Chapter 418: with translation of chapter title

The party traveled day and night without stopping, and finally on the afternoon of the tenth day they arrived at a forest a few li outside Xuanqiong Temple.

Xiao Ningxun dismounted, turned toward the nearby Xuanqiong Temple and said, "Leave the horses here; we'll walk over."

"Yes!" Xiao Er led the horses into the deep part of the forest and tied them up.

The few of them walked to Xuanqiong Temple and entered the hall among the scattered worshippers.

Arriving at the main hall, they paid respects to the statue of the Three Pure Ones, offered incense, and Xiao Ningxun gave Xiao Er a glance.

Xiao Er walked up to a Taoist priest who was arranging incense and candles, clasped his fists, and said, "We have long heard that Temple Master Xuanqing's Daoist arts are profound; we have come from afar, sincerely seeking an audience. May we be granted a word?"

The Taoist priest looked them over, seeing they were dust‑covered and plainly dressed, and showed a hesitant expression: "The Master has recently entered seclusion for cultivation and does not receive outside guests; you all are still …"

Xiao Er took from his pocket the Star Constellation Flow Pearl that Tuan Tuan had given him, spread it on his palm, and extended it toward the Taoist priest.

The Taoist priest's expression changed abruptly: "My apologies; since you possess the Temple Master's token, please follow me."

He led the group out of the main hall to a secluded courtyard.

Standing before the door of a quiet room in the courtyard, the Taoist priest whispered, "Temple Master, we have guests."

A calm, aged voice replied, "Please come in."

The Taoist priest pushed the door open and stepped aside.

The party streamed in one after another, while a white‑haired old Taoist, back to the door, was gazing at a "Hundred Bamboos" painting on the wall.

Hearing the movement, he turned slowly, his eyes sweeping over each person's face, and finally settled on the small figure on Xiao Ningxun's back.

"So it's an old friend visiting. Go prepare some good tea."

A junior Taoist inside, who was sorting scriptures by the bookshelf, replied, "Yes," turned and stepped out, then closed the door behind him.

Tuan Tuan slipped out from behind Xiao Ningxun, took off her little hat, and shouted crisply, "Taoist Priest! It's me!"

After days of traveling, her hair was a mess, yet her eyes still shone dazzlingly.

Master Xuanqing smiled, "Please sit, Princess (Commandery), are you hungry? I'll have them prepare some fine vegetarian fare for you."

The others also removed their hats and took their seats one by one.

Tuan Tuan lay on the meditation cushion and said, "Taoist Priest, I'm not hungry; I just want to lie down and get a good sleep."

Xiao Ningxun looked at her with compassion; having spent most of the journey on horseback, she had truly worn out her younger sister.

Xiao Er hurriedly fetched another meditation cushion so his lady could lie more comfortably.

Xiao Ran looked at Tuan Tuan enviously and said, "Little one, I wish I could lie down like you."

"Sure, Ninth Brother, you lie down too!"

"I wouldn't dare; if I lie here, your Third Brother would devour me."

Xiao Ningxun shook her head helplessly and looked at Master Xuanqing, "Temple Master, I hope you have been well."

Master Xuanqing let out a long sigh and murmured, "It's good; you are all still here, that's good."

"His Majesty and Prince Ning, how are they now?"

Xiao Ran replied quickly, "They are fine."

He recited, "Infinite Celestial Venerable! May the Master protect!"

"You have arrived at the right time; if you come a few days later, this Xuanqiong Temple might no longer be a pure land."

"Something happened inside the temple?"

"Not inside the temple, but outside the mountain."

"The troops of the two kings, since a few days ago, have set up checkpoints on all major routes outside Jingcheng, inspecting travelers."

The few of them exchanged glances.

Master Xuanqing looked at them and said, "I suppose they are guarding against you."

Xiao Ran asked, "Master, have you any news of my Seventh Brother?"

Master Xuanqing shook his head: "I have not heard; however, before His Majesty left Jingcheng, he appointed him as regent. King Chen and King Qing must be quite wary of him."

"But Seventh Prince is a royal son; they dare not act rashly, so he is likely under house arrest."

Xiao Ningxun asked, "What about Old Song?"

"Old Song…"

Tuan Tuan, seeing his hesitation, hurriedly asked, "What happened to the teacher?"

Master Xuanqing sighed, "Princess (Commandery), do not worry; I do not know Old Song's recent condition."

"After the two kings entered Jingcheng, there has been no word about him; he is probably, like Seventh Prince, under house arrest."

Tuan Tuan asked again, "Taoist Priest, have you ever seen my mother?"

Master Xuanqing paused briefly, "Princess Consort often came to pay respects to the Master for your safety. After Prince Ning led the army on campaign, she came almost daily."

Xiao Ningxun felt a pang, saw her sister's eyes reddening, and quickly patted her small hand, "Good girl, we'll see her very soon."

Master Xuanqing looked up at him, "Third Young Master, you have come regarding the household matters, correct? Have you thought about what to do?"

"Jingcheng is different now; everywhere in the city are the eyes and ears of the two Regent Kings."

Xiao Ningxun thought for a moment, "Master, we need to linger in the temple for two days."

"We need a quiet courtyard; if anyone comes inquiring about a merchant surnamed Lin from Xibei, bring them to see me."

"Master, please select a few trustworthy disciples to come and go from our courtyard without drawing attention."

Master Xuanqing nodded slightly, "Very well, is there anything you need me to do?"

Xiao Ningxun thought, "No need; Master, you are a recluse sage; the less you know about this, the better."

"Three li east of here, in the forest, are our horses; just lead them into the temple."

"King Chen and King Qing were even able to conspire rebellion; if they discover Xuanqiong Temple is involved, the temple may not survive."

Master Xuanqing smiled faintly, "The mountain gate stands in the mortal world, and incense arises from all beings."

"If the world fades and the foundation rots, this frail body of mine can also become a stone added to the earth."

Xiao Ningxun rose solemnly in respect: "True Person, you have such breadth of mind; I admire you. If any difficulty arises, I will certainly speak frankly."

Xiao Ran also looked surprised: "True Person, no wonder your incense is the most flourishing here."

"Just based on these few words of yours, once this matter is settled, I will come stay at your place for half a year to really soak up immortal energy."

True Person Xuanqing heard this and chuckled: "Ninth Prince, you overpraise me."

A few soft purring sounds like a kitten's came over; everyone startled, lowered their heads to look at Tuan Tuan, only to see Xiao Tuanzi lying on the mat, sleeping soundly.

Everyone glanced at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

True Person Xuanqing said softly: "I will go prepare the courtyard right away."

"Rest well; if anyone comes looking for you, I will personally take them to the courtyard."

"Thank you, True Person."

Soon, members of the Canal Gang, members of the Tianji Pavilion, Lu Qi, Mo Zhanggeng, and others arrived one after another at the temple.

The following night, just after midnight, the group changed into nightclothes, left Xuanqiong Temple, and stepped into the darkness.