Heng Yuan pondered momentarily before speaking, “I met Lord Xu during the Sang Po case. At the time, I was involved because of my junior fellow disciple Heng Hui. The gold gong officers from the night watchmen’s office had surrounded the hideout where Heng Hui and I were taking refuge…”
“I thought that even if I could escape death, I’d end up in prison. Unexpectedly, Lord Xu, who was in charge of the case, immediately released me after confirming that I was only implicated and not an accomplice of junior fellow disciple Heng Hui.”
At this point, Heng Yuan modified, concealing the fact that Xu Qi An had tricked him… Of course, Heng Yuan still didn’t know that Xu Qi An had deceived him.
“He seems to be a decent person!” Monk Jin Chen snorted coldly.
But he’s also a shameless one, Jin Chen thought, recalling when he had asked about Xu Qi An’s character earlier. The monk felt embarrassed on Xu Qi An’s behalf, yet the man himself had spoken so candidly.
It’s not just a matter of whether he’s good or bad. How to put it… He has an indescribable charisma… Heng Yuan continued:
“After I left Qinglong Temple, I stayed at a health center in the southern city that sheltered homeless elderly and children. When Lord Xu found out, he generously donated money to help them every few days.”
“Keep in mind, his monthly salary was only five taels of silver, and he was just a bronze gong officer at the time. But he never complained, even comforting me by saying the money was found.”
“Heh, I secretly investigated him. Unlike all other night watchmen, he never abused his power or exploited the common people. That money… was it saved from his frugal living?”
Hearing this, Monk Jin Chen fell silent.
He recalled Xu Qi An’s self-praise, claiming he had never taken a thread or needle from the common people.
Master Du E remained noncommittal, saying coolly, “Doing good deeds doesn’t necessarily make one a good person. People have many facets.”
Heng Yuan frowned, feeling displeased. He continued, “Then let me tell Grand Master another story. Before the Sang Po case, he nearly beheaded his superior for attempting to defile a young girl he didn’t even know. As a result, he was imprisoned and sentenced to waist-chopping execution.”
“If not for the destruction of the Yongzhen Shanhe Temple at that time, which led to the court’s urgent need for manpower, he would have died already.”
Master Du E pondered for a long while before asking, “What makes him special?”
Special… Heng Yuan carefully considered his answer: “Apart from his extraordinary talent and being a prodigy in martial arts, there’s nothing special about him.”
Master Du E seemed somewhat disappointed. He nodded and said, “You may go about your business now.”
Heng Yuan pressed his palms together and left the room.
“Grand Master, Heng Yuan wasn’t lying. It seems that this Xu Qi An is indeed a very kind person, even though his behavior can be irritating,” said Monk Jin Chen.
Whether as an official or as a person, Xu Qi An appeared to be of good character. Although he had some annoying slickness, it didn’t diminish his overall quality.
Master Du E responded with a soft “Mm.”
The handsome Monk Jin Si immediately asked, “Then, could he still have any connection with evil beings?”
Master Du E shook his head and said gravely, “The mastermind behind this case is a remnant of the Myriad Demon Kingdom. Emperor Yuanjing and the Supervisor are not putting in much effort, merely watching from the sidelines. It has little to do with that silver gong officer. Since he’s a good person, we needn’t trouble ourselves with him.”
Jin Chen snorted coldly, “Great Feng is untrustworthy and repeatedly breaks promises. Why should we ally with them again? I wonder what the Arhats and Bodhisattvas are thinking.”
As one of the Arhats, Master Du E glanced at his nephew and slowly said, “The northern barbarians have the bloodline of demon gods and have been closely connected with the northern demon clans for thousands of years.”
“The southern frontier has many barbarian tribes, with the seven strongest witchcraft tribes also considered descendants of demon gods. The Northeastern Witch God Cult already has a deity surpassing mortal ranks.”
“If we want Buddha’s light to shine over the Nine Provinces, we can only ally with Great Feng.”
Only ally with Great Feng… The two disciples, Jin Chen and Jin Si, extracted an important piece of information from their grand master’s words:
The reason why the Buddhist sect allied with Great Feng was that Great Feng had neither beings surpassing mortal ranks nor entanglements with demon gods.
Of course, thousands of years ago, there was a being surpassing mortal ranks in the Central Plains – the Sage of Confucianism.
But that was before Great Feng even existed.
Returning to the present, Jin Chen probed, “So what’s our next move? Investigate the traces of evil beings. Are we just letting things go with Great Feng?”
Master Du E smiled enigmatically, “I hear that due to the recent Heaven-Human Dispute in the Taoist sect, many martial artists have flocked to the capital. The government has set up four arenas in the outer city.”
“We’ll take two of them. Jin Si, you’ll face the capital’s martial artists with your Diamond Body. Jin Chen, you can take any arena you like to chant sutras and preach.”
“As for me, since I’ve come to Great Feng, I might as well meet the Supervisor.”
After speaking, Master Du E walked out of the room and gazed at the setting sun in the west, musing, “It’s been too long since the Central Plains recognized the might of our Buddhist sect.”
…
At night, Xu Qi An and his colleagues went to the Courtesans’ House. The young Song Tingfeng tagged along shamelessly, along with Li Yuchun, who believed “the rocking beds at the Courtesans’ House are never in sync,” and Yang Yan, who claimed he was “just here for a drink.”
Fuxiang, deeply attached to Xu Qi An, always gave face when he brought people to the Yingmei Pavilion, personally attending with her zither and performing a piece.
Some of the courtesans who had close relationships with Xu Qi An also joined the festivities, giving Xu “Freeloader” the opportunity to be surrounded by beauties.
But Xu “Freeloader” wasn’t happy. While others were drinking merrily into the night, he was thinking:
Damn, this will cost me at least a hundred taels of silver.
When he came to the Courtesans’ House alone to chat with the courtesans, it was a refined affair, devoid of vulgar monetary transactions. But bringing so many colleagues to drink couldn’t be free.
Even if Fuxiang were willing to cover the “costs” from her pocket, how could Xu Qi An, a dignified man of seven feet, who never took a thread or needle from the common people, agree to such a thing?
In the future, I must be more careful when treating others, especially in money pits like the Courtesans’ House… Tomorrow, I’ll try to get Duke Wei to reimburse me. Hopefully, he’ll sign the expense report, considering my unwavering loyalty… Xu Qi An forced a smile and raised his cup, saying:
“Drink up, everyone! Don’t be polite to me. Tonight, we don’t stop until we’re drunk!”
If they all get completely wasted, I’ll save money on sleeping with women!
However, as the night deepened, these martial artists still hadn’t gotten drunk. Xu Qi An had no choice but to end the drinking party with a smile on his face and curses in his heart, saying:
“To ensure my boss gets a good night’s sleep, make sure you follow the rhythm when rocking the beds tonight. Don’t go off-beat.”
Li Yuchun: “…”
…
The next day, Xu Qi An rode Erlang’s mount, galloping back to the office. He arrived at the One Blade Hall, picked up a brush, ground some ink… and had a clerk write an expense report.
Number of participants in this social engagement: Twenty-one.
Purpose: Praising the court, praising Duke Wei (drinking, merrymaking, and sleeping with beauties).
Expenses: One hundred and sixty-four taels and three qian of silver.
After finishing the note, Xu Qi An considered for a moment. Believing that Xu “Silver Gong” was a man who cared about face, he had the clerk deliver it to the Lofty Spirit Tower on his behalf.
Soon, the clerk returned and reported, “Duke Wei said the note wasn’t written by you so it lacks sincerity.”
Phew… This indicated that Wei Yuan was displeased but willing to reimburse me. Ha, rest assured, Duke Wei, your humble servant will go through fire and water for you to repay your great kindness!
Xu Qi An immediately wrote another expense report, waited for the ink to dry, folded it neatly, and sent the clerk on another errand.
Before long, the clerk returned. Wei Yuan’s reply was: Denied!
…Is he toying with me?! Xu Qi An was angry. He asked, “What exactly did Duke Wei say?”
The clerk hesitated for a long time before carefully saying, “Does mocking your poor handwriting count?”
Wei Yuan, your mother… Xu Qi An angrily sent the clerk away.
…
After the spring imperial examinations, the next most anticipated event should have been the palace examination a month later.
The four words “Achieving Top Marks” had always stirred people’s hearts.
From common folk in the countryside to the emperor and ministers, everyone attached great importance to the imperial examinations.
However, in the 37th year of Yuanjing’s reign, there were many unusual events. First, there was the Heaven-Human Dispute in the Taoist sect, which happened once every sixty years. Wasn’t that more captivating than the imperial examinations?
Later, the arrival of the Western Regions delegation in the capital caused another sensation.
Great Feng had few Buddhist temples, and high-ranking monks were rare. However, legends of Buddhist masters had long circulated in the martial arts world of Great Feng.
Stories of reincarnation, imperishable golden bodies after death, relics that could break all spells, and more abound.
Martial artists were intensely curious about Buddhism, and the Western Regions delegation did not disappoint them. The next day, a handsome young monk appeared in the arena in the southern city.
He boasted that he would use the Buddhist Diamond Body technique to challenge the martial arts masters of the Central Plains.
He provoked many martial heroes to attack him that day, but none could break through his Diamond Body. They all left in disappointment.
In the northern city, facing the southern city, another high monk from the Western Region occupied an arena. Instead of challenging Great Feng’s masters, he set up a platform to preach the dharma.
City residents flocked to listen to the high monk’s teachings, entranced. Some prodigal sons wept bitterly, some villains repented their ways, and some men from families with only a single heir for generations had great epiphanies and wanted to become monks…
Various stories spread through the streets, becoming increasingly mystical. More and more people gathered to listen to the Buddhist teachings.
In the inner city, at a tavern.
Several tables of martial artists were discussing the Western Regions’ Buddhism. What started as a casual chat between two people gradually drew in more participants, and eventually even ordinary diners joined the conversation.
“It’s been three days, and that young monk has never lost. You martial artists boast of your skills, but how come you can’t even beat a young monk?”
“What would a commoner like you know? That’s no ordinary young monk. He’s a high monk from the Western Regions. Even a child from the Western Buddhist sect shouldn’t be underestimated.”
“I see. The Western Buddhist sect is indeed formidable. Compared to them, our Great Feng is far behind.”
“Hmph, aren’t the night watchmen supposed to be the guardians of the capital? Each of the ten gold gong officers is said to be a top-tier expert. Why haven’t we seen any night watchmen take action?”
“You outsiders don’t know. The night watchmen are only tough when dealing with officials. Against outsiders, they’re as weak as shrimps,” a capital resident scoffed.
This angered a martial artist, who retorted, “Nonsense! Just a few days ago, I saw a silver gong officer wound a sixth-rank expert with a single strike.”
To this, the capital resident replied, “But didn’t you just say that even children from the Western Buddhist sect shouldn’t be underestimated? How can our Great Feng’s martial artists compare?”
“That’s true. I’ve roamed the martial world for years and never seen such incredible bronze skin and iron bones, shining with golden light. Truly befitting a Western expert.”
On the second floor, Young Master Liu withdrew his gaze from beyond the railing and said indignantly, “A bunch of frogs in a well! Master, what’s the deal with that young monk’s physical body?”
“That’s the unique body-tempering technique of Buddhism, far beyond what sixth-rank bronze skin and iron bones can compare to,” the middle-aged swordsman sighed.
“It’s a battle of immortals. We’re just here to watch the show,” the beautiful middle-aged woman smiled.
Young Master Liu wasn’t satisfied. He stared at his future sword, currently his master’s, and asked, “This divine weapon from the Bureau of Astronomy and Calendar, can it break through his physical body?”
The middle-aged swordsman snorted, disdaining to answer his disciple’s naive question.
Miss Rong Rong, heavily made up but not vulgar, frowned and said:
“For the past three days, most of the challengers have been martial artists, with occasional experts from official circles, but their cultivation levels weren’t very high. Why haven’t high-ranking martial artists stepped forward?”
“You said it yourself, they’re high-ranking martial artists,” the middle-aged beauty shook her head:
“We went to see that young monk yesterday. His cultivation isn’t high; he relies on the Diamond Body technique to remain undefeated. High-ranking experts naturally have their pride. Winning wouldn’t be glorious, and if it took too much effort to break through his physical body… that would be embarrassing.”
The middle-aged swordsman nodded, adding, “The court doesn’t send out high-ranking experts for the same reason. The other side sent a young monk to set up the arena. If the court hurriedly dispatches high-ranking experts to suppress him, who would be more embarrassed? The mighty Great Feng should at least show this much tolerance.”
“So we can only suffer this indignity silently?” Young Master Liu frowned.
Although he usually criticized dog officials and the incompetent emperor when roaming the martial world, that was a family matter.
Once outsiders came to slap Great Feng’s face, Young Master Liu immediately felt a surge of shared hatred for the common enemy.
“Then we’ll see if Great Feng has any young talents,” the middle-aged swordsman said, drinking his wine.
…
At the same time, in the southern city, at a tavern.
Xu Qi An, wearing his silver gong officer uniform, stood on the observation deck, watching the fights in the arena. To his left was the green-robed swordsman Chu Yuanzhen, and to his right was the burly “Lu Zhishen” Heng Yuan.
At this moment, facing the young monk Jin Si was a young white-robed swordsman, whose cultivation was not bad, at the peak of the Qi Condensation realm. He was likely a disciple from some famous sect.
This white-robed swordsman’s sword technique was unpredictable, specifically targeting Monk Jin Si’s vital points.
Monk Jin Si remained motionless, allowing the iron sword to strike sparks off his body, occasionally reaching out to deflect treacherous moves aimed at his crotch and eyes.
Although his body was indestructible, his clothes were not, so he had to protect his waistband.
After several hundred moves, the young white-robed hero was exhausted. He had no choice but to withdraw his sword and bow, saying, “I admit defeat!”
The audience below booed, disappointed whether they were capital residents or martial artists.
“That one seems to be the senior brother of the Butterfly Sword,” Xu Qi An said, pointing to a valiant and pretty female warrior at the edge of the arena.
The “Butterfly Sword” from the Luya Sword Pavilion was one of the Four Flowers of the martial world, along with Miss Rong Rong, the Thousand-Faced Female Thief, and the female swordswoman from the Double Sword Sect.
She was indeed beautiful, a stunning sight.
Heng Yuan and Chu Yuanzhen looked for a moment upon hearing this, but quickly lost interest and averted their gaze.
“Master Heng Yuan, this is the unique body-tempering technique of the Western Buddhist sect, belonging to the warrior monk system,” Chu Yuanzhen said. “Aren’t you envious?”
“Of course I am,” Heng Yuan replied.
Xu Qi An listened, his heart stirring slightly. Was this body-tempering technique used by Monk Jin Si the one that could rival bronze skin and iron bones without needing to be cooked or hammered?
“I’m envious too,” Xu Qi An swallowed.
Heng Yuan glanced at him, “The Diamond Sutra is not something an ordinary person can cultivate. Without a foundation in Buddhist teachings, it’s impossible to succeed. Unless one is born with the Buddha root.”
You say Buddha root, but is it really that proper Buddha root… Xu Qi An thought sarcastically.
“Little monk, I’ll challenge you!”
At this moment, a burly man pushed through the crowd and leaped onto the arena.
This big man had a divine light flickering on his body, invisible to the ordinary eye. He was a martial artist of the Bronze Skin and Iron Bones realm.
The previously disappointed audience immediately became excited.
The young monk from the Western Regions had been showing off in the arena for three days, and finally, an expert of the Bronze Skin and Iron Bones realm had come to challenge him.
“This will be interesting,” Xu Qi An smiled.
As he spoke, his gaze swept through the crowd, and he was surprised to spot an “old acquaintance.”
Wearing a cloth skirt, with a thorn hairpin in her hair, dressed simply, with a somewhat plump figure – it was the old auntie.
Her face was serious, staring at the arena without blinking.