The Melon-eating Swordsman In The Ancient Dragon World Chapter 31: Master Xinmei Seeks Help - Novel Cool

Chapter 31: Master Xinmei Seeks Help

Chapter 31: Master Xinmei Seeks Help

Tian Qi had left, slipping away without a trace.

With no one to point fingers and identify Li Xinhuan as the victim of the Plum Blossom Thief, he technically no longer had a reason to go to Song Mountain.

"Since I'm already here, I might as well take a trip to Shaoshi Mountain and enjoy the scenic wonders of Song Mountain," Li Xinhuan said nonchalantly. "Moreover, Master Xin Hu and Pinghu Bai Xiaosheng are still waiting for me, aren't they?"

Master Xin Hu was the revered abbot of Shaolin, and Bai Xiaosheng's compilation of the 'Compendium of Weapons' had made him renowned. Whatever came out of their mouths, no one would dare doubt.

Now that Li Xinhuan had been framed as the Plum Blossom Thief and so many people from Xingyun Villa knew he would be going to Shaolin Temple, he naturally had to ascend and descend Song Mountain openly and proudly.

"But the Plum Blossom Thief is already dead," Master Xinmei sighed.

However, a thoughtful smile curved Li Xinhuan's lips. "Not necessarily."

"Oh?" Master Xinmei's white eyebrows arched.

"The Plum Blossom Thief has roamed the rivers and lakes for decades. It's not so easy for him to die," Li Xinhuan said. "The one who died is more likely a scapegoat."

You Longsheng turned to Li Xinhuan, his heart stirring. He guessed that Li Xinhuan had probably already suspected Lin Xian'er to be the Plum Blossom Thief, but he didn't know when Li Xinhuan had made that deduction.

Given Lin Xian'er's means, the Plum Blossom Thief was not just one person, but an organization.

Master Xinmei's eyes flickered as he glanced at Li Xinhuan and then at You Longsheng. After a moment's thought, he clasped his hands together and said, "This old monk has a case to discuss, involving a Shaolin secret. I humbly request your assistance in this matter."

"Oh?" Li Xinhuan looked at Master Xinmei with curiosity.

You Longsheng's eyebrows lifted as well. He knew that Master Xinmei valued Shaolin's reputation and his bond with his fellow monks more than anything. Whenever he left Shaolin to investigate a case, he would only record his suspicions about the culprits in a book, never divulging them to others. So, it was surprising that he was now prepared to share this information with him and Li Xinhuan.

"This matter concerns the Plum Blossom Thief and Shaolin's reputation. Initially, I did not wish to involve outsiders," Master Xinmei said. "However, my abilities are limited, and I have been unable to find any evidence. My heart is heavy, and I cannot bear to let this continue.

"Li Tan Yu is renowned throughout the land for his integrity and broad-mindedness, as well as his exceptional martial arts skills. You, worthy nephew, are known for your keen thoughts and unexpected actions. Both of you have a two-generation relationship with Shaolin, and I trust you. That is why I, an old monk, humbly ask for your help."

You Longsheng quickly helped Master Xinmei to his feet. "My father and your master were close friends and my seniors. Please speak directly, nephew. I will do my best to assist."

Li Xinhuan nodded. "It is my honor to be trusted by the revered Shaolin monk."

This was Li Xinhuan's character. When others showed him sincerity, he would repay them tenfold.

"Amitabha!"

Without further ado, Master Xinmei proceeded to tell Li Xinhuan and You Longsheng about the recent thefts from the Shaolin Temple's collection of scriptures, which had been occurring for the past six months or so.

"The theft of the Shaolin scriptures coincides almost exactly with the appearance of the Plum Blossom Thief, so I suspect that these incidents may be related," Master Xinmei said. "Even if Qin Zhong had not been seriously injured, I still would have gone to Baoding Prefecture to investigate."

Li Xinhuan was intrigued. "The Plum Blossom Thief was indeed famous back then, even killing Dian Cang, the head of the clan. But he never dared to target Shaolin. Master, what made you suspect his involvement?"

Master Xinmei sighed. "I suspect that the Plum Blossom Thief is colluding with a Shaolin disciple to steal the scriptures."

"A Shaolin disciple?" Li Xinhuan was taken aback. "Master, do you suspect there is a traitor within Shaolin?"

"Even if the Plum Blossom Thief were a celestial being, he wouldn't know about the hidden guards in the Scripture Pavilion," Master Xinmei said. "The thefts continued even after the pavilion clearly increased its defenses following the first two incidents. Yet, the scriptures were stolen a third and fourth time.

Master Xinmei was taken aback but sighed and nodded. "Yes, but... there are still many unanswered questions."

"Master can tell us, and we can help you analyze the situation," You Longsheng said.

Now that the matter had been shared with Li Xinhuan and You Longsheng, Master Xinmei no longer hesitated. "I suspect it's the seventh junior brother, Xinjian. He joined Shaolin with his own martial arts skills and was known as the 'Seven Ingenious Scholars' before taking his vows. He is also a well-known figure in the jianghu."

"I've discovered that on the days when the scriptures were stolen, the disciples guarding the Scripture Pavilion all had a period of memory loss, as if they had fallen asleep and then woke up with no recollection of what happened during that time."

"A sleeping draught?" You Longsheng asked.

"Not exactly," Li Xinhuan shook his head. "A sleeping draught wouldn't cause someone to lose their memory like that. It's more likely to be a type of psychedelic powder."

Li Xinhuan spoke in a low voice, "This psychedelic powder originates from the Demon Sect. Although it later spread into the jianghu, it isn't widely known. However, if Master Xinjian, also known as 'Seven Ingenious Scholars,' had the formula for this powder, it wouldn't be surprising."

"But I have no evidence," Master Xinmei said. "I secretly investigated his meditation room but found none of the stolen scriptures. He rarely leaves Song Mountain, so I can't figure out how he could have sent the scriptures out."

Master Xinmei sighed, "More importantly, I can't understand why he would disregard our decade-long bond as fellow disciples and steal the scriptures."

Li Xinhuan remained noncommittal but asked, "Aside from you seven senior brothers, does anyone else know about this matter?"

Master Xinmei was taken aback and replied without thinking, "Pinghu Bai Xiaosheng often visits Shaolin and has a close relationship with several senior brothers. We wanted him to help us find the thief or the Plum Blossom Thief, so we told him about it."

Li Xinhuan's eyebrows arched, "With his book, the 'Compendium of Weapons,' this Bai Xiaosheng has indeed gained quite a reputation and has a wide social circle!"

"Does Bai Xiaosheng often visit Shaolin?" You Longsheng asked. "I thought he usually stayed in the Jiangnan region?"

Master Xinmei explained, "Bai Xiaosheng is also a formidable martial artist. He travels the jianghu and has been to many places, gaining extensive knowledge and experience. Otherwise, how could he have written the 'Compendium of Weapons,' a book that critiques the strange and unique weapons of the jianghu?"

Li Xinhuan nodded in agreement.

He was quite satisfied with his own ranking in the Compendium of Weapons. He never considered himself invincible, but he was confident that he was not inferior to anyone.

A 'top three' ranking was just right.

Even Li Xinhuan viewed Bai Xiaosheng through rose-tinted glasses, but You Longsheng, knowing the truth, cut straight to the heart of the matter, "Is it possible that his visits to Shaolin coincided with the thefts, occurring shortly after each time?"

Li Xinhuan's pupils contracted, and Master Xinmei paused, his mind racing as his breathing changed rhythm. Still, he exclaimed, "Impossible!"

(End of Chapter)

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