Chapter 27: and translation of title

About two hours later

"Creak~"

The room door was slowly opened from inside.

"Amitabha, Master Niu, the humble monk has not disgraced his mission."

"Madam's injury will be healed in seven days with the aid of herbal decoctions."

Juexing stood at the doorway, greeting Niu Dingtian with clasped hands, then handed over a prescription. Judging by his complexion, which still looked somewhat dim, he must have expended a lot of energy.

"Many thanks, Master Juexing, you've worked hard!"

After receiving and putting away the prescription, Niu Dingtian quickly returned the salute.

Seeing that Niu Dingtian seemed to have nothing more to say, Juexing exchanged a glance with his senior brother Zhen, pondered for a moment, then continued:

"As for."

"Master Juexing, please rest assured; as for the remaining thousand taels of gold, I will deliver it shortly."

Upon hearing this, Niu Dingtian seemed to just realize it, quickly took up the conversation, and expressed his stance righteously.

"Master Niu, you misunderstand; as for copying the scriptures, you may come at any time during your stay at our temple, but the Sutra Pavilion is a key area of the temple, and at that time you will need to be accompanied by a monk; please understand."

After hearing Niu Dingtian's words, Juexing's face also showed some embarrassment; he quickly changed the subject and proactively brought up the matter of copying the sutras.

Upon hearing that, Niu Dingtian pondered for a moment, then spoke to the two:

"Many thanks, Master Juexing and Abbot Zhen! This time, due to my wife's injury, I have troubled your temple greatly; I intend to go copy the sutras right away, and if my wife's condition improves tomorrow, I will prepare to depart."

"In that case, Master Niu, you may follow Xiao Hui to the Sutra Pavilion shortly; I and my junior brother will take our leave first."

Abbot Zhen, after a moment's thought, made his decision, clasped his hands in salute, and then withdrew from the courtyard together with his junior disciple Juexing.

Niu Dingtian watched the two leave the courtyard, then stepped inside.

"How do you feel, Miss Han? Any discomfort?"

Upon entering the room, I saw that Han Xiaoying's pale face had gained a hint of rosiness, and her spirit had also improved considerably.

"Much better, Young Master Niu, no need to worry; I should be fully recovered in a few days, thank you for your care these past days."

Han Xiaoying has grown accustomed to being close to Niu Dingtian; they interact more naturally, and when faced with concern, she cannot help but show a gentle smile.

"Miss Han, rest well; once you recover, I will teach you a lightness skill—you'll surely love it."

Niu Dingtian sat at the bedside, speaking gently with a smile to Han Xiaoying, and reached out to tighten the blanket over her.

"But what about the movement technique you used that day, Young Master Niu?"

Upon hearing this, Han Xiaoying's eyes lit up; unable to contain her curiosity, she asked.

Seeing Han Xiaoying's curiosity, Niu Dingtian smiled, moved a little closer, and replied softly:

"Miss Han is correct: the body swift as a flying duck, elusive as a spirit, the Lotus-Weft Steps, silk socks raising dust."

"That is exactly this set of movement techniques; this lightness skill is called the Lotus-Weft Steps, from Cao Zhi's 'Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River', the supreme lightness footwork in the world; if Miss Han were to perform it, it would surely be very beautiful!"

Upon hearing this, Han Xiaoying felt a warm surge in her heart, deeply moved, her eyes filled with longing, but she soon suppressed it and spoke solemnly to Niu Dingtian:

"Young Master Niu, you need not go so far; I appreciate the kindness, but such a supreme skill is the foundation of one's standing in the jianghu, and you must not lightly pass it on."

After saying that, she still felt uneasy, staring intently at Niu Dingtian with a solemn expression, awaiting his nod.

Seeing Han Xiaoying's refusal, still considering himself, Niu Dingtian felt a slight ease in his heart, then smiled and said:

"Miss Han is no outsider; my life was saved by her, a mere set of techniques—no matter how important other things may be, they cannot compare to Miss Han's safety."

Upon hearing this, Han Xiaoying's cheeks flushed slightly; she was about to refuse when Niu Dingtian waved his hand and declared firmly:

"Alright, this is settled! Rest well, first recover your health; I'll check on the Sutra Pavilion, then later give you medicine, Miss Han."

"Mm."

Han Xiaoying no longer refused, merely nodding obediently.

Seeing this, Niu Dingtian gave a faint smile, then turned and walked toward the courtyard outside.

Walking along, he kept thinking about what just happened; he wasn't a simp, just someone whose heart was moved didn't want to miss the chance—if Han Xiaoying had simply agreed right then, he wouldn't say he was disappointed, but he would probably feel a bit of loss.

Was it a bit despicable? But at this moment, he felt only contentment.

When he reached the outside of the courtyard, the little monk named Xiao Hui was already waiting by the wall, presumably having received Abbot Zhen's order.

Before Niu Dingtian approached, Xiao Hui hurried over, bowed with clasped hands, and said:

"Master Niu, are you heading to the Sutra Pavilion? The abbot has instructed that if you wish to go, simply follow me."

"Many thanks, Little Master Xiao Hui."

Niu Dingtian expressed his thanks.

But after Xiao Hui finished speaking, his face showed some hesitation; after a moment of indecision, he haltingly continued:

"However."

"However, the abbot has ordered that Master Niu may only enter to copy scriptures for half a day; once the evening bell rings, he must come out."

"Damn! Played?"

Niu Dingtian's smile froze instantly; after a flicker in his eyes, he pretended it was nothing and chuckled:

"No problem, thank you for the trouble, Little Master Xiao Hui, please lead the way."

Afterward, he said nothing more, merely following silently behind toward the Sutra Pavilion.

Xiao Hui's pace was not slow; after walking and turning for a few dozen breaths, they arrived before a pavilion.

Looking up,

one saw the plaque above the gate, boldly and anciently inscribed with three large characters:

"Sutra Pavilion!"

This is precisely the spot Niu Dingtian glanced at earlier this morning.

"Master Niu, the abbot has instructed that you may freely copy scriptures on the first floor, but you must not set foot on the second floor; please understand."

Thanks for the trouble, Little Master Konghui.

Niu Dingtian sidestepped the remark, merely smiling as he thanked her.

The two reached the gate; Konghui first gave a solemn reminder, then produced an antiquated bronze key from her bosom, inserted it into the lock, and gently turned it.

Only a click was heard.

The gate of the Sutra Pavilion swung open slowly.

Sorry for the typos and garbled sentences—thanks for pointing them out. I've been busy with guests at home today, so the update is late; there will be another chapter tonight.

(End of chapter)