"The Master is an expert in this field, so whatever you say goes," Qi Zhenzhen said, her mind alert but her expression unchanged.
Yuan Jue continued in his calm tone, "Madam Gu is not from here."
After speaking, Yuan Jue picked up his teacup, took a sip with an air of detachment, and then spoke again, "Madam Gu has come from the future."
A chill ran down Qi Zhenzhen's spine. She didn't understand what Master Yuan Jue meant.
Only Madam Yun knew about this matter, yet Madam Yun had no contact with Master Yuan Jue.
"I don't understand the Master's meaning," Qi Zhenzhen said calmly, suppressing her shock.
Master Yuan Jue was an enlightened master. If he wanted to deal with her, it would be as easy as lifting a finger. If he were to spread it around that she had harmed the original body and taken its place, she would likely be bound and burned to death. Countless thoughts flashed through Qi Zhenzhen's mind. She was very close to Yuan Jue. If she attacked, she might be able to subdue him, assuming the Master didn't know martial arts.
The young novice outside couldn't be left alive either.
When she came out, no one had seen her arrive here.
Er Xi was her person and would not betray her.
Therefore, she only needed to finish and leave quickly. After the incident, she could feign ignorance and distance herself.
Upon sensing Qi Zhenzhen's thoughts, Yuan Jue let out a helpless smile. "Madam Gu, I can be considered a martial monk. I have practiced martial arts since childhood, for twenty years. Furthermore, because I have memories from several lifetimes, in terms of martial arts attainment, I have yet to encounter anyone who can match my strength."
Qi Zhenzhen felt as if a basin of cold water had been dumped over her head. She had already gathered her strength to attack.
Because of Yuan Jue's words, her stored energy dissipated completely.
"What do you want?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"As I've said, there is a karmic connection between you and me, Madam Gu. Buddhism teaches that kindness must be repaid," Yuan Jue said.
"I can be sure that I have had no connection with you, neither in this life nor the last," Qi Zhenzhen did not believe Yuan Jue's words at all.
"I have entered the mortal world in various forms, old or young, male or female. How can Madam Gu be so sure that you do not know me?"
Entered the mortal world?
Male or female, old or young?
"Are you joking?"
"If Madam Gu can come here, what is impossible?" Yuan Jue retorted calmly.
Qi Zhenzhen's mouth parted slightly. Thinking about it, Yuan Jue's statement about entering the mortal world didn't seem impossible at all.
Buddhism spoke of past and present lives, of cause and effect, and reincarnation. This was likely what Yuan Jue was referring to. It was just that others did not have memories of past and present lives, while Yuan Jue retained them.
Yuan Jue did not leave Qi Zhenzhen in doubt for too long. Soon, Qi Zhenzhen understood what Yuan Jue meant by karmic connection.
She had come to Da Feng to protect a grandfather and grandson. Yuan Jue said he was the little grandson in that pair, a boy of seven or eight years old.
"What kind of karmic connection is this? I took on the mission, and protecting you was my responsibility. I received..." Qi Zhenzhen paused. The mission at the time stated that the grandfather and grandson would be safe, and she would receive a very generous commission. But she had died! So, where was the commission?
"You used your last breath to deal with those people, which counts as completing the mission," Yuan Jue said. "But because you died, the commission was not paid. Therefore, our connection is one of life-saving grace."
That was a tremendous debt of gratitude. Qi Zhenzhen thought about Yuan Jue's status in Da Feng. If this enlightened master, who was deeply respected by those in power, wanted to repay a favor, didn't she gain a powerful backer?
"Can I go back then?" Qi Zhenzhen asked, suppressing her excitement.
"You want to go back?" Yuan Jue raised an eyebrow slightly. "That might not be possible. Not to mention that your remains are scattered and lost. Your coming here was not solely because you saved me. The biggest reason is your karmic marriage with Gu Sinian."