My Lady Always Lacks Ambition
Chapter 306 - 305: The Master Can’t Stand to See Me Idle

Chapter 306: Chapter 305: The Master Can’t Stand to See Me Idle

Qin Liuxi no longer discussed the despicable Si Luo with Master Ci Yun. Considering she had made the journey and the master was a learned scholar, she asked him about the development and history of the Black and White Witches, particularly the Blood Curse of the Black Witch, and briefly mentioned the matters in the Witch History of the Si Family.

"As for witches, this monk possesses limited knowledge. I have heard a little about the witch clan of the Si Family, which was highly reputable and a leading force among witches a hundred years ago. Unfortunately, a hundred years past, the Si Family fought against the Black Witches and, despite their victory, suffered a great loss. Over the past hundred years, their bloodline has been cursed and withered away, and now there remains but a single heir, an issue much lamented."

Qin Liuxi pondered what kind of battle they had fought; it was the Si Family who sent a male spy undercover to seduce the enemy’s Black Witch. The spy succeeded in defeating the Black Witch but also brought upon themselves an indelible Blood Curse, leading to a century of disaster.

It could be said that the Si Witch Clan rose and fell due to their own actions.

However, Qin Liuxi did not go into details with Master Ci Yun.

"Though I am no expert in these matters, I do know a Witch Doctor by the name of Wuyang. His ancestors hailed from the Witch Clan, and in his generation, he has mastered both medicine and divination. The Wu Clan has lived for generations in Xiangnan Village and is quite renowned in the region. If you wish to delve deeper, this monk can write you a letter of introduction, so you may go and inquire further?"

Qin Liuxi hurriedly bowed and said: "Then I must trouble the master for this kindness."

She had intended to search various Book Collection Pavilions for any records on this subject, but since Master Ci Yun recommended this person, she might as well pay a direct visit and inquire. Perhaps there would be unexpected findings.

Master Ci Yun promptly wrote her a personal letter of introduction. Seeing that it was getting late, Qin Liuxi took her leave to head back.

"The Buddha Bone of Si Luo carries a gu that is bewitched and of evil nature; you must not carry it on your person, and it needs to be properly preserved. If it falls into the hands of Evil Cultivation practitioners or Evil Ghosts, it will surely bring harm to all living things," Master Ci Yun reminded her once more.

Qin Liuxi smiled and said, "I thought the master would suggest I entrust the Buddha Bone to Yunling Temple for safekeeping."

"The monk believes that it will serve a better purpose in your hands."

Qin Liuxi smiled without affirming or denying his statement, bowed farewell to him, and then descended the mountain.

Master Ci Yun watched her leave, then turned around and called several monks in the monastery, one of whom was Huiming, who had received Qin Liuxi.

"The master plans to visit Shengjing Tiemen Temple to see the abbot of Heavenly Gate. In the master’s absence, Huiqing will temporarily manage the affairs of the monastery, with Huiming and the rest assisting."

Huiqing, a monk in his fifties with a round figure and a face exuding compassion, frowned upon hearing this: "Abbot, it is nearly October and soon to be winter. The road to Shangjing has already begun to get cold, and there may even be ice and snow. Unless it is a matter of great urgency, perhaps it’s best to wait until spring?"

"This matter is urgent and concerns all living things; the master must go personally," said Master Ci Yun.

Seeing his resolute expression, Huiqing said: "If the abbot must go, then it would be better for Huiming to accompany you in a carriage, given your advanced age."

Huiming also added: "Yes, abbot. Please let your disciple accompany you to the capital, otherwise we won’t be at ease."

Master Ci Yun thought for a moment, then nodded and said: "Very well, let’s prepare for the journey."

Huiqing and the others visibly relaxed and hurriedly went to organize the arrangements, while Huiming wondered what Qin Liuxi and the master had discussed that made him so eager to journey to the capital.

What matter could be so urgent?

As the sun dipped westward, on the main road back to Prefecture City, a modest carriage stood parked; a man stood beside it, looking towards Yunling Temple. Nearby stood an old steward and a servant, with several mounted guards around them.

"Milord, we’ve been waiting here for several hours now; I fear that... Perhaps we should return to the city first?" the steward suggested softly.

The man, barely in his thirties, dressed in dark blue brocade and draped in a thin bamboo-patterned cloak, shook his head and said, "No need, the master said to wait here. Before sunset, I shall meet a fateful person to relieve my worries."

Hearing this, the steward sighed and stepped aside.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

The servant Qing Le, with keen hearing, said: "There’s a carriage coming."

The man stepped forward eagerly, his expression becoming somewhat excited, while the steward signaled to the guards to be on alert.

The gentle warmth of sunlight came from the west, and as the mountain wind blew, a carriage emerged against the light, entering the man’s view.

Old Chou steadily drove the carriage, and upon seeing someone ahead, reported back, "Master, there’s someone blocking the road."

Qin Liuxi, who was resting his head on his hands in thought, didn’t even open his eyes upon hearing this, saying, "If we can pass, then pass; if we can’t, have them move aside."

Old Chou understood.

However, it seemed like the other party was heading straight for them?

A guard spurred his horse forward, extending a hand to stop the carriage, signaling for it to halt.

Old Chou, observing that the individual’s attire was not that of bandits or robbers, slowed the carriage down, and announced once more, "Master, they are stopping our carriage."

"Oh?" Qin Liuxi opened his eyes, lifted the carriage curtain to look outside, and said, "Ask what they want."

Old Chou brought the carriage to a stop, his expression guarded as he watched the approaching guard, his body slightly bent like a leopard ready to pounce.

The guard was taken aback by his wary demeanor. Did they look like bad guys?

The guard tried his best to display a hearty smile, dismounted the horse, approached with a bow and said, "Don’t be nervous, brother. My master wishes to speak with your noble master."

Old Chou asked, "Who are you and what do you want?"

"I..."

"Zhang Sheng." The man called out to his guard, stepped forward himself, coming before the carriage, and bowed toward the inside, saying, "My name is Teng Tianhan. I have the audacity to stop this carriage as I am in need of assistance, and I request the honor of an audience."

Old Chou dismounted the carriage. Teng Tianhan, the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice—what was he doing here?

Qin Liuxi alighted from the carriage, and Old Chou immediately moved to her side, whispering a few words to her.

From the Ministry of Justice?

Teng Tianhan was taken aback when he saw Qin Liuxi, thinking the lad was far too young. Was this truly the person fated to resolve his worries?

"You’re looking for me?" Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow. "We don’t know each other, do we?"

Teng Tianhan collected himself, stepped forward a few paces, and bowed again to Qin Liuxi, "May I ask if you are from Yunling Temple?"

"What if I am, and what if I’m not?" Qin Liuxi countered.

Teng Tianhan, unsure of her attitude, responded, "I have come from Yunling Temple. The presiding master told me to wait here, saying that I would meet a person with whom I am destined to relieve my concerns."

Qin Liuxi laughed, saying, "Even you officials believe in what these mystics have to say? Shouldn’t you be skeptical about strange forces and gods?" But in her heart, she thought, The senior master really can’t stand to see me idle!

Teng Tianhan was uncertain but Qin Liuxi’s remark about his official position made his eyes suddenly sharp and keen. "Monks do not speak falsehoods, and the master indeed did not deceive me. Sir, I seek your help with a matter. May I know how to address you?"

"Just because I say a few words, you believe that I’m the ’person of destiny’ you’re meant to meet?"

"I haven’t disclosed my identity, yet you said that I am an official."

"That’s being too credulous—you’ll suffer big losses like that!" Qin Liuxi pointed at Old Chou, saying, "I know you’re an official because this driver informed me. As it turns out, he has some knowledge of the names of officials in Da Feng."

Teng Tianhan: "!"

A misstep, was it?