403: Chapter 403 Lure the snake out of its hole

Han Jingyang was taken aback.

The monk was really putting everything on the line.

Being allowed to choose any dharma instrument, large or small, within Xingguo Zen Temple—this condition was so generous it was almost unimaginable.

The monks clearly knew he was an expert in dharma instruments; if they truly let him choose, he would definitely take the best ones. Yet, they still made such a promise, which was indeed exceptionally generous.

However, this also indicated from another perspective that the situation the monks faced was dire and their circumstances were dangerous; otherwise, they would never have made such a costly offer.

Thinking of this, he asked with a chuckle, "Any choice? One piece? Or several?"

"Three pieces. Any three pieces. Even the temple's most sacred treasures are within the scope of selection."

"Monk, you won't play any tricks, will you? Like quietly hiding all the good stuff and only leaving some junk for me to choose from."

"I thought about it, but I'm afraid—afraid you'd cut off my head with one stroke of your sword."

"Hahahaha, alright, Monk, it's a deal then."

"Thank you, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Han, for your righteous assistance."

"Don't be in such a hurry to thank me. Tell me the information you have, especially regarding the timing. When exactly will those Japanese people launch their attack?"

Monk Kongyun thought for a moment and sighed. "Within the next few days. They have already arrived and are currently scattered throughout the counties and cities surrounding Quancheng. They are at most a two-hour drive away. Once the time for the attack is set, they can arrive in Quancheng and launch their assault immediately."

Han Jingyang raised an eyebrow.

The Japanese were as insidious as ever, actually coming up with such a move.

Extremely insidious.

Ordinary people would have no way to defend against this tactic because these people didn't appear directly in Quancheng. Instead, they were quietly scattered around the city, yet not too far away. When the time came, they would launch a sudden attack. With dozens or even a hundred experts arriving in Quancheng within two hours to raid Thousand Buddha Mountain, even if the mountain had experts, they would never be able to block such a sneak attack.

Insidious.

Truly insidious.

Even he would be flustered for a while if ambushed by a large group of Japanese experts.

One had to realize that since the Japanese were launching a raid, they would certainly be fully prepared and would unleash their most powerful attack methods immediately.

Thinking of this, Han Jingyang also felt it was a bit tricky.

Xingguo Zen Temple was short-handed, and Old Monk Delin had not yet fully recovered from his previous injuries, making his combat effectiveness questionable. It was almost entirely up to Monk Kongyun to hold things together. He certainly wouldn't be able to explore Xipo Village with him now.

However, he really wanted to settle the matter of Xipo Village ahead of schedule.

Mainly because he couldn't bear to let go of Huang Jianyong's godmother.

If things were delayed for another few days and the true form born from that great elm tree was destroyed by Huang Jianshe's people, it would be a regret even if Xipo Village were eventually wiped out.

What should he do?

Leave the monk aside and do it alone?

That wasn't impossible.

Wait, perhaps this is an opportunity.

Thinking of this, he said to the monk, "Monk, let's go to Xipo Village tonight."

"No, Thousand Buddha Mountain can't be left unattended these next few days. You know my master's condition. If the Japanese take the chance to launch a sneak attack, the consequences would be unthinkable."

"Hehe, the point is to let the Japanese invaders take the chance to attack."

"Ah?" Monk Kongyun reacted quickly. "Are you saying..."

"Yes, luring the snake out of its hole. Since they've set their sights on Thousand Buddha Mountain, they will definitely have people watching you. If you go down the mountain with me to Xipo Village, they will surely think it's an opportunity. If they don't come, then fine, we'll just take the chance to clear out Xipo Village. If they dare to come, we'll pull a sudden reversal and strike back."

"Brilliant, Mr. Han is truly brilliant," Monk Kongyun said with joy, but soon hesitated again. "But, what if we're a step too slow in returning..."

"Have you become a monk until your brain turned to mush? If they can watch you, can't you find people to watch them? Besides, we aren't just walking away and leaving Xingguo Zen Temple completely unguarded. I'll leave a few people on your end. Hmm, I have several capable hands here who can be of great use at a critical moment. I'll have them disguise themselves as tourists and go up the mountain, lurking on the paths leading to Xingguo Zen Temple. When they see anyone, they'll ambush them and take out a few first. As long as they can stall for half an hour, the two of us can successfully strike back. What do you think?"

Monk Kongyun was overjoyed. "Wonderful! Turning passive into active—this directly solves the problem my master and I have been most worried about lately. You truly live up to the name of the famous Mr. Han."

"Hehe, likewise. Then it's settled?"

"Alright."

Hanging up the phone, Han Jingyang turned his head and looked at Liu Jing and Yang Jinyuan. "The two of you take Xu Xin and lie in ambush on Thousand Buddha Mountain. Wait for the signal. Do not show any mercy; kill them directly. It's better to kill by mistake than to let a single one escape."

"Just the three of us?" Liu Jing frowned. "If there are many enemies, we might not be able to hold out for long."

Han Jingyang directly handed over the precious sword in his hand. "Take this. Don't be afraid to use it. That spell can be used at least twice more, which is enough for you to handle most situations. If you really can't hold out, then retreat."

"Retreat?"

"Yes."

"What about the old monk?"

"Don't worry about him. Just do your best; don't throw your lives away. Besides, if you can't hold off those Japanese even with all these dharma instruments, then Monk Kongyun guarding it himself wouldn't be of any use either. The old monk would die regardless. That would be fate, and nothing to do with us."

Liu Jing nodded. "Alright, I will do my best."

Han Jingyang pulled out a short sword and handed it to Yang Jinyuan. "This short sword isn't very high-level, but it's not bad. Carrying it will boost your combat power. At a critical moment, it can also cast a spell called 'Lantern in the Dark, Sword in the Box'."

Yang Jinyuan was delighted. "I get one too?"

"Of course. You're one of us now; you'll have whatever you should have."

"Thank you, Boss. Boss, what does that spell do?"

"It allows you to enter a semi-invisible state, making it impossible for the enemy to discern your condition, position, or direction of attack. It's great for ambushing. However, this spell can only be used once, so use it at the right moment. You have plenty of experience in the pugilistic world; find the opportunity yourself."

Han Jingyang explained the usage and precautions of the skill in detail.

Liu Jing suddenly said, "Boss, how about calling Zhou Changzhu over as well?"

Zhou Changzhu?

Han Jingyang thought of that tower-like young man from Shenzhuang Village and nodded subconsciously.

That Zhou Changzhu could be considered Xu Xin's junior brother, from the same sect and lineage. His strength was good, and his character and personality were also decent. If paired with two good dharma instruments, he would be a fierce general. Used correctly, he could play a major role.

Thinking of this, he directly took out his phone and called. "Brother Zhuzi, come to Yingxiong Mountain. I've got a job for you. Fighting—fighting Japanese invaders. And there's money in it. Don't worry, you'll be with your senior brother Xu Xin. If you don't trust me, surely you trust your senior brother? Haha, just kidding."

Of course he was kidding.

As soon as he spoke, Zhou Changzhu agreed.

That honest fellow was itching for a chance to repay his life-saving debt. Forget about being paid or fighting Japanese invaders—he wouldn't hesitate even if he were asked to do something bad.

However, he definitely had to prepare two good dharma instruments for the big guy.

Not only did the quality have to be good, but they also had to be suitable.

What kind of gear should he provide?