Chapter 398

"Mm, I came to Taihang Mountain not specifically to find you, but because it's on the way to the Dark Saint Temple."

"Hiss? The Dark Saint Temple?"

"Have you heard of it?"

"Yes, this organization is very powerful, but it is not within the territory of the Great Ming Dynasty."

"Do you have a map?"

"Yes, it's on the mountain. Will the Princess Consort come up the mountain with me, or should I send someone to deliver it to the foot of the mountain?"

"Then let's go up the mountain and take a look. Since we're here, we should get acquainted."

Daoist Qingfeng stood up and made a gesture of invitation. The couple, Yuan Jiaqi and his wife, didn't act coy and went directly up the mountain path from the back courtyard.

"How old is the Daoist this year?"

"One hundred and eighty-six."

"Not bad, you know how to maintain your health."

After Xiyu and the others finished dinner, they found a place to meditate. Qiao Mai set up a barrier for them to prevent accidents.

"Hiss, what a boast."

"Hehe, the four of us fought their nine, a complete victory!"

"Staying with my wife, there's no way not to live a long life."

"Mm, study well."

There were also those seeking talismans and peace from the temple master; as the sky gradually darkened, there were all kinds of requests.

Qingfeng took them to visit the palace and introduced the Bodhisattvas they worshipped.

"It was your disciple who said that what we practice is just flowery moves."

"You won, right?"

Daoist Qingfeng left, and the two moved from the room to the outside. Xiyu and the others were all wandering around the mountain.

They then went to the quiet room in the back courtyard to rest. The Daoist boys served clear tea and retreated. Daoist Qingfeng found the map and handed it to Qiao Mai.

Qingfeng glanced at Yuan Jiaqi, "The Prince of Fu has the appearance of a long life."

The couple was drinking tea when they saw Xiyu and the others returning, full of spirit.

The couple sat facing each other; in such beautiful moonlight, how could there be no fine wine?

The two drank silently under the moon. This courtyard was the highest specification among the guest rooms on Taihang Mountain; there was only one, and it was occupied by Qiao Mai and her group.

The little girls were curious about everything, especially watching them practice martial arts in a rigid manner, so they stopped to watch.

The stars and the moon seemed to be right in front of them, so close that they could be plucked with a reach.

After a long while, Daoist Qingfeng finally returned to his senses from the book. He immediately picked up all the books and bowed to Qiao Mai.

Qiao Mai grabbed a stone from the wall and shot it toward the shadow with a 'whoosh'.

Yuan Jiaqi was very happy to hear the Daoist's words; he had always wanted to accompany his wife for a long, long time.

"This poor Daoist will remember."

But some Daoists were young, so the two sides started arguing.

"The old temple masters really like that set of books."

At this moment, Qingfeng walked in from the crowd, "These are the distinguished guests of our temple. Who let you come to disturb her?"

What Qiao Mai taught was more applicable to actual combat, while the Daoists of Qingfeng Temple were, to put it bluntly, flowery moves—good-looking and full of immortal air, but when it came to real fighting, they lacked a lot of experience.

"Miss, Miss, what's wrong with you?"

Along the way, Daoist Qingfeng served as a guide, introducing things to Qiao Mai and her group as they walked. Despite being over a hundred years old, his mental state was excellent. When climbing the mountain, Yuan Jiaqi was panting, but he was as if nothing had happened.

They hadn't watched for more than a few minutes before they were chased away.

"If there is a chance, please invite the temple masters to visit Tianshui Town."

"Things can't always go as one wishes; it's none of our business."

In the end, they actually started fighting, and the four little girls beat up the nine little Daoists.

"Not bad, this Taihang Mountain is a place of outstanding people and divine spirits. You can practice in the courtyard at night, which is good for improving inner strength."

Qiao Mai glanced at the man, "Even Qingfeng wouldn't dare to ask me for guidance. Go back and practice for another hundred years before talking."

There were many Daoists on the mountain, as well as a lay disciple.

At the same time, she took several books from her bosom and placed them on the table, "These are techniques popular overseas. Take a look and see if they are useful for your Daoist school."

After eating, the old Daoist left. Time on the mountain passed slowly and was boring; the most seen were those pilgrims.

They were all adding incense money with large amounts of silver.

"Yo, did you go to fight?"

Qiao Mai opened them, looked for a few moments, then folded them and threw them into her space.

"It's a pity that our temple's inner strength heart method is not suitable for them; otherwise, staying here for a period would be good for them."

"Princess Consort of Fu, this poor Daoist thanks you on behalf of Qingfeng Temple."

"Mm."

"Certainly, certainly."

Unexpectedly, the words of the little girls were heard by the Daoists. They were angry yet helpless, the reason being that they were girls, and so young; they felt embarrassed to go find them to argue.

"Master, we want to spar with the little Daoists in the temple."

"Indeed, there are many flowery moves and little practicality. If a real fight breaks out, will the enemy allow you to prepare? You even strike a pose in advance."

Qiao Mai looked at the sea of Daoists, "If your skills are inferior, admit it. Coming to our door to find trouble—is this how your master taught you to be competitive?"

The man rushed over to fight Qiao Mai, but with a wave of her hand, he was swatted away. Seeing Qiao Mai's power, they all shut their mouths.

With a scream, the stone hit the head, the shadow fell to the ground, and many servant girls and old women rushed out of the small courtyard.

"This is the terrain of the Five Kingdoms. That small island in the middle is where the Dark Saint Temple is located. It is in the tropics, and there are many poisonous insects. Even experts wouldn't easily set foot there, but this poor Daoist believes the Princess Consort of Fu should be able to come and go freely."

Daoist Qingfeng looked at the four little girls, his eyes flashing, "Good roots."

"Looks like another heartbroken girl."

"Picked her up. Let's see what she becomes in the future."

"Yes, Master."

"Mm, I will set off for the Dark Saint Temple tomorrow. If you are willing, you can stay here for a few more days."

At this moment, the vegetarian meal was brought up, and Qiao Mai called the little girls to eat with them.

Qiao Mai took a sip of clear tea, watching Qingfeng's fascinated expression, and didn't disturb him.

Daoist Qingfeng picked up the top book with both hands and read it seriously. At first, he had the idea of learning from others, but the more he read, the more excited he became.

Not long after, many Daoists came looking for them. They were unconvinced and intended to find the little girls' master to spar again.

"Mm, I accept this thanks. Remember, focus on benefiting the people and do not act recklessly again."

The sound of the zither was sorrowful. The two stood up and walked to the low courtyard wall, leaning over to look down.

Unlike the four little girls, who sparred every day and did it for real.

They were experiencing that feeling where silence is better than sound, when they saw someone playing the zither in the courtyard below.

Qiao Mai smiled and looked at Xiyu and the others, "Hopefully."

"Fine."

Everyone lowered their heads and took the scolding. Qingfeng waved his sleeve, "Go do what you need to do. Even if you practice for two more lifetimes, you won't be able to beat this lady. Disperse."

The four little girls curled their lips, "What's so great? Those moves are so fake; they aren't as practical as what Master taught us. They're all flowery moves."

As they were talking, a shadow rushed toward the woman, a gleaming dagger aimed at her heart.

The Daoists dispersed, and Qingfeng sat down with a thud.

"That's fine."

"Then please, Lady, give us some guidance."

"This poor Daoist has been rude. Let me first send these books to the back mountain for the old temple master to see. You two can stay, taste our temple's vegetarian meal, and if possible, stay on the mountain for the night, how about that?"

"If they are there, no one will dare to invade the Great Ming Dynasty for a hundred years."

Below the adjacent room, there were three rooms, below that eight rooms, and at the very bottom were more than twenty ordinary guest rooms.

They were beaten, but not seriously—at most, they had bruised noses and swollen faces—but in terms of martial arts, the little girls won.

"No, I'll take Xiyu and the others home early. No matter how good it is outside, it's not as solid as being home."

"Assassin, assassin!"

At this time, people from the temple also rushed in. They carried the shadow out and then questioned everyone in the courtyard.

Qiao Mai curled her lips, "Empty-headed beauty, but with martial arts that don't match her appearance, she's just waiting to be slaughtered."

"Everyone has their own fate. Back then, when you asked Ling'er to practice martial arts, she wasn't cut out for it, so there's no way."

(End of Chapter)