https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-23-Turmoil-Outside-the-City-Bandits-Descend-from-the-Mountains-Seeking-Collection-/12984514/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-25-An-Invitation-from-the-River-Transport-Gang/12984519/
Chapter 24: The Monk's Attitude! (Seeking Collection)
Chapter 24: The Monk's Attitude! (Seeking Collection)
Qin Zheng didn't delay any further and soon arrived at the ruined temple in the east of the city, which was also the residence of the Chongming Elder Monk.
At that moment, the faint aroma of food wafted out from the temple, accompanied by the scent of a simple meal.
As Qin Zheng stepped into the temple, he saw a group of children sitting quietly and drinking porridge.
Beside them was a haggard-looking woman, sitting somewhat nervously. Upon seeing Qin Zheng, her eyes lit up.
It seemed that she had taken his words to heart.
Qin Zheng thought to himself.
Then he shifted his gaze to the Chongming Elder Monk, who was continuing to cook porridge by the fire.
The pot contained only a small amount of vegetables and rice, and there was no sign of any meat. The porridge was not only bland but also not thick.
"Patron Qin, you've come," the Chongming Elder Monk said, raising his head and pressing his palms together in greeting.
Qin Zheng returned the greeting and walked over to the monk, saying, "Master, have you heard the rumors circulating in the city?"
The Chongming Elder Monk nodded and replied, "Today, when I left the temple, I vaguely overheard some rumors."
"I also happened to have the intention to leave the city and see if this matter is true or not."
"Rest assured, if this is true, I will not stand idly by!"
The monk's tone was filled with determination, but his expression remained calm, as if this was not a difficult task for him.
Seeing this, Qin Zheng's slightly worried heart slowly settled.
In Hei Yan City, based on what Qin Zheng had learned so far, this old monk's strength was the most unfathomable.
Whether it was Ji Changyin, Xu Weisan, or Shi Dian, they were all External Martial Artists who had broken through the Three Passes and reached the Sinew Forging Realm.
This gave Qin Zheng the impression that the upper limit of martial power in Hei Yan City was the Sinew Forging Realm.
As for the monk before him, although Qin Zheng had not seen him in action, he could sense from his demeanor that he was no ordinary person.
Whether it was when they first talked about Shi Dian or now, discussing the bandits outside the city, the monk remained unperturbed.
Therefore, if the monk decided to intervene in this matter, the outcome would likely not be as severe as the rumors suggested.
The monk's attitude put Qin Zheng's mind at ease.
Then, his gaze fell on the pot of porridge, and after a moment's thought, he took out a few taels of silver from his pocket and handed it to the Chongming Elder Monk.
"These children are still young, and they need some meat to supplement their nutrition. Please accept this money, Master."
Although the monk was powerful, he didn't know how to make a living. He wore tattered clothes and lived in a ruined temple.
Now, he also had to take care of these children's meals, which might be a challenge.
Qin Zheng couldn't adopt stray beggars like the monk, but when he encountered someone like the monk, he could offer some help within his means.
The monk accepted the silver without hesitation, pressing his palms together and bowing deeply in gratitude.
"Amitabha, Patron Qin, you have a compassionate heart. I am grateful for your kindness," the monk said.
Qin Zheng waved his hand dismissively, indicating that the monk shouldn't be so polite.
Currently, with the support of the Golden Cicada Gang, after killing Wei Feng and Shi Dian, he had obtained a considerable amount of silver and was not short of money.
If he hadn't only brought a few taels of silver with him, he could have offered more.
After all, Shi Dian alone had given him two thousand taels in silver banknotes.
However, recalling the scene when he arrived earlier, Qin Zheng reminded the monk, "Master, rumors are spreading throughout the city, and many citizens are hoarding food."
"If you don't buy some food now, the price of food may rise later, or it might be difficult to buy food even with money."
The Chongming Elder Monk nodded and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Patron. I will go out and purchase some food shortly."
"Patron Qin, you've come at the right time. Why don't you have a bowl of this simple porridge?"
Qin Zheng nodded, about to accept the offer, when the monk's gaze shifted towards the direction of the ruined temple's entrance.
Qin Zheng was startled, and then his ears twitched as if sensing something, and he also looked towards the entrance.
After achieving a minor success in the Great Sun Golden Cicada Technique, his five senses had been enhanced, and his hearing had naturally improved.
This scene caused the Chongming Elder Monk to glance sideways, his eyes showing a hint of surprise.
Not long after, Xu Weisan, clad in a black robe and with a long saber at his waist, appeared within the two men's line of sight.
"So fast?"
Qin Zheng's eyebrows rose slightly, and his expression turned a touch more solemn.
Upon seeing Qin Zheng, Xu Weisan's eyebrows also lifted in slight surprise, seemingly taken aback.
But his gaze quickly moved past Qin Zheng, focusing on the elder monk beside him.
"May I ask if this is Venerable Chongming?"
He stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist, and bowed to the elder monk.
"I dare not claim such, but I am indeed named Chongming," the elder monk replied, returning the bow and then shaking his head calmly.
Xu Weisan paid no heed to this and scanned Qin Zheng and the group of children behind them.
"I am Xu Weisan from the government office. I'd like to speak with the Master privately, and I hope the Master can grant me this small favor," he said, not mentioning Qin Zheng in his words.
The elder monk nodded in response, turned to glance at Qin Zheng, and then stepped out, leaving the ruined temple with Xu Weisan.
Qin Zheng, though ignored, felt no resentment; this was exactly what he wanted.
Xu Weisan had taken credit for the deed but hadn't forgotten to investigate the truth behind the incident.
He had come directly to the temple and sought out Elder Chongming.
It seemed he had discovered that the elder monk had been there that day and suspected him of being the culprit.
He hadn't connected it to Qin Zheng, which was a relief.
Qin Zheng nodded, feeling satisfied with this development.
With this, the suspicion on him would be completely cleared.
As long as Elder Chongming didn't expose him and reveal the truth about him killing Shi Dian, the matter would be considered settled.
"Young Master, was that person just now the Xu Capture Chief from the government office?"
At this moment, the woman who had been sitting nervously behind them stepped forward, looking at Qin Zheng with trepidation.
Qin Zheng nodded in response, "Yes, it was Xu Capture Chief."
He turned to face the woman.
Earlier, at the execution ground, he had only noticed that she was somewhat pretty.
But now, upon closer inspection, he realized that her figure was rather eye-catching.
He sighed softly to himself.
As the saying goes, beauty can bring trouble.
Though the woman's face was only passable, her figure was indeed remarkable.
If she came from a wealthy family, it might be fine, but if she was from a poor background, and an idle rich young master took a fancy to her, it could lead to a tragic outcome.
"Were the three men this morning your brothers?" Qin Zheng asked.
Upon hearing this, the woman burst into tears and began to speak to Qin Zheng in a halting voice.
The situation was as Qin Zheng had suspected.
The woman, named Qi Yan, revealed that the three men executed that day were indeed her brothers.
She came from a poor family, having lost her parents at a young age, and was raised by her three brothers.
Recently, while buying vegetables, she had caught the eye of the second-in-command of the River Transport Gang. They abducted her and forced themselves on her.
When her brothers found out, they were furious and seized the opportunity to tie up and beat the young master when he was alone.
They had vented their anger, but it had also cost them their lives.
After listening to her story, Qin Zheng sighed and said, "For now, follow Elder Chongming. In the future, if there's a chance, we'll leave Black Goose City."
Qi Yan nodded tearfully, and the children around her gathered to comfort her.
Despite their young age, these street urchins were already mature beyond their years.
Qin Zheng watched this scene in silence.
Soon, the elder monk returned alone, his face slightly heavy.
"Master, what happened?" Qin Zheng asked curiously.
"Patron Qin, rest assured. Xu Patron didn't ask much. He only requested that I not spread the word that I killed Shi Dian and to keep it hidden," the elder monk replied.
"Shi Dian was killed by you, not me, so there's no need to spread any word," Qin Zheng said, now completely at ease.
However, if it were this simple, why would Elder Chongming have such a grave expression? This was the first time Qin Zheng had seen such an expression on the elder's face.
But the elder monk didn't elaborate further, and Qin Zheng didn't press for more answers.
His heart, which had been slightly relaxed, tightened again.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
