96: A guest from western Hunan reminisces about the past, expressing a desire to travel to the Miao region to settle karmic debts.

The clamor outside the Mountain Gate soon subsided, replaced by a deliberately lowered, respectful, and cautious tone of conversation. Clearly, the new group of pilgrims, having witnessed the serene atmosphere of Qingfeng Temple—especially after seeing the golden-furred spirit ape "Wukong" squatting on the wall, scanning them with calm eyes—unconsciously lowered their voices.

Li Muchen did not rise to greet them, continuing to sip his tea calmly. However, his Spiritual Sense spread out like mercury on the ground, "seeing" the situation outside the Mountain Gate with perfect clarity.

There were about a dozen people, surrounding three core figures in the center. Li Muchen recognized two of them—Deputy Director Sun of the Provincial Religious Affairs Bureau, who had come to "investigate" the spirit well water over a month ago and later sent the test report, and Wu Yuanshan, the director of the "Special Office" with a unique status.

Walking between the two, subtly protected by them, was a stranger—an elderly man.

The old man was about seventy years old, with meticulously combed white hair, a lean face, slightly high cheekbones, and somewhat deep eye sockets. He wore a slightly worn but crisply starched deep blue Zhongshan suit and a pair of handmade black cloth shoes. He leaned on an ebony cane, walking with a steady pace and a straight back. Despite his advanced age, he possessed the dignified and imposing aura of someone who had long held a high position.

What caught Li Muchen's attention even more was that the old man lacked the typical slickness or lethargy of officialdom; instead, he exuded a sense of integrity, persistence, and even a sharp, scholarly edge. His eyes were bright and piercing, and he was currently observing the Mountain Gate and courtyard of Qingfeng Temple with great interest, his gaze lingering for a moment on Wukong atop the wall.

Behind the old man followed several lean, capable, and alert personnel, clearly guards or the like.

"Abbot, leaders from the province and an... old chief have come to visit," Zhao Desheng hurried in and reported in a low, nervous voice. Although he didn't recognize the old man, seeing Deputy Director Sun and Director Wu treating him with such respect told him the man was of significant standing.

Li Muchen set down his teacup, stood up, and walked slowly toward the front courtyard. Seeing this, Wukong leaped gracefully from the wall and followed half a step behind him in silence, like a loyal guardian.

Seeing Li Muchen come out to greet them, Deputy Director Sun quickly stepped forward and introduced with a smile, "Daoist Master Li, sorry for the intrusion. This is Elder Gu, an old chief who has just retired from the capital and returned to our Jin Province to recuperate. Elder Gu has a deep interest in traditional culture, especially religious culture. Having heard of your temple and your deeds, he came specifically to visit and exchange ideas."

Wu Yuanshan also nodded slightly to Li Muchen, his eyes carrying a hint of hidden meaning that only the two of them understood.

"Elder Gu, this is the abbot of Qingfeng Temple, Abbot Li Muchen."

Elder Gu's gaze fell upon Li Muchen, his sharp eyes filled with scrutiny and a touch of unavoidable amazement. The young man before him, dressed in a green robe and cloth shoes, had an ethereal aura and deep, calm eyes. He didn't deliberately exude pressure, yet he possessed a serene temperament that seemed at one with the mountains and the Dao. Especially the golden-furred ape behind him, which was exceptionally spiritual and followed quietly, adding a layer of mystery.

"Daoist Master Li, I have long heard of you. Forgive the unannounced visit and the disturbance to your quiet cultivation," Elder Gu spoke with a resonant, vigorous voice, carrying the elegance and politeness of an old-school intellectual without losing his authority.

"Elder Gu is too kind. Your presence brings honor to my humble temple. Please, come inside for tea." Li Muchen stepped aside to lead the way, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant, peaceful and natural.

Everyone sat down at the stone table under the ancient cypress tree in the courtyard. Zhao Xiaowen had already smartly served freshly brewed wild tea. Wukong consciously squatted on the stone steps not far away, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the accompanying guards with instinctive alertness.

After some small talk and tasting the tea, Elder Gu set down his cup and looked at Li Muchen with burning eyes, getting straight to the point: "Daoist Master Li, I am a straightforward man, so I won't beat around the bush. I've come for two reasons: first, I've long heard that the Abbot is young, talented, and profound in the Dao, so I wanted to see for myself; second, I've been entrusted by someone, or rather, I've brought a few words regarding a past event and some old acquaintances."

Li Muchen's heart stirred slightly, but his expression remained unchanged. "Please speak, Elder Gu."

Elder Gu pondered for a moment and said slowly, "When I was young, I worked in the southwestern border for a long time. I have some understanding of the local customs, history, and anecdotes of Western Hunan and Eastern Guizhou. Recently, I heard from Director Wu that he handled some matters involving the 'special folklore' of Western Hunan, which involved a monk named 'Release Void' and... a figure with quite a reputation in Western Hunan, 'Corpse Old Nine'."

He paused, observing Li Muchen's reaction. Seeing him remain calm, he continued, "Director Wu has already informed me of the fates of Release Void and Corpse Old Nine. In terms of both law and reason, Daoist Master Li handled the matter appropriately and rid the people of a menace; I deeply admire that. However, Western Hunan is a place of high mountains and dense forests with complex social dynamics. Many legacies are long-standing and deeply entrenched. Pulling one thread might not move the whole body, but it might... disturb some 'old friends' hidden deeper within."

Li Muchen caught the underlying meaning. "Is Elder Gu referring to... 'Hemp Third Aunt'?"

A sharp light flashed in Elder Gu's eyes, and he nodded slightly. "It seems the Abbot has also heard of her. Indeed, it is that person. Or rather, that 'Witch'."

He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Hemp Third Aunt's origins are extremely mysterious. As far as I know, she is not a local Miao from Western Hunan. It seems she migrated from the deep mountains further south during the late Qing or early Republican era. The witchcraft and Gu arts she inherited are different from the local Miao witchcraft, corpse driving, and Chenzhou Talismans of Western Hunan; they are more sinister, unpredictable, and difficult to guard against.

This person acts according to her whims, neither purely good nor evil. In some villages deep in the mountains of Western Hunan, she is worshipped like a deity, yet she is a major headache for the authorities and the Righteous Path. She seemed to have some connection with Corpse Old Nine in their early years, but the specifics are unknown to outsiders."

"A few days ago," Elder Gu's expression grew more serious, "our comrades in Western Hunan received a tip that Hemp Third Aunt's recent movements have been unusual. She has been frequently entering the depths of the 'Ghost Crying Forest,' seemingly preparing something. At the same time, there are unconfirmed reports that... there appears to be a bald man with a stiff gait and a dull expression by her side."

Release Void! Li Muchen immediately thought of the missing Release Void. It seemed he had indeed fallen into the hands of Hemp Third Aunt! And from the description, he had likely met a tragic end, having been refined into some kind of controlled "Puppet"!

"Director Wu's comprehensive assessment," Elder Gu looked at Wu Yuanshan, "is that Hemp Third Aunt may already know about the matter of Corpse Old Nine, and might even have used some unknown means to learn about the role you played in it, Abbot. Her recent movements suggest... she does not come with good intentions."

Wu Yuanshan added, "Daoist Master Li, we don't intend to interfere with your actions. It's just that Hemp Third Aunt is of an extremely high danger Rank, and her methods are bizarre. She is highly skilled at utilizing the terrain, Gu poisons, and human weaknesses. If she truly views you as an enemy, watching from the shadows and waiting for an opportunity for revenge, it will be hard to defend against. We came today first to remind the Abbot to step up precautions, and second, to hear the Abbot's opinion. After all, you have already established Karma with her."

The courtyard fell silent for a moment. Only the rustling of the mountain wind through the ancient cypress tree could be heard.

Li Muchen remained silent for a while, his fingers unconsciously tapping the stone tabletop. When he first went to Western Hunan, his main targets were Corpse Old Nine and Release Void. As for the deeper, more mysterious Hemp Third Aunt, he had intended to leave her to Wu Yuanshan and the official forces to investigate and handle slowly. But now it seemed that Karma was entangled, and the other party had already taken the initiative to point the spear at him.

Release Void falling into her hands was a grim fate, but he had brought it upon himself. However, if Hemp Third Aunt truly harbored resentment because of Corpse Old Nine's death and might even covet the "secrets" he held, then rather than waiting for her to launch a bizarre and unpredictable sneak attack from the shadows, it would be better to... take the initiative and settle this Karma.

It seemed the business in Western Hunan was not truly over.

"Thank you for the warning, Elder Gu, Director Wu," Li Muchen finally spoke, his voice calm and steady. "Since this matter started because of me, it should be settled by me. Passive defense is not a long-term solution. I intend to go to Western Hunan again to find Hemp Third Aunt and resolve this threat once and for all."

As soon as he said this, a flash of surprise appeared in the eyes of both Elder Gu and Wu Yuanshan. Although they had guessed that Li Muchen might take action, they didn't expect him to be so decisive, directly saying he would "go to Western Hunan again" and "resolve it once and for all."

"Abbot, this matter needs careful consideration," Wu Yuanshan advised. "Hemp Third Aunt has been entrenched in Western Hunan for many years and is deeply rooted. The Ghost Crying Forest is even more treacherous and unpredictable. Our people have attempted to investigate deep inside several times, only to suffer significant losses and return empty-handed. Although you have great Divine Ability, going in alone is extremely risky. Would you consider cooperating with us to develop a more thorough plan?"

Elder Gu also pondered, "Daoist Master Li's courage is commendable. But I have heard that the Ghost Crying Forest is so named not only because of its complex terrain and pervasive toxic miasma but also because of rumors that... there are 'unclean' things inside, which even the toughest local hunters and herb gatherers dare not approach lightly. Hemp Third Aunt must have something to rely on if she chose that place as her lair."

Li Muchen shook his head. "Thank you for your kindness. However, this matter involves cultivation Karma and personal grievances. If we make a big scene, it might alert the enemy and could also involve more innocent people. Since I have decided to go, I have my own plans."

His tone was indifferent, yet it carried an unquestionable certainty. With his Golden Core newly formed, the azure heavens in hand, and the subsequent path of his Cultivation Technique clear, he indeed had the confidence to face this potential threat. More importantly, he had a vague premonition that this Hemp Third Aunt might be more than just an old acquaintance of Corpse Old Nine; she might also be connected to other secrets, perhaps even having some obscure link to Yuntai Mountain and the origins of the Yao Beast "Wukong." Not clearing it up would eventually become a hidden danger.

Seeing that Li Muchen's mind was made up, Elder Gu and Wu Yuanshan exchanged a glance and stopped trying to dissuade him.

Elder Gu took out a warm, ancient ink jade peace buckle tied with a red string from his robe and pushed it toward Li Muchen: "Daoist Master Li, I obtained this item in the southwest years ago. It's said to have the effect of warding off evil and calming the spirit. Whether that's true or not is hard to say, so take it as a token of my regard. I wish the Abbot a safe and smooth journey."

Wu Yuanshan said, "Daoist Master Li, our people will provide as much information support and backup as possible from the perimeter. This is the latest satellite map and a summary of limited intelligence regarding the Ghost Crying Forest and the surrounding area. I hope it will be useful to you." He handed over a sealed file folder.

Li Muchen did not decline. He accepted the two items and thanked them.

After seeing off Elder Gu and his group, the courtyard returned to silence.

Li Muchen stood alone under the ancient cypress tree, gazing toward the southern horizon. Western Hunan, Ghost Crying Forest, Hemp Third Aunt... a thread of Karma that he thought had reached a temporary conclusion had surfaced once again.

Wukong approached quietly, tugging at the corner of his robe, his crimson eyes showing worry and inquiry. He could vaguely sense the change in his master's mood.

Li Muchen looked down at him, reached out to stroke his golden head, and said gently, "I need to leave the mountain for a while to settle some old debts. You stay in the temple, cultivate well, and protect this place. Do not be lazy, and... do not cause trouble."

Wukong nodded vigorously, letting out a low whimper from his throat that sounded like a promise.

The next day, at the first light of dawn.

Li Muchen briefly explained the temple's affairs to Zhao Desheng, Zhao Xiaowen, and the others. He also checked the connection between the earth vein suppression talisman and the protective Formation of Qingfeng Temple, ensuring that the temple would still have basic defensive power after he left.

He didn't carry many things, still wearing that same blue-gray Daoist robe. He carried the "azure heavens" immortal sword wrapped in a cloth bag on his back, the earth vein suppression talisman hanging at his waist, and the Qi-Boosting Pills, Talismans, the ink jade peace buckle gifted by Elder Gu, and the intelligence provided by Wu Yuanshan tucked in his robe.

Without disturbing many people, he quietly descended the mountain via the back path, just like last time.

Only this time, his cultivation had reached the Golden Core stage. His steps were even lighter and more composed, his aura merging with the mountains as if he had become part of the morning light and mountain scenery.

Destination—Western Hunan, Ghost Crying Forest.

The road ahead was uncertain, and Karma was waiting to be cleared.

And so, he departed with his sword, his steps firm.