Chapter 403 - 223: Gathering of the Prodigies 4

Chapter 403: Chapter 223: Gathering of the Prodigies 4

"Ah, Master Huie Jue, you’ve finally arrived!"

Xie Yuan lowered his gaze, discreetly glancing at the Duke’s hastily worn shoes, and thought to himself:

’Isn’t this Duke Ning supposed to be in seclusion? He’s more excited to see Huie Jue than anyone else. To think he’d rush out like this...’

It was clear his devotion to Buddhism was truly sincere.

Huie Jue gave a slight bow.

"This humble monk greets you, Lord Duke. You have sent several letters and generous donations to our temple. My master specifically sent me to express our gratitude."

A look of delight appeared on Duke Ning’s face.

"Master Zhiling still thinks of me? Hahaha, what an honor for this old man! Ah, look how muddled I’ve become, keeping you waiting at the door! Master Huie Jue, please, come in!"

After speaking, Duke Ning personally led the way, ushering Huie Jue inside. He glanced at Xie Yuan and, seeing he was with Huie Jue, gave him a friendly nod. His attitude was so amiable he seemed less like a powerful duke and more like a kindly old man from next door.

Not long ago, however, this same kindly old man had made Xie Yuan and the other members of the Sword Sect wait for days, only to refuse to see them.

Xie Yuan followed Huie Jue and Duke Ning into a spacious study. Of all the studies Xie Yuan had ever seen, its size was second only to Li Xingtuo’s grand study, which was occasionally used for martial practice.

The study was lavishly appointed. Its screens and vases were all masterworks of exquisite elegance, reflecting the refined taste of the Duke Mansion.

Duke Ning was almost improperly effusive, insisting Huie Jue take the seat of honor while he sat beside him. He had a small stool brought for Xie Yuan and ordered servants to present an array of delicious fruits and pastries. He then had tribute tea brewed, its fragrance soon filling the entire room.

Xie Yuan quietly observed Duke Ning’s fervent display, finding it rather peculiar.

’What an eye-opener. Prajna Temple’s status is high, but is it this high? Even for the direct disciple of a Grandmaster, it shouldn’t be enough to make a duke lower himself to this degree. The duke himself is a Martial Arts Grandmaster who has been famous for years!’

Once Huie Jue and Duke Ning were seated, the duke put on a devout expression and began to ask for guidance on Buddhist Technique. Xie Yuan knew nothing of the subject and found the questions profound and inscrutable. Huie Jue, however, remained calm. With a gentle smile, he answered the duke’s questions one by one in a slow, measured pace. ℯℯ𝑙.

Judging by Duke Ning’s periodic expressions of sudden enlightenment, Xie Yuan felt that Huie Jue must have genuinely clarified things for him, even if he himself only half-understood. The young, eminent monk from the Bodhi Institute had clearly not gained his reputation for nothing.

’It’s just that his actual personality is nothing like the virtuous, eminent monk he appears to be right now...’

The two discussed Buddhist Technique in depth for quite some time before Huie Jue paused to take a sip of tea. Only then did he speak:

"Lord Duke, I’ve noticed that Jinling Prefecture has been unusually bustling lately. Is there some major event taking place?"

The graying Duke Ning personally refilled Huie Jue’s cup and said with a smile,

"Master Huie Jue is a man who has renounced worldly affairs, so you wouldn’t be aware of such mundane matters in Jinling Prefecture. It’s the time for Jinling Prefecture’s annual Small Hidden Dragon Tournament. Young heroes from all over come to the city to compete in the arena and vie for rankings. Oh, but of course, these ’heroes’ cannot compare to you, Master. Though you are young, your mastery of Buddhist Technique is so profound that you are already far beyond their reach."

He paused mid-sentence to lavish more praise on Huie Jue. From his words, however, it was clear he was quite proud of the Small Hidden Dragon Tournament.

Huie Jue nodded, affecting a look of sudden understanding.

"Ah, so it’s the Small Hidden Dragon Tournament. I have heard of it at the temple, but I’m so absorbed in daily prayer and cultivation that I lose track of time. I had no idea it was happening right now. What a coincidence."

’Right. Keep up the act...’

Xie Yuan grumbled to himself; this monk clearly knew everything.

Duke Ning chuckled.

"Since it’s such a coincidence, would Master Huie Jue care to join in the excitement? I can arrange the best seat for you, a place for a guest of honor with an unobstructed view of the arena."

But Huie Jue shook his head.

"This monk prefers quiet and is not fond of fisticuffs. I must thank you for the kind offer, Lord Duke."

Duke Ning slapped his thigh and said with a look of chagrin,

"Ah, look at me... I forgot that with your profound Buddhist heart, you don’t care for such worldly affairs. Alas, my own spiritual practice is still insufficient! Truly insufficient!"

Huie Jue shook his head repeatedly.

"Lord Duke, you possess an innate wisdom, and your heart for revering the Buddha is exceptionally sincere. Even my master has praised you highly. You mustn’t belittle yourself!"

Duke Ning was overjoyed.

"Master Huie Jue, did your esteemed master truly say such things about me?"

"Monks do not lie."

Huie Jue said with a look of utter sincerity.

’Great. It looks like Master Zhiling has no idea who Duke Ning even is...’

Seeing Duke Ning grinning so widely he couldn’t close his mouth, Xie Yuan sighed to himself. If it weren’t for the fact that Huie Jue’s cultivation level was undeniably real, he would have suspected the monk was just some common swindler.

Huie Jue watched Duke Ning laugh for a moment before reciting a Buddhist mantra and pressing his palms together.

"Lord Duke, this monk has also heard of a certain matter in Jinling Prefecture recently, and I am somewhat curious about it."

"Oh? Please, ask away, Master Huie Jue," Duke Ning boasted. "As long as it concerns Jinling Prefecture, there is nothing this Duke doesn’t know! I will certainly resolve any questions you may have."

Huie Jue put on an innocent expression.

"This monk heard that the steward of the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect’s Jinling Villa died recently. The Cloud Mountain Sword Sect’s name is legendary; even at the temple, I have often heard of it. I’m told their disciples’ swordsmanship is especially sharp, something this monk has long admired, hehe. But for the steward of a villa belonging to such a Major Sect... how could he just die so suddenly?"

Hearing Huie Jue bring this up, a flicker of light flashed in Duke Ning’s eyes, but his expression remained unchanged as he spoke.

"So word of this has even reached your ears, Master Huie Jue? Alas, I had some dealings with that Wang Zhiyi myself. I never expected him to pass away so suddenly. It is indeed a pity."

"Oh? Since you knew Steward Wang, Lord Duke, do you know who killed him?"