65: Chapter 65 Monks, Taoists, and Knights-Errant

The next day, the sky was dim.

The deathly silence of Guiyun City had not yet lifted, and white lanterns swayed listlessly in the morning breeze.

Ash from burnt paper swirled in the street, clinging to the claws and fangs of the two stone lions with glaring eyes outside Ren Residence.

Ren Residence.

The vermilion-lacquered gates were wide open, looking exceptionally imposing. Even in the oppressive morning light, the carved beams and painted pillars could not hide the atmosphere of wealth and status.

The gatekeeper had received instructions. Seeing Ding Qing and Li Wujiu approach, although he did not recognize them, he observed their appearance and demeanor.

Especially Li Wujiu's sharp Aura, which was as deep and heavy as an abyss and hid a trace of lightning Evil Qi. He dared not show any slight and hurriedly bowed to lead the way.

They passed through the screen wall, wound around the corridors, and went straight into the main hall.

Many people were already seated inside the hall, and the atmosphere was heavy, with a hint of subtle tension.

Ding Qing's bamboo hat was lowered, his whole being as silent as the deep sea, yet faintly exuding the scent of sulfur and bloody embers.

The moment he stepped in!

It was like a giant boulder thrown into a calm pool, instantly bringing all sound in the hall to a halt.

The air itself seemed to grow heavy.

In the main seat sat a plump, round-faced middle-aged man; it was none other than Master Ren, Ren Fa.

He was dressed in luxurious clothing, his face wore the customary smile of a merchant, but the lingering panic and exhaustion between his brows spread like a spiderweb.

Standing behind him were the housekeeper and several sturdy Guards, all looking nervous.

Seated on the lower left side were two monks.

One old and one young. The old monk wore a faded, washed-out robe, his face gaunt with deep, knife-like wrinkles, but his eyes were as clear as an ancient well.

At this moment, he was slowly twisting a string of glossy prayer beads.

The young novice monk was about fifteen or sixteen, with delicate features, his eyes showing curiosity and a hint of imperceptible nervousness as he stood respectfully with his hands down.

The moment Ding Qing stepped in, the old monk's fingers, which were twisting the beads, suddenly paused!

His cloudy eyes, which nevertheless contained hidden sharpness, instantly pierced through the stagnant air in the hall and accurately locked onto the figure beneath the bamboo hat.

The old monk suddenly stood up, pressed his palms together, and bowed deeply. His dry, hoarse voice carried an indescribable sense of respect:

"Amitabha... Old Monk Baiyun greets... the Vajra Thunder Blade!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole hall was shocked!

Everyone's gaze, especially those who were unaware of the situation, subconsciously focused on Li Wujiu in the direction the old monk had bowed.

After all, the name "Vajra Thunder Blade" had spread among the demonic cults and heretics in Jianghu over the past two years, known for being ruthless, decisive, and having a blade like a lightning strike.

However, Li Wujiu remained expressionless, only coldly nodding slightly at the old monk without responding.

This unusual behavior made the hearts of several steady, veteran Jianghu figures in the hall jump!

The old monk's respectful posture was clearly not directed at the sharp-edged Li Wujiu.

But at the silent, mountain-like, and unfathomable bamboo-hat-wearing guest behind him!

Li Wujiu took half a step forward, his gaze sweeping over Master Ren, his voice flat but carrying invisible pressure.

"I am Li Wujiu, here in response to the Ren family's invitation."

"Vajra Thunder Blade! Young Hero Li! I have long admired your name! Long admired your name!"

Master Ren's smile instantly became extremely enthusiastic.

Even with a hint of ecstasy, he hurriedly stood up to welcome them and personally led them to the two empty seats at the head of the hall.

"Please, take your seats! With Young Hero Li and this..." He looked at Ding Qing, not knowing how to address him for a moment.

"My Master." Li Wujiu helped him out, concise and to the point.

"Oh! So it is your Master! Your arrival brings great honor to my humble abode! Please, come in, please!"

Master Ren lowered his posture significantly.

Apparently, Old Monk Baiyun's unusual respect made him instantly rank these two as his most important reliance.

This commotion made the person seated on the lower right side feel a bit embarrassed.

It was a middle-aged man wearing an indigo cloth robe, with a square face and two short mustaches.

His temperament was steady and capable, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.

Behind him stood two young men, one tall and one short, wearing the same style of short garments, their faces still bearing lingering childishness and a hint of resentment.

Seeing Master Ren so enthusiastic about the later-arrived Li Wujiu and his Master.

Especially since Li Wujiu looked to be only eighteen or nineteen, yet was treated as a guest of honor, the two young men couldn't help but whisper.

"Senior Brother, Vajra Thunder Blade? Sounds quite intimidating, have you heard of it?"

"No... I haven't heard of this person in the Xiangzhou area. So young, yet quite famous? Could it be..."

"Shh!" The shorter youth nudged his companion with his elbow. "There are so many people in Jianghu who fish for fame. Who knows if it's..."

"Ahem!"

A low but extremely penetrating cough suddenly rang out, like a warning bell striking in their hearts.

It was that middle-aged man.

The two only then belatedly realized that everyone in the hall was focusing on them.

Especially Li Wujiu's cold gaze sweeping over, making them feel inexplicably cold, and they immediately fell silent, their faces flushing red.

A flash of embarrassment crossed the middle-aged man's face, and he stood up and cupped his hands.

He bowed slightly towards everyone, especially in the direction of Ding Qing and Li Wujiu, his voice loud and apologetic.

"My inferior disciples are young and ignorant, speaking without restraint. Please forgive them. I am the Daoist Lin Jiu, traveling in the local Mortuary. Invited by Master Ren, I brought my two useless disciples, Qiu Sheng and Wen Cai, to offer what little help I can."

He stated his identity and the reason for his invitation, with a subtle intention of holding his own.

Li Wujiu did not respond.

"Uncle Nine, please, sit! Everyone is here for my Ren family's matter, let's not damage the harmony."

Master Ren hurriedly smoothed things over.

Apparently, this Uncle Nine had quite a reputation locally.

There were also a few Jianghu people in the hall dressed in sturdy outfits, who casually cupped their hands as a greeting.

The most eye-catching ones were a man and a woman sitting near the door.

The man was in his early twenties, with a face like jade, wearing a moon-white brocade robe, with a long sword inlaid with gold and jade hanging at his waist, the scabbard exceptionally magnificent.

The woman was younger, with bright eyes and white teeth, wearing a goose-yellow dress, her sword equally magnificent, with pearls adorned on the sword tassel.

The two were dressed brightly, completely out of place with the misery of the city, as if they were aristocratic children who had wandered into the mortal world.

"I am Prince of Zhou Yuan, and this is my younger sister, Zhou Yuanshu, from Youzhou."

"Greetings, Seniors!"

Prince of Zhou Yuan stood up and bowed, his every move showing extraordinary demeanor.

He did not look like a youth at all.

Old Monk Baiyun, Lin Jiu, and others in the hall also had changes in their gazes.

To be able to travel across provinces in these chaotic times, arrive so ostentatiously in a small border town in Xiangzhou, and still be safe and sound, was in itself extraordinary.

Zhou Yuanshu was currently curiously observing Li Wujiu with her lively, large eyes.

From his cold, stern profile and upright stature to the long sword at his waist that looked simple and unadorned but faintly exuded a bloody Evil Qi.

Her eyes were full of undisguised interest, even carrying a hint of a young girl's admiration.

"So handsome!"

Zhou Yuanshu whispered.

Prince of Zhou Yuan beside her frowned slightly and warned her with his eyes.

Then his gaze swept over Ding Qing and Li Wujiu, carrying scrutiny and a hint of imperceptible caution.

Ding Qing seemed unaware of all the gazes, discussions, and even stares in the hall.

He was led to his seat by Li Wujiu and sat down silently.

The bamboo hat completely covered most of his face, leaving only a jawline as cold and hard as stone carving.

He spoke slowly.

"Everyone, I suppose we two are the last to arrive. Master Ren, you should tell us what happened."