damaging the furnishings in their rooms.
When the old monk followed the official to the backyard, he saw broken windows scattered everywhere, with the Jinyiwei locked in relentless combat with several martial artists.
“Amithaba Buddha!” the old monk lamented the damage.
This is all money! Neither the martial artists nor the Jinyiwei would likely compensate for the loss.
The commotion also startled the temple’s monks and novices; some hid in their rooms, too afraid to come out, while others who attempted to exit were forced back by the Jinyiwei’s swords.
A small, agile novice managed to slip out unnoticed.
Horrified, the old monk shouted that the novice was his apprentice, pleading for mercy.
With a wave from the official, the Jinyiwei pursuing the novice ceased.
The novice, quick as a rabbit, darted behind the old monk, only then daring to peek around.
The fight in the courtyard was nearing its end, with the weaker martial artists captured by the Jinyiwei, leaving only two fighters skilled with hook-chains still engaged in battle.
The area was surrounded by Jinyiwei archers, bows drawn.
“Luomen Twin Ghosts, accused of killing three boatmen on the canal a fortnight ago and robbing a hundred taels of silver. Six months ago, you slaughtered an entire family in Cangzhou. Since you brothers appeared in the jianghu, each year has seen numerous civilian casualties, with over a hundred people dead or injured…”
The official spoke with a drawn-out, bureaucratic tone as he approached.
The two fighters, known as Luomen Twin Ghosts, exchanged glances and simultaneously lunged at the official with a shout.
The official stepped back.
The Luomen Twin Ghosts, smirking, thought that by holding the official hostage, they could escape.
The other captured martial artists, upon hearing the name “Luomen Twin Ghosts,” showed a sudden change in expression, not realizing their notorious reputation.
The imperial court had issued warrants for their arrest, but the Luomen Twin Ghosts never left any survivors to identify them. The portraits at the city gates, drawn based on second-hand descriptions, bore little resemblance to them.
With so many people in the jianghu, and no clear marks of identity, encounters typically involved mere acknowledgment of each other as fellow travelers. Without familiarity, caution prevailed, and strangers usually kept their distance. Hearing the name “Luomen Twin Ghosts” suddenly revealed, the martial artists’ faces turned grim.
They weren’t afraid of the Luomen Twin Ghosts, but the situation had become complicated.
Being present during an imperial crackdown on notorious bandits was bad luck.
At best, they faced imprisonment; at worst, they might be summarily executed by the Jinyiwei.
While other government departments might be reasonable, the Jinyiwei were notoriously ruthless.
As the Luomen Twin Ghosts charged towards the official, the martial artists nearby cried out in alarm, realizing the official’s high rank and the serious consequences if he were killed.
In a flash, the Luomen Twin Ghosts’s famed hook-chains had already wrapped around the official’s neck.
“Splat.”
Blood spurted out, splashing against the walls of the temple courtyard.
The one who died was not the official, but one of the Luomen Twin Ghosts.
His eyes were wide open in death, the hook-chain clattering to the ground. The blood had sprayed from a massive wound stretching from his right shoulder to his left waist, nearly bisecting him.
His body fell to the ground with a thud, like a bleeding leather bag.
The other member of the Luomen Twin Ghosts, in shock and rage, swung his hook viciously.
Suddenly, a flash of blue light appeared, and the arm holding the hook-chain was severed, flying into the air. It became clear to everyone that the previously bureaucratic-sounding official was the one who had acted.
His expression was cold and detached, his hand resting on his sword hilt.
His movement was so swift that no one saw how he drew his sword, or even what it looked like.
Piercing screams echoed through the courtyard, audible even to Mo Li, who was outside the mountain gate.
Indeed, they had descended from Dragon Horn Peak and meandered back to Dragon Claw Peak, where their journey began. The “child” had been returned to the spiritual cave, and after visiting the old home of the Taijing dragon vein, it was natural to investigate the tomb of Emperor Li.
Mo Li had thought the tomb was in a secluded area of Shangyun Mountain, but it wasn’t.
Meng Qi confidently stated that Emperor Li’s tomb was on Dragon Claw Peak.
Local dragon veins wouldn’t be mistaken. When Mo Li was on Qimao Mountain, although unaware of his dragon vein identity, he knew where there were mines and tombs underground, initially thinking this knowledge came from sensing “spiritual energy,” which proved ineffective outside Zhushan County.
There were several suspected tombs of Chen Emperor Li, scattered near Taijing.
Even the false tombs were well constructed, reportedly with good Feng Shui.
Dragon Claw Peak had the lowest terrain and easiest paths, with few ferocious beasts. It was the most visited by ordinary people venturing into Shangyun Mountain, and nobody would suspect that Emperor Li’s tomb was there, right above Liuhe Temple.
After a night of walking in the mountains, even the deeply cultivated Mo Li felt tired.
He had planned to donate some money for incense and stay in the temple, but as he approached, he heard the screams inside.
A faint smell of blood drifted on the mountain breeze.
“Officials,” said Meng Qi, his tone changing.
To prevent the captured bandits from escaping, the Jinyiwei had guarded all paths and had men on the rooftops, which Meng Qi recognized at a glance.
The Jinyiwei’s uniforms were especially conspicuous. Mo Li quickly grabbed Meng Qi’s wrist tightly.
Meng Qi was silent, understanding the doctor’s concern.
Seeing the Jinyiwei’s violent entry into the temple, Mo Li feared Meng Qi might be triggered again.
“I’m fine, that little thing is still here!”
The trip to Dragon Horn Peak had eased his mood considerably, and the calming pill given by the doctor hadn’t worn off yet.
Mo Li, still unwilling to let go, insisted, “We’ll go together.”
Silently, Meng Qi followed Mo Li as they sneaked into Liuhe Temple.
The dense forest made hiding easy, but because they insisted on staying together, it took them some time to reach the temple’s backyard.
One of the Luomen Twin Ghosts was already dead, and the other, after being acupunctured to stop the bleeding, had been dragged aside.
The people in Liuhe Temple were gradually taken out by the Jinyiwei.
Monks were checked for their monk certificates, and those lodging in the temple were asked for travel permits.
In other places, many temples had monks without proper certificates, but this was Taijing, under the Emperor’s nose. Liuhe Temple was of the more honest kind, even the novices had unofficial documents proving they would officially become monks upon reaching adulthood, currently considered as half-ordained.
The most the Liuhe Temple could be accused of was negligence for harboring bandits, but even this was disputable.
Monks, known for their compassion, wouldn’t turn people away. Anyone could stay by offering a few coins for incense; temples weren’t inns required to check travel permits.
The old monk resolved to cry injustice if the Jinyiwei sought to blame them.
However, the officer, in his Jinyiwei uniform and appearing high in rank, didn’t even glance at him. He casually sat on a chair brought by his subordinates, treating the temple as an interrogation site.
Bodies still lay where they fell, blood staining the walls and floor tiles.
The temple’s residents trembled in fear, some monks even wetting themselves.
Mo Li frowned slightly, troubled by the scene, yet unaware of the deceased’s identity or the Jinyiwei’s reason for violence. He watched on, holding his breath, feeling Meng Qi’s right hand gently move.
Meng Qi motioned for silence with his empty left hand.
Initially puzzled, Mo Li caught Meng Qi’s serious look and focused on the people in the courtyard.
The monks in Liuhe Temple were non-combatants, the martial artists present were ordinary, but the Jinyiwei seemed competent.
Mo Li’s gaze drifted over a trembling scholar, eventually resting on the seated officer.
Mo Li had seen few Qi Dynasty military officials; General Liu was one, and another was the guard at Qiong County’s imperial tomb. They varied greatly in demeanor; General Liu, battle-hardened and distinctive, stood out in stark contrast.
This Jinyiwei officer, though high-ranking, gave off a different, unnerving impression.
At first, his somber demeanor suggested malevolence.
Closer inspection revealed a dignified, square-faced appearance, exuding authority.
Appearance reflects the heart, as the saying goes.
Though often fabricated by fortune-tellers, not all bad people have the face of a villain, nor do all good people look noble. Yet, there’s truth in the adage. Calculative, sinister people often betray themselves through their eyes.
The oddity of this officer was the mismatch of his auras, as if he were wearing a disguise.
Mo Li, still observing the officer, felt Meng Qi scratch his palm subtly.
“Who is this person?”
Mo Li whispered barely audibly, sensing Meng Qi’s displeasure, possibly for staring too long.
Strange, it was obviously Meng Qi who asked him to look at the other party!
“He’s highly skilled in martial arts, did the doctor notice?” Meng Qi responded, feeling uneasy.
Ghost Poison Vulture Xue Ting was good-looking when he was young, but he had known the doctor for a long time, and the more Meng Qi thought about it, the more he felt heartbroken. The deputy commander of Jinyiwei was very skilled in martial arts. The doctor looked at him carefully for a long time, and Meng Qi was not very happy.
Ultimately, it’s all because these people are too young.
And they’re not even ordinary people.
However, Meng Qi’s mood stabilized, remembering the officer’s peculiar hobby.
“Ah?” Mo Li, prompted by Meng Qi, realized the officer seemed to possess hidden martial skills.
But how high it was, he couldn’t tell at all.
This is very unusual. Masters of internal energy usually have various characteristics, such as clear eyesight, slightly bulging temples, and sometimes their steps and actions are in line with the mental methods they have learned. They looked unhurried and quite zen-like.
Hidden skills often suggest either a return to simplicity or deliberate concealment.
For example, Qin Lu might look ordinary, but he is so energetic that you can tell that he is unusual at a glance. To cover it up completely, you have to hunch over, make yourself look ashen, look listless, and take a few breaths to say a word — pretending like this is quite tiring! Martial arts masters generally don’t do this unless they are trying to trick people.
Mo Li knew only one person with a natural talent for concealing his aura – Meng Qi, who, as a dragon vein, was unlike ordinary people.
Mo Li concluded the officer must be intentionally masking his abilities.
–that explains the alternating perceptions of him as either a sinister figure or a commanding official. It must be all a mask.
Mo Li asked, “How did you know?”
Meng Qi’s breath was close, tickling his neck and cheek, stirring his mind.
Mo Li: “…”
Mo Li frowned, contemplating whether Meng Qi’s obvious change in behavior was a blatant offense or fickleness as per human conventions. They were discussing the highly skilled officer, yet suddenly Meng Qi seemed distracted by other thoughts.
“Who are you thinking about?” Mo Li asked abruptly.
“Doctor…” Meng Qi blurted out, taken aback.
Mo Li’s expression softened momentarily, then he reconsidered.
With dawn approaching, were such thoughts appropriate?
Meng Qi met his gaze squarely.
Desires related to food and romance were natural to humans. What was wrong with thinking about them? He wasn’t thinking about anyone else, and why should there be a specific time for such thoughts? Should they be forbidden once the sun rises?
As they faced each other, the Jinyiwei were inquiring whether the temple had any visitors the previous night or noticed anything unusual.
A strange phenomenon suddenly occurred in Shangyun Mountain yesterday evening, covering almost half of the mountain. People in Liuhe Temple did not know about this at all. Firstly, the scope of the clouds and mist did not include the temple. Secondly, they were in the mountains and did not know what happened. How sensational that “Good Omen” was.
A novice who cleaned the temple gates was questioned but knew nothing.
The martial artists hesitantly mentioned seeing shadows moving swiftly towards the mountain peak.
“These could be heading towards the summit.”
They speculated, but the Jinyiwei hesitated.
“Reporting to the superior, please look at this…”
“Check again.” The officer said harshly.
His subordinate was obviously reluctant and whispered, “The commander deliberately assigned you to take on this difficult job, who doesn’t know that? If nothing else, is our Commander willing to go to Dragon Claw Peak? He’s forcing others to do what he doesn’t want to do! This subordinate suggests just catching a few more gangsters like those Twin Ghost and patrol around Dragon Claw Peak. There is no need to go deep into the mountains.”
The officer glanced at him sideways and asked calmly, “Are you afraid of death?”
“Who is not afraid of death?”
Upon hearing that, the officer did not get angry but instead nodded and said, “In that case, let the monks here tidy up; I’ll stay here for one day. You all go and check the surroundings, and inform me if you encounter any difficulties.”
The Jinyiwei subordinate was delighted and quickly relayed the orders.
“Also, escort the prisoners to the capital,” the officer instructed.
His subordinate cautiously asked, “Does that involve our jurisdiction?”
The Jinyiwei’s prisons were known for their strictness, unlike ordinary jails that couldn’t hold highly skilled martial artists.
The officer replied with displeasure, “What do you mean ‘our jurisdiction’? Is the imperial prison open to just anyone?”
“Yes, yes, we’ll disable their martial arts and send them to the city’s judicial office in the capital.”
The martial artists were immediately dragged away, struggling and questioning in fear, but the officer stopped them, saying, “Why are you taking these fellows? There are plenty of martial artists arriving in the capital these days. If you capture them all and lock them up, the jails are already overflowing! Did the court capture these jianghu vermin just to feed them in prison?”
The others awkwardly laughed, taking away only the dead and unconscious members of the Luomen Twin Ghosts.
Soon, most of the Jinyiwei left the temple.
Meng Qi watched them leave, his expression inscrutable.
Mo Li, worried about Meng Qi having another episode, changed the topic, asking, “Have you heard of the Luomen Twin Ghosts?”
Meng Qi recalled, “I saw their wanted poster at the city gate in Yongzhou. They’ve robbed and killed many people. If their crimes are true, they deserved their fate.” He remembered only what he had read.
Mo Li observed the martial artists’ reactions, noting their relief at not being taken and their indifference towards the fate of the Luomen Twin Ghosts. Their gaze towards the officer became more amiable.
However, the officer did not reciprocate their friendliness and gestured for one of the martial artists to be brought over.
Looking down at the man, the officer asked coldly, “You came to Taijing in search of treasure…”
The martial artists immediately showed a wary and somewhat indignant expression.
“Who’s the scoundrel spreading rumors?”
“Absurd!”
They refuted, clearly despising the fellow martial artists who had leaked the information.
Informing the authorities about their plans was nothing but trouble.
“…You caused quite a stir in Yongzhou, the news even reached the south,” the officer said while tapping the man’s back with his sword scabbard, speaking bureaucratically. “Now it has reached the emperor’s ears. You commoners, still dare to argue?”
Mo Li was momentarily puzzled by the phrase ‘reached the emperor’s ears,’ then realized it meant Emperor Lu Zhang was aware.
The officer’s tap didn’t seem forceful, but the man hit by the scabbard fell to the ground, struggling to get up, immobilized except for his limbs, resembling a floundering frog – a comical sight.
“You think this is a place to act recklessly? This is the emperor’s territory, where the dragon’s spirit resides, and you dare be so audacious – it’s simply seeking death.”
“…”
Mo Li felt a bit annoyed. Though people habitually said such things, the notion of ‘the emperor’s territory’ seemed off – it’s more like Taijing was at the foot of Shangyun Mountain! The emperor had nothing to do with dragons or their spirit.
Meng Qi paid no heed to the officer’s words, having heard such rhetoric endlessly in the court and grown indifferent.
“Have you seen this man?” Mo Li asserted, noting Meng Qi’s calm, almost as if waiting to see what the officer would do.
Meng Qi’s right hand moved slightly as he whispered, “He is Gong Jun, the Deputy Commander of the Jinyiwei.”
“Deputy Commander? Wasn’t the previous one killed by you? Is this a new appointee?” Mo Li remembered this incident.
The previous deputy commander had raided Meng Qi’s secluded residence, stealing spiritual herbs and accidentally killing a small sand rat, likely unaware it was Meng Qi’s pet.
“There’s one Commander and two Deputy Commanders in the Jinyiwei. The Deputy Commanders hold the rank of Tongzhi, a third-grade official. This is the remaining one,” Meng Qi added, “When I stormed into the Northern Town Fusi to kill, he cunningly pretended to be severely wounded by me to avoid responsibility after failing to stop me.”
“…”
“He’s also lucky; he wasn’t involved in the digging up of the ginseng roots,” Meng Qi scoffed.
Mo Li was speechless for a moment before asking, “How do you know his martial arts are high?”
“That day, in my fury, I struck with full force. He tried to stop me and failed, yet managed to escape unscathed. I chased him, but couldn’t catch up…”
Meng Qi smirked, “He’s very fast, especially his steps. Perhaps the best in lightfoot in the world!”
Mo Li pondered, sensing more to the story than just a grudge.
“He also shamelessly claimed he stopped me from assassinating the emperor. Emperor Lu Zhang and everyone in the Jinyiwei believed him. He stayed home for half a year, claiming to recover from injuries. In reality, he just stayed indoors, still receiving his salary and rewards, even writing to the emperor, crediting his survival to the emperor’s divine protection. I was itching to beat him up, not to kill or seriously injure, just to give him a good thrashing,” Meng Qi said with a strange expression.
Mo Li felt there was more to it and asked, “But you didn’t go after him, you left the capital. Why?”
“I planned to sneak into his house to teach him a lesson…”
Meng Qi hesitated to share this embarrassing story but felt Mo Li would understand.
“This Deputy Commander Gong, he had eight civet cats at home.”
Not one, not two, but eight!
It was winter and the weather was freezing.
Gong Tongzi’s bedroom was the warmest, so there was a cat walking beside the bed.
Beat him? Impossible!
Meng Qi could only wait for Gong Jun to leave his house, but being “severely injured,” Gong Jun can’t even get out of bed, how can he go out?
When Meng Qi fell ill again, he left the capital directly. This was Meng Qi’s first return since then.
As Gong Jun, the Deputy Commander, interrogated the martial artists, he suddenly felt a chill on his back and looked up warily, unsure of the cause.
“The treasure of Emperor Li’s tomb, being imperial property, and yet you dare covet it? The emperor’s divine grace extends across the lands…”
As Gong Jun spoke these meaningless official platitudes, he thought absently, could it be that Master Meng is back?
Why did he feel the urge to rush home?
Author’s note:
Today, Gong Jun, the world’s number one in lightfoot skills, will present a lecture on how to survive a confrontation with the rampaging boss [Crazy State Teacher]!!
Gong Jun: First, have excellent lightfoot skills.
Gong Jun: Then, have cats.
Hmph, going out without bringing the cat, courting death!
Before dawn, the main gate of the Liuhe Temple at Dragon Claw Peak was being knocked loudly.
The old monk, advanced in years, was preparing for the morning prayers. Startled by the noise, he stumbled to open the door, only to find the ancient temple gate, weakened by years, collapsing under the forceful banging.
A group of fierce and menacing Jinyiwei (imperial guards) rushed in.
“This is—”
The old monk, recognizing the attire of a third-rank military official leading the group, immediately fell silent.
The official, with a square face and neatly trimmed beard, exuded an aura of authority and steadiness.
His piercing gaze scrutinized the old monk.
Trembling with fear, yet trying to maintain composure, the old monk joined his palms and chanted a Buddhist mantra.
The official, showing disdain, turned his head and walked up the stone steps, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
From the temple’s backyard, sounds of chaos and clashing weapons erupted.
The skilled Jinyiwei were met with hastily prepared resistance from the martial artists staying at the temple, who, unable to escape, fought back in frustration, damaging the furnishings in their rooms.
When the old monk followed the official to the backyard, he saw broken windows scattered everywhere, with the Jinyiwei locked in relentless combat with several martial artists.
“Amithaba Buddha!” the old monk lamented the damage.
This is all money! Neither the martial artists nor the Jinyiwei would likely compensate for the loss.
The commotion also startled the temple’s monks and novices; some hid in their rooms, too afraid to come out, while others who attempted to exit were forced back by the Jinyiwei’s swords.
A small, agile novice managed to slip out unnoticed.
Horrified, the old monk shouted that the novice was his apprentice, pleading for mercy.
With a wave from the official, the Jinyiwei pursuing the novice ceased.
The novice, quick as a rabbit, darted behind the old monk, only then daring to peek around.
The fight in the courtyard was nearing its end, with the weaker martial artists captured by the Jinyiwei, leaving only two fighters skilled with hook-chains still engaged in battle.
The area was surrounded by Jinyiwei archers, bows drawn.
“Luomen Twin Ghosts, accused of killing three boatmen on the canal a fortnight ago and robbing a hundred taels of silver. Six months ago, you slaughtered an entire family in Cangzhou. Since you brothers appeared in the jianghu, each year has seen numerous civilian casualties, with over a hundred people dead or injured…”
The official spoke with a drawn-out, bureaucratic tone as he approached.
The two fighters, known as Luomen Twin Ghosts, exchanged glances and simultaneously lunged at the official with a shout.
The official stepped back.
The Luomen Twin Ghosts, smirking, thought that by holding the official hostage, they could escape.
The other captured martial artists, upon hearing the name “Luomen Twin Ghosts,” showed a sudden change in expression, not realizing their notorious reputation.
The imperial court had issued warrants for their arrest, but the Luomen Twin Ghosts never left any survivors to identify them. The portraits at the city gates, drawn based on second-hand descriptions, bore little resemblance to them.
With so many people in the jianghu, and no clear marks of identity, encounters typically involved mere acknowledgment of each other as fellow travelers. Without familiarity, caution prevailed, and strangers usually kept their distance. Hearing the name “Luomen Twin Ghosts” suddenly revealed, the martial artists’ faces turned grim.
They weren’t afraid of the Luomen Twin Ghosts, but the situation had become complicated.
Being present during an imperial crackdown on notorious bandits was bad luck.
At best, they faced imprisonment; at worst, they might be summarily executed by the Jinyiwei.
While other government departments might be reasonable, the Jinyiwei were notoriously ruthless.
As the Luomen Twin Ghosts charged towards the official, the martial artists nearby cried out in alarm, realizing the official’s high rank and the serious consequences if he were killed.
In a flash, the Luomen Twin Ghosts’s famed hook-chains had already wrapped around the official’s neck.
“Splat.”
Blood spurted out, splashing against the walls of the temple courtyard.
The one who died was not the official, but one of the Luomen Twin Ghosts.
His eyes were wide open in death, the hook-chain clattering to the ground. The blood had sprayed from a massive wound stretching from his right shoulder to his left waist, nearly bisecting him.
His body fell to the ground with a thud, like a bleeding leather bag.
The other member of the Luomen Twin Ghosts, in shock and rage, swung his hook viciously.
Suddenly, a flash of blue light appeared, and the arm holding the hook-chain was severed, flying into the air. It became clear to everyone that the previously bureaucratic-sounding official was the one who had acted.
His expression was cold and detached, his hand resting on his sword hilt.
His movement was so swift that no one saw how he drew his sword, or even what it looked like.
Piercing screams echoed through the courtyard, audible even to Mo Li, who was outside the mountain gate.
Indeed, they had descended from Dragon Horn Peak and meandered back to Dragon Claw Peak, where their journey began. The “child” had been returned to the spiritual cave, and after visiting the old home of the Taijing dragon vein, it was natural to investigate the tomb of Emperor Li.
Mo Li had thought the tomb was in a secluded area of Shangyun Mountain, but it wasn’t.
Meng Qi confidently stated that Emperor Li’s tomb was on Dragon Claw Peak.
Local dragon veins wouldn’t be mistaken. When Mo Li was on Qimao Mountain, although unaware of his dragon vein identity, he knew where there were mines and tombs underground, initially thinking this knowledge came from sensing “spiritual energy,” which proved ineffective outside Zhushan County.
There were several suspected tombs of Chen Emperor Li, scattered near Taijing.
Even the false tombs were well constructed, reportedly with good Feng Shui.
Dragon Claw Peak had the lowest terrain and easiest paths, with few ferocious beasts. It was the most visited by ordinary people venturing into Shangyun Mountain, and nobody would suspect that Emperor Li’s tomb was there, right above Liuhe Temple.
After a night of walking in the mountains, even the deeply cultivated Mo Li felt tired.
He had planned to donate some money for incense and stay in the temple, but as he approached, he heard the screams inside.
A faint smell of blood drifted on the mountain breeze.
“Officials,” said Meng Qi, his tone changing.
To prevent the captured bandits from escaping, the Jinyiwei had guarded all paths and had men on the rooftops, which Meng Qi recognized at a glance.
The Jinyiwei’s uniforms were especially conspicuous. Mo Li quickly grabbed Meng Qi’s wrist tightly.
Meng Qi was silent, understanding the doctor’s concern.
Seeing the Jinyiwei’s violent entry into the temple, Mo Li feared Meng Qi might be triggered again.
“I’m fine, that little thing is still here!”
The trip to Dragon Horn Peak had eased his mood considerably, and the calming pill given by the doctor hadn’t worn off yet.
Mo Li, still unwilling to let go, insisted, “We’ll go together.”
Silently, Meng Qi followed Mo Li as they sneaked into Liuhe Temple.
The dense forest made hiding easy, but because they insisted on staying together, it took them some time to reach the temple’s backyard.
One of the Luomen Twin Ghosts was already dead, and the other, after being acupunctured to stop the bleeding, had been dragged aside.
The people in Liuhe Temple were gradually taken out by the Jinyiwei.
Monks were checked for their monk certificates, and those lodging in the temple were asked for travel permits.
In other places, many temples had monks without proper certificates, but this was Taijing, under the Emperor’s nose. Liuhe Temple was of the more honest kind, even the novices had unofficial documents proving they would officially become monks upon reaching adulthood, currently considered as half-ordained.
The most the Liuhe Temple could be accused of was negligence for harboring bandits, but even this was disputable.
Monks, known for their compassion, wouldn’t turn people away. Anyone could stay by offering a few coins for incense; temples weren’t inns required to check travel permits.
The old monk resolved to cry injustice if the Jinyiwei sought to blame them.
However, the officer, in his Jinyiwei uniform and appearing high in rank, didn’t even glance at him. He casually sat on a chair brought by his subordinates, treating the temple as an interrogation site.
Bodies still lay where they fell, blood staining the walls and floor tiles.
The temple’s residents trembled in fear, some monks even wetting themselves.
Mo Li frowned slightly, troubled by the scene, yet unaware of the deceased’s identity or the Jinyiwei’s reason for violence. He watched on, holding his breath, feeling Meng Qi’s right hand gently move.
Meng Qi motioned for silence with his empty left hand.
Initially puzzled, Mo Li caught Meng Qi’s serious look and focused on the people in the courtyard.
The monks in Liuhe Temple were non-combatants, the martial artists present were ordinary, but the Jinyiwei seemed competent.
Mo Li’s gaze drifted over a trembling scholar, eventually resting on the seated officer.
Mo Li had seen few Qi Dynasty military officials; General Liu was one, and another was the guard at Qiong County’s imperial tomb. They varied greatly in demeanor; General Liu, battle-hardened and distinctive, stood out in stark contrast.
This Jinyiwei officer, though high-ranking, gave off a different, unnerving impression.
At first, his somber demeanor suggested malevolence.
Closer inspection revealed a dignified, square-faced appearance, exuding authority.
Appearance reflects the heart, as the saying goes.
Though often fabricated by fortune-tellers, not all bad people have the face of a villain, nor do all good people look noble. Yet, there’s truth in the adage. Calculative, sinister people often betray themselves through their eyes.
The oddity of this officer was the mismatch of his auras, as if he were wearing a disguise.
Mo Li, still observing the officer, felt Meng Qi scratch his palm subtly.
“Who is this person?”
Mo Li whispered barely audibly, sensing Meng Qi’s displeasure, possibly for staring too long.
Strange, it was obviously Meng Qi who asked him to look at the other party!
“He’s highly skilled in martial arts, did the doctor notice?” Meng Qi responded, feeling uneasy.
Ghost Poison Vulture Xue Ting was good-looking when he was young, but he had known the doctor for a long time, and the more Meng Qi thought about it, the more he felt heartbroken. The deputy commander of Jinyiwei was very skilled in martial arts. The doctor looked at him carefully for a long time, and Meng Qi was not very happy.
Ultimately, it’s all because these people are too young.
And they’re not even ordinary people.
However, Meng Qi’s mood stabilized, remembering the officer’s peculiar hobby.
“Ah?” Mo Li, prompted by Meng Qi, realized the officer seemed to possess hidden martial skills.
But how high it was, he couldn’t tell at all.
This is very unusual. Masters of internal energy usually have various characteristics, such as clear eyesight, slightly bulging temples, and sometimes their steps and actions are in line with the mental methods they have learned. They looked unhurried and quite zen-like.
Hidden skills often suggest either a return to simplicity or deliberate concealment.
For example, Qin Lu might look ordinary, but he is so energetic that you can tell that he is unusual at a glance. To cover it up completely, you have to hunch over, make yourself look ashen, look listless, and take a few breaths to say a word — pretending like this is quite tiring! Martial arts masters generally don’t do this unless they are trying to trick people.
Mo Li knew only one person with a natural talent for concealing his aura – Meng Qi, who, as a dragon vein, was unlike ordinary people.
Mo Li concluded the officer must be intentionally masking his abilities.
–that explains the alternating perceptions of him as either a sinister figure or a commanding official. It must be all a mask.
Mo Li asked, “How did you know?”
Meng Qi’s breath was close, tickling his neck and cheek, stirring his mind.
Mo Li: “…”
Mo Li frowned, contemplating whether Meng Qi’s obvious change in behavior was a blatant offense or fickleness as per human conventions. They were discussing the highly skilled officer, yet suddenly Meng Qi seemed distracted by other thoughts.
“Who are you thinking about?” Mo Li asked abruptly.
“Doctor…” Meng Qi blurted out, taken aback.
Mo Li’s expression softened momentarily, then he reconsidered.
With dawn approaching, were such thoughts appropriate?
Meng Qi met his gaze squarely.
Desires related to food and romance were natural to humans. What was wrong with thinking about them? He wasn’t thinking about anyone else, and why should there be a specific time for such thoughts? Should they be forbidden once the sun rises?
As they faced each other, the Jinyiwei were inquiring whether the temple had any visitors the previous night or noticed anything unusual.
A strange phenomenon suddenly occurred in Shangyun Mountain yesterday evening, covering almost half of the mountain. People in Liuhe Temple did not know about this at all. Firstly, the scope of the clouds and mist did not include the temple. Secondly, they were in the mountains and did not know what happened. How sensational that “Good Omen” was.
A novice who cleaned the temple gates was questioned but knew nothing.
The martial artists hesitantly mentioned seeing shadows moving swiftly towards the mountain peak.
“These could be heading towards the summit.”
They speculated, but the Jinyiwei hesitated.
“Reporting to the superior, please look at this…”
“Check again.” The officer said harshly.
His subordinate was obviously reluctant and whispered, “The commander deliberately assigned you to take on this difficult job, who doesn’t know that? If nothing else, is our Commander willing to go to Dragon Claw Peak? He’s forcing others to do what he doesn’t want to do! This subordinate suggests just catching a few more gangsters like those Twin Ghost and patrol around Dragon Claw Peak. There is no need to go deep into the mountains.”
The officer glanced at him sideways and asked calmly, “Are you afraid of death?”
“Who is not afraid of death?”
Upon hearing that, the officer did not get angry but instead nodded and said, “In that case, let the monks here tidy up; I’ll stay here for one day. You all go and check the surroundings, and inform me if you encounter any difficulties.”
The Jinyiwei subordinate was delighted and quickly relayed the orders.
“Also, escort the prisoners to the capital,” the officer instructed.
His subordinate cautiously asked, “Does that involve our jurisdiction?”
The Jinyiwei’s prisons were known for their strictness, unlike ordinary jails that couldn’t hold highly skilled martial artists.
The officer replied with displeasure, “What do you mean ‘our jurisdiction’? Is the imperial prison open to just anyone?”
“Yes, yes, we’ll disable their martial arts and send them to the city’s judicial office in the capital.”
The martial artists were immediately dragged away, struggling and questioning in fear, but the officer stopped them, saying, “Why are you taking these fellows? There are plenty of martial artists arriving in the capital these days. If you capture them all and lock them up, the jails are already overflowing! Did the court capture these jianghu vermin just to feed them in prison?”
The others awkwardly laughed, taking away only the dead and unconscious members of the Luomen Twin Ghosts.
Soon, most of the Jinyiwei left the temple.
Meng Qi watched them leave, his expression inscrutable.
Mo Li, worried about Meng Qi having another episode, changed the topic, asking, “Have you heard of the Luomen Twin Ghosts?”
Meng Qi recalled, “I saw their wanted poster at the city gate in Yongzhou. They’ve robbed and killed many people. If their crimes are true, they deserved their fate.” He remembered only what he had read.
Mo Li observed the martial artists’ reactions, noting their relief at not being taken and their indifference towards the fate of the Luomen Twin Ghosts. Their gaze towards the officer became more amiable.
However, the officer did not reciprocate their friendliness and gestured for one of the martial artists to be brought over.
Looking down at the man, the officer asked coldly, “You came to Taijing in search of treasure…”
The martial artists immediately showed a wary and somewhat indignant expression.
“Who’s the scoundrel spreading rumors?”
“Absurd!”
They refuted, clearly despising the fellow martial artists who had leaked the information.
Informing the authorities about their plans was nothing but trouble.
“…You caused quite a stir in Yongzhou, the news even reached the south,” the officer said while tapping the man’s back with his sword scabbard, speaking bureaucratically. “Now it has reached the emperor’s ears. You commoners, still dare to argue?”
Mo Li was momentarily puzzled by the phrase ‘reached the emperor’s ears,’ then realized it meant Emperor Lu Zhang was aware.
The officer’s tap didn’t seem forceful, but the man hit by the scabbard fell to the ground, struggling to get up, immobilized except for his limbs, resembling a floundering frog – a comical sight.
“You think this is a place to act recklessly? This is the emperor’s territory, where the dragon’s spirit resides, and you dare be so audacious – it’s simply seeking death.”
“…”
Mo Li felt a bit annoyed. Though people habitually said such things, the notion of ‘the emperor’s territory’ seemed off – it’s more like Taijing was at the foot of Shangyun Mountain! The emperor had nothing to do with dragons or their spirit.
Meng Qi paid no heed to the officer’s words, having heard such rhetoric endlessly in the court and grown indifferent.
“Have you seen this man?” Mo Li asserted, noting Meng Qi’s calm, almost as if waiting to see what the officer would do.
Meng Qi’s right hand moved slightly as he whispered, “He is Gong Jun, the Deputy Commander of the Jinyiwei.”
“Deputy Commander? Wasn’t the previous one killed by you? Is this a new appointee?” Mo Li remembered this incident.
The previous deputy commander had raided Meng Qi’s secluded residence, stealing spiritual herbs and accidentally killing a small sand rat, likely unaware it was Meng Qi’s pet.
“There’s one Commander and two Deputy Commanders in the Jinyiwei. The Deputy Commanders hold the rank of Tongzhi, a third-grade official. This is the remaining one,” Meng Qi added, “When I stormed into the Northern Town Fusi to kill, he cunningly pretended to be severely wounded by me to avoid responsibility after failing to stop me.”
“…”
“He’s also lucky; he wasn’t involved in the digging up of the ginseng roots,” Meng Qi scoffed.
Mo Li was speechless for a moment before asking, “How do you know his martial arts are high?”
“That day, in my fury, I struck with full force. He tried to stop me and failed, yet managed to escape unscathed. I chased him, but couldn’t catch up…”
Meng Qi smirked, “He’s very fast, especially his steps. Perhaps the best in lightfoot in the world!”
Mo Li pondered, sensing more to the story than just a grudge.
“He also shamelessly claimed he stopped me from assassinating the emperor. Emperor Lu Zhang and everyone in the Jinyiwei believed him. He stayed home for half a year, claiming to recover from injuries. In reality, he just stayed indoors, still receiving his salary and rewards, even writing to the emperor, crediting his survival to the emperor’s divine protection. I was itching to beat him up, not to kill or seriously injure, just to give him a good thrashing,” Meng Qi said with a strange expression.
Mo Li felt there was more to it and asked, “But you didn’t go after him, you left the capital. Why?”
“I planned to sneak into his house to teach him a lesson…”
Meng Qi hesitated to share this embarrassing story but felt Mo Li would understand.
“This Deputy Commander Gong, he had eight civet cats at home.”
Not one, not two, but eight!
It was winter and the weather was freezing.
Gong Tongzi’s bedroom was the warmest, so there was a cat walking beside the bed.
Beat him? Impossible!
Meng Qi could only wait for Gong Jun to leave his house, but being “severely injured,” Gong Jun can’t even get out of bed, how can he go out?
When Meng Qi fell ill again, he left the capital directly. This was Meng Qi’s first return since then.
As Gong Jun, the Deputy Commander, interrogated the martial artists, he suddenly felt a chill on his back and looked up warily, unsure of the cause.
“The treasure of Emperor Li’s tomb, being imperial property, and yet you dare covet it? The emperor’s divine grace extends across the lands…”
As Gong Jun spoke these meaningless official platitudes, he thought absently, could it be that Master Meng is back?
Why did he feel the urge to rush home?
Author’s note:
Today, Gong Jun, the world’s number one in lightfoot skills, will present a lecture on how to survive a confrontation with the rampaging boss [Crazy State Teacher]!!
Gong Jun: First, have excellent lightfoot skills.
Gong Jun: Then, have cats.
