Chapter 404 - 223: The Gathering of Prodigies

Chapter 404: Chapter 223: The Gathering of Prodigies

Duke Ning shook his head:

"I don’t know the specific details. Wang Zhiyi had extensive connections and a complex network of relationships. On top of that, the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect rose to prominence so quickly, there’s no telling how many people they offended. It’s difficult to say for sure who was behind it."

In stark contrast to his earlier heroic and bold demeanor, Duke Ning suddenly feigned complete ignorance. And... he didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed.

’If his bluff was called on the spot, having failed to satisfy Master Huie Jue, he should at least show a trace of shame or hesitation, not be so resolute...’

Xie Yuan came to an understanding and watched silently.

Huie Jue nodded understandingly, then asked with an expression of pure curiosity:

"This is my first time descending the mountain, and I’ve only heard stories about the feuds and grudges of the martial world... Hehe, my grasp of the Buddhist Technique must be lacking, for I find myself overcome with curiosity. I hear that Jinling is the Yao family’s domain. In that case, could Steward Wang have..."

Duke Ning leaned back slightly and shook his head.

"I truly am not aware of this matter. I haven’t heard of any friction between the Yao family and the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect."

Huie Jue nodded. Unflustered, he changed the subject and began chatting with Duke Ning about Buddhist teachings.

Duke Ning’s interest was clearly piqued again. He excitedly discussed Buddhist works with Huie Jue, quoting scriptures and classics, obviously extremely well-read on the subject.

Huie Jue patiently answered all of Duke Ning’s questions, never once faltering. At this point, even Xie Yuan, who knew nothing of the Dharma, could tell Huie Jue was the real deal. In terms of his knowledge of Buddhist teachings alone, he was worthy of the title of Master.

’To enter the Bodhi Institute and be called a Master at such a young age... could this monk truly possess wisdom from a past life?’

Xie Yuan watched as Huie Jue left Duke Ning completely impressed, his face filled with reverence. Huie Jue glanced at the sky, then placed his palms together.

"Amitabha. Our discussion of the Dharma today has been most enlightening, Your Grace. I, too, have learned a great deal."

Duke Ning sighed in admiration.

"Master Huie Jue, your grasp of the Dharma is profound. I have benefited immensely. I’ve already instructed the kitchens to prepare a vegetarian meal. Please, stay for supper and rest here in the mansion. If I weren’t concerned about your long journey, I would insist on talking with you about the Dharma all through the night!"

Huie Jue politely refused.

"Your Grace is too kind, but there is no need for a meal. I have imposed for long enough and should take my leave."

Duke Ning was startled and said quickly,

"Master Huie Jue, the meal will not be extravagant at all. Please, grant me the honor."

Huie Jue’s expression was firm as he said,

"My master gave me money for my travels and often instructed me not to accept meals from others. The temple already receives many donations from its devotees; how could I then go about begging for food on top of that?"

Seeing him bring up Master Zhiling, Duke Ning had no choice but to let it go.

He escorted Huie Jue and Xie Yuan all the way to the entrance of the Duke Mansion. On the way, he opened his mouth to speak several times. Xie Yuan saw this, and he also saw that Huie Jue had noticed, but the monk pretended not to. This piqued Xie Yuan’s curiosity.

Finally, as they were about to reach the gate, Duke Ning couldn’t hold back any longer and asked in a low voice,

"Master Huie Jue, about the letter I sent to Zen Monk Ziling... has there been any reply?"

Hearing this, Huie Jue turned around, placed his palms together, and announced in a clear, loud voice,

"Amitabha! Duke Ning wishes to renounce the secular world, take my master as his own, and become my fellow disciple! His sincerity is without question. However, our temple’s rules for accepting disciples are quite strict, and for the moment, my master has no such intention."

When Xie Yuan heard this, he froze, wondering if he had misheard.

’Duke Ning wants to become Master Zhiling’s disciple?’

He instinctively looked over and saw that many of the surrounding attendants and guards had all stiffened, their faces showing strange expressions.

As for Duke Ning, he looked as if he had been turned to stone. It took him a long moment to come to his senses, his face flushed red as he stammered,

"Oh, oh, I see... Master Huie Jue, please take care."

The Duke, who had been so courteous to Huie Jue the entire time, suddenly sounded rushed. To Xie Yuan’s ears, that "take care" clearly meant "get lost."

’This is hilarious,’ Xie Yuan thought. ’That monk definitely said that loudly on purpose. The others just don’t know his true nature.’

With a pure smile on his face, Huie Jue placed his palms together, bid farewell to Duke Ning at the gate, and then left with Xie Yuan at an unhurried pace, melting into the crowd.

"Patron Xie, what do you think?"

Huie Jue asked casually.

’Have I become Yuanfang? How did this turn into the monk leading *me* on an investigation...?’

Xie Yuan grumbled inwardly, then paused in thought, his expression turning serious.

"This Duke Ning... is a bit strange."

"Patron Xie, you’re stating the obvious."

Xie Yuan’s face flushed. He glared at the sharp-tongued monk, then said with some hesitation,

"He... doesn’t even seem like someone the Imperial Court would send to keep an eye on the great families."

Whether it was his pride in the Little Hidden Dragon Assembly or the way he subtly defended the Yao family, Duke Ning’s attitude was just... odd.

Prince Cloud Mountain also had a good relationship with the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect, often visiting the mountain to escape the summer heat. But when push came to shove, he would never act like they were one of his own—especially not when the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect was already being so cooperative with the Imperial Court.

Huie Jue nodded lightly.

"The Buddhist teachings are not wrong. This Jinling Prefecture is also like an ouroboros."

Seeing him revert to his old ways, Xie Yuan pursed his lips, then said thoughtfully,

"Are you saying that the powers in Jinling Prefecture are all one and the same?"

"Indeed. Patron Xie is not completely stupid after all."

Xie Yuan ignored Huie Jue’s words and asked, confused,

"But the Duke of Ning’s title has been passed down for three generations, and his family has received imperial favor for ages. He’s clearly a staunch royalist. How could he also be..."

Huie Jue smiled and asked,

"Patron Xie, what do you think of Duke Ning’s treatment of me?"

Xie Yuan shook his head and said, "He treated you as an honored guest, with the utmost courtesy."

"Then, does Patron Xie think that I am worthy of it?"

Xie Yuan glanced at him and spoke the truth.

"You’re not."

He saw Huie Jue smiling, and a realization dawned on him as he nodded.

"So, he wants something from you... to join Prajna Temple?"

Xie Yuan had a strange look on his face.

Huie Jue sighed softly.

"Wanting to join my temple is just a means to an end. What he really wants is my master’s cultivation method."