Chapter 1841

Yuanmu said: "Benefactor, why would you say such a thing?"

Qiqi said: "The Heart Sutra cannot arouse the master's interest, then it proves the master is merely using the Heart Sutra as bait; the so-called indestructibility, it seems the master intends to end everything in this palace, right?" Her voice was aggressive and pressing; even facing Yuanmu, this unfathomable master, she showed not the slightest fear.

Yuanmu said: "I will now tell you the answer, benefactor. Minghuai is my disciple; he died at the hands of Ling Jiazi."

Qiqi furrowed her brows slightly. Although she had already guessed this possibility, hearing Yuanmu say it himself still sank her heart. In her impression, her mother had always been the kindest and gentlest person in the world; although her memories of her mother were scarce, in her subconscious her mother was flawless. Hu Xiaotian had previously spoken ill of her mother, and Qiqi could not tolerate him, let alone accept it. Now hearing Yuanmu say this, Qiqi became much calmer. She said softly: "It must be that he did something wrong to my mother."

Yuanmu's expression was extremely peaceful: "He broke his precepts for your mother's sake, not hesitating to betray the secret of the Long Dragon Temple, and in the end was discarded by your mother like worn-out sandals. Minghuai could have become the Long Dragon Temple's most outstanding successor throughout history, alas..."

Qiqi said: "So you hate my mother, and you want to take revenge on me?"

Yuanmu let out a long sigh and said: "I have never had such a thought. Although Minghuai died at the hands of Ling Jiazi, he does not regret it; he willingly died for Ling Jiazi, giving up his life for righteousness, giving up his life for love—both are death, both equally steadfast. Since it was his own choice, how could I blame others?"

Qiqi bit her cherry lip, a sentence about to burst out; she really wanted to ask whether Minghuai was indeed her father, but in the end she did not say it.

Yuanmu said: "The reason I have abandoned the Banruo Boluomiduo Xin Jing is because I suddenly realized I had fallen into greed, not for any other reason. Indestructibility is not aimed at you, benefactor, nor do I harbor any ill will toward you. What I wish to extinguish is the evil thoughts in my heart. For years I could not see through Minghuai's life and death, but when facing you, benefactor, I suddenly awakened: Minghuai's fate may indeed be his own fortune; if he were still alive, he might have already fallen into the demonic path. Even I cannot break my inner demons—how could he? After greed dies, desire ceases entirely; only by seeing through everything can one let go. Only now do I understand what true ease is."

Qiqi quietly gazed at Yuanmu; the other's cultivation was profound, their conversation as calm as an ancient well, showing no flaw in his expression. She said softly: "Just let it go; if you cannot let go, you will bring disaster upon the Long Dragon Temple."

Yuanmu smiled and said: "Cause and effect cycle, retribution is inevitable; with your broad mind, benefactor, you would naturally not quarrel with those outside the world."

By the time Qiqi left the courtyard, a full hour had passed. Hu Xiaotian had already returned and stood outside with Mu Rongzhan, awaiting her emergence. Compared to Mu Rongzhan's solemn readiness, Hu Xiaotian's expression was much more relaxed, for he had already met Ji Feihua and felt assured; Ji Feihua would not act against Qiqi, and Yuanmu naturally would not do anything unfavorable to her.

After leaving, Qiqi nodded at them and said softly: "Return to the palace!"

On the way back, Qiqi did not mention what she and Yuanmu had discussed during that hour; she remained silent, and Hu Xiaotian did not press for details. He was preoccupied with affairs concerning Huo Xiaoru, and the first thing he did upon returning to Kangdu was go to the Heavenly Secrets Bureau to retrieve a person.

With Qiqi's imperial decree, taking Rongshi out of the Black Prison encountered no obstruction. Hu Xiaotian did not trouble Baobao for this; he did not want Hong Beimo to label Baobao as a turncoat. Taking the imperial decree, he went to find Fu Yuehong. During the period Hong Beimo was away, many matters were entrusted to this person. Upon seeing Qiqi's imperial decree, Fu Yuehong didn't even hesitate and immediately took Hu Xiaotian to the Black Prison to retrieve the person.

When Rongshi stepped out of the Black Prison, unable to bear the intense sunlight, he raised both hands to shield his eyes and squinted. During this time he had obviously suffered considerable torture; his face was swollen, his body covered in bruises, but fortunately he could still walk.

Hu Xiaotian walked over slowly, smiling, and said: "Brother Rong, how have you been?"

Seeing Hu Xiaotian, Rongshi's heart sank at once. Having just escaped the wolf's den only to enter the tiger's lair, given Hu Xiaotian's ties to the Wuxian Sect, he expected no kindness. Being taken from the Heavenly Secrets Bureau, its purpose must be to interrogate him. Although he had endured much torment there, he insisted that everything was his own doing, denying any behind-the-scenes instigation. The Bureau had initially interrogated him for several days, then threw him into the Black Prison, seemingly not considering him important. Rongshi had just gained a few days of peace, never expecting Hu Xiaotian to show up at his door.

Rongshi wore no shackles; prisoners in the Black Prison have their meridians sealed with the Seven-Orifice Needles, rendering even the strongest martial artist powerless. Now Rongshi is no different from an ordinary person.

Hu Xiaotian pointed to the carriage behind him and said: "Brother Rong, please get in."

Rongshi hesitated for a moment, understanding that resistance would be futile; now under someone's control he could only obediently follow Hu Xiaotian's orders, at worst facing death—what else could be worse?

Following Hu Xiaotian into the carriage and sitting down, the carriage began to move slowly.

Rongshi gave Hu Xiaotian a cold glance and said: "I advise you not to waste your efforts; if you want to kill me, just do it—no need for talk."

Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but laugh: "We have no grudge; why would I kill you? Your predicament is not my fault—it's your own doing."

Rongshi said: "If you're not going to kill me, why seek me out?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "I truly don't understand—isn't it good to live well? Why must you take the blame for someone else? What exactly did Ren Tianqing give you to make you willing to be his scapegoat?"

Rongshi snapped: "My affairs are none of your business."

Hu Xiaotian sighed: "I can't be bothered to manage you, but you've done so much for Ren Tianqing; now that you're in trouble, why don't you see him coming to your rescue?"

Rongshi was struck where it hurt by Hu Xiaotian's words, and fell speechless.

Hu Xiaotian said: "You impersonated Ren Tianqing to enter the palace and attend the banquet—do you know what Ren Tianqing actually did?"

Rongshi turned his head away, unwilling to answer his question.

Hu Xiaotian said: "You're not unwilling to answer; you simply don't know. Let me tell you: Ren Tianqing and your master sneaked into the Long Ling Shengjing intending to steal the imperial holy object, but something went wrong midway. To save himself, Ren Tianqing abandoned your master without a second thought, so naturally he wouldn't remember you, his scapegoat."

Rongshi shouted: "Stop spouting nonsense!"

Hu Xiaotian drawled: "How could I be mistaken, having seen it with my own eyes? Ren Tianqing even had his arm cut off by me."

Rongshi's heart sank; Ren Tianqing's martial arts were unfathomable, yet Hu Xiaotian could actually sever his arm—showing how high this person's skill is, that even Ren Tianqing is no match for him, let alone himself, especially now that his meridians are sealed. He finally could not help but ask: "Master… how… how is she?"

Hu Xiaotian had just deliberately told him about Ren Tianqing abandoning Meizhuang; seeing Rongshi's reaction, it was clear he still cared about Meizhuang, and he instantly understood. He said calmly: "Ren Tianqing wanted to kill me, even willing to let your master die with me as a burial companion; fortunately my fate was not to die, I eventually escaped, and she is naturally unharmed."

Rongshi was half-believing, half-doubting, and said in a low voice: "Where are you taking me?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed and said: "I'm releasing you!"

Rongshi could hardly believe his ears: "Release me?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Do you still think you're that important?" That question made Rongshi's face flush red. Actually Hu Xiaotian did not intend to humiliate him; if Rongshi were truly an important figure, the Heavenly Secrets Bureau, even upon seeing the princess's decree, might not readily release him.

The carriage entered Zhenhai Wang Fu through the rear gate; Hu Xiaotian did not directly take Rongshi to the Return Flavor Pavilion, having fulfilled his promise. Now it was Huo Xiaoru's turn. Xiang Shancong had already relayed his message, and he wanted to see whether Huo Xiaoru would appear to meet him. Hu Xiaotian's mind was filled with doubts awaiting her resolution.

Hu Xiaotian got off the carriage, only to hear a burst of rough laughter. Looking up, he saw several burly men striding over from ahead—Xiong Tianba, Xia Zhangming, Liang Yinghao, and Zong Tang. These four were all summoned by Hu Xiaotian to Kangdu to help. Originally, Hu Xiaotian and Qin Yutong had come to Kangdu without planning to stay long, but unexpectedly, after arriving, events took a dramatic turn. Before he could fully grasp the situation, he could not yet leave, and naturally there was a shortage of manpower. Although he had plenty of people in Kangdu, they could only gather information and do odd jobs; none could act independently. Thus Hu Xiaotian sent a messenger, urging Zong Tang and the three others to come to Kangdu as soon as possible to help.

Each of the four has his own strengths: Xiong Tianba absorbed the inner strength of Bu Wu and Li Yuncong, plus his innate divine power; though somewhat rash, in single combat he fears no master under heaven. Xia Zhangming excels at commanding beasts and birds—one man can match ten thousand troops. Liang Yinghao is skilled at digging tunnels, alert and nimble. Zong Tang is the eldest among them, steady in his conduct, inheriting the lifelong learning of the artificer Zong Yuan; in casting and mechanisms he is already a master of his school. Any one of these four is a figure who can dominate a region; now gathered together in Kangdu, Hu Xiaotian naturally gains wings like a tiger.

Old friends reuniting naturally brought great joy. Hu Xiaotian greeted the four warmly. Xiong Tianba noticed Rongshi being escorted by two martial warriors, smirked as he approached, and said: "Who is this fellow?" Rongshi wore a miserable expression; even a blind man could tell he was a prisoner.

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