Chapter 232: Xiao Zhi, What Are You Doing?

Bianliang City had enjoyed long peace and was exceedingly prosperous; children played songs and dances from dawn, and gray-haired elders had never known war. When Gu Qing entered Bianliang, it was as if he had stepped into the Scroll of the Qingming Festival and the Dream of Splendor: pavilions and brothels, embroidered doors and pearl curtains, gold and jade glittering, silk and brocade perfuming the air.

This was Gu Qing's third visit to Bianliang; the first had been one hundred and fifty years ago, when he and Xiaolongnu and Cheng Ying had wandered here, and the second had been just upon arriving in the Tianlong world.

"Look at this city of Bianliang—people from all nations are here. What difference does it make whether one is Khitan or Han?"

Gu Qing said.

At this moment, Qiao Feng bore inner turmoil; hearing Gu Qing's reassurance, he naturally nodded, yet recalling how many Khitans he had killed as leader of the Beggar's Sect, he could not help but feel gloomy.

"Master!"

Gu Qing's letter had reached Li Qingzhao long ago, so she met him on the street.

Wang Yuyan, Mu Wanzheng, and Zhong Ling had all heard of this little senior sister; seeing her age of eight or nine, with a small braid and a wrapped cloak, she rushed up with energy, greeted Gu Qing, then bowed to several others present. Her warmth, cheerfulness, and precocious wit delighted everyone.

"Call her Senior Sister!"

Li Qingzhao insisted Wang Yuyan, Mu Wanzheng, and Zhong Ling address her as such.

"Senior Sister!"

Mu Wanzheng called her that, then leaned against Gu Qing and said: "Call her Mistress!"

???

Li Qingzhao tilted her head.

Under Li Qingzhao's guidance, the group all went to the Li household. After drinking tea and chatting with Gu Qing and Li Qingzhao's family, Li Qingzhao's father, Li Gefei, brought out paper and said: "The Great Wheel Mingwang Jiumo Zhi has recently been staying at the Xiangguo Temple."

Gu Qing took the letter, bid farewell to Li Gefei, and set off with Qiao Feng directly toward the Xiangguo Temple.

The Xiangguo Temple was filled with eminent monks, its atmosphere solemn and grand—now at its peak of prosperity.

Gu Qing presented Li Gefei's letter to the monks, announcing their visit to the Great Wheel Mingwang Jiumo Zhi. When asked his name, Qiao Feng gave his own; after reporting, the monk led Gu Qing and Qiao Feng into the temple.

At this time, the Xiangguo Temple occupied vast grounds. The young monk guided Gu Qing and Qiao Feng through long corridors and several courtyards; the deeper they went, the cooler it grew. Gu Qing and Qiao Feng exchanged glances, feeling it improper that the Tibetan state preceptor should be housed so poorly.

"This residence was chosen by the Tibetan state preceptor himself."

The young monk, sensing their doubt, quickly explained.

Under the young monk's guidance, Gu Qing and Qiao Feng arrived at a palace. Before entering, they heard a Buddhist chant, then smelled gunpowder. Turning the corner, they saw the great hall dim, a single candle suddenly flaring bright—its light illuminated Jiumo Zhi's dignified form, casting his shadow onto the Buddha behind him.

In gesture and posture, the two seemed one.

Gu Qing: "..."

Jiumo Zhi: "..."

"State Preceptor."

Gu Qing suppressed his laughter, speaking with solemn seriousness.

Jiumo Zhi remained silent. Gu Qing's earlier act of pretense in the Tianlong Temple had struck deep into Jiumo Zhi's heart; since arriving at the Xiangguo Temple, Jiumo Zhi had imitated it several times with great effect. Hearing now that the visitor was Northern Qiao Feng, he decided to perform again—only to be met face-to-face by Gu Qing.

Qiao Feng, sensing the awkwardness between Gu Qing and Jiumo Zhi, stepped forward, clasped his fists, and greeted them.

Jiumo Zhi extinguished the candle, rose without changing expression, and asked Gu Qing and Qiao Feng their purpose.

"Why did the State Preceptor save Murong Fu?" Qiao Feng asked.

Jiumo Zhi turned his prayer beads and said: "In my youth, I had deep ties with Master Murong Bo. All seventy-two supreme techniques of Shaolin originated from him. I went to the Tianlong Temple seeking the Six Meridian Sword to benefit Murong Bo; now I protect Murong Fu for Murong Bo's sake."

As he spoke, Jiumo Zhi even shed tears.

In truth, Murong Bo had suddenly found Jiumo Zhi and handed over all seventy-two Shaolin technique scrolls, begging him to save Murong Fu.

Jiumo Zhi had long dreamed of mastering all seventy-two Shaolin techniques to become the foremost Buddhist master. Seeing Murong Bo's scrolls, he had unhesitatingly come.

The monks of the Xiangguo Temple brought tea.

Qiao Feng inquired further about Yan Longyuan.

Jiumo Zhi understood inwardly but feigned ignorance: "I have never met any Yan Longyuan."

During his conversation with Jiumo Zhi, Gu Qing, using known information, had already guessed the general situation. Hearing Jiumo Zhi's denial, he was unsurprised; after a few more words, he suddenly spoke to Jiumo Zhi of Vajrayana yoga. When Jiumo Zhi became attentive, Gu Qing and Qiao Feng both took their leave.

"Jiumo Zhi has been inside the Xiangguo Temple the whole time—with many monks as witnesses, he had no opportunity to kill. More importantly, this is his first time meeting you."

!

Gu Qing wore an expression of serious deduction.

Master Xuan Ku had been killed by someone impersonating Qiao Feng.

"We must still focus on Murong Fu."

Qiao Feng said.

Extract Murong Fu from prison, make him reveal Yan Longyuan's whereabouts, then all act together to capture Yan Longyuan and determine whether he was the one who plotted to kill Qiao Feng's parents and assassinated Qiao Feng's master.

"Then let's break him out!"

Gu Qing said eagerly.

"But..."

Qiao Feng did not wish to drag Gu Qing into danger.

Jailbreaking was extremely risky; if their identities were exposed, neither would have any place left in the Song Empire.

"It's fine."

Gu Qing smiled at Qiao Feng: "We have Azhu."

Gu Qing himself possessed the ability to disguise his appearance—even surpassing Azhu—but he preferred to conceal it; revealing such power would only make the entire martial world blame him for every crime.

Qiao Feng looked at Gu Qing and burst into laughter: "Brother Gu, to have you as a friend makes me truly joyful. The day is still young—shall we have a few bowls of wine?"

Gu Qing readily agreed. They went to Fan Tower, ordered wine and meat; the tavern's wine vessels were all silver. They drank one jar together. Knowing they would soon infiltrate the prison, they did not overindulge. Returning to the Li residence, they slept together, while Azhu disguised Mu Wanzheng and Abi as Gu Qing and Qiao Feng, making them appear constantly at the Li household.

After lying down, Qiao Feng quickly fell into deep sleep.

Gu Qing lay beside him; in the Condor Trilogy world, Jinggege had given Gu Qing great security, allowing him to sleep soundly. Now, in this changed world, Qinggege could give Qiao Feng that same security.

(End of Chapter)