"How much for this?"
Mu Qingyao closed her fan, smiling as she looked at the vendor selling miscellaneous goods. The vendor, his face expressionless, glanced at the rouge in Mu Qingyao's hand and stated in a deep voice, "Five qian each."
Mu Qingyao nodded, flicked her fan, and looked at Mochou. "Chou'er, do you like this? Young Master will buy it for you. Considering how diligently you served me last night, here, take it."
She looked at Mochou, her eyes filled with an unfathomable, dazzling light. Mochou, sensing something, wondered if there was something wrong with the vendor. She coyly smiled and said, "Young Master, why are you saying this in front of so many people?"
After speaking, she reached out, took the rouge, and casually pulled out some silver fragments to give to the vendor.
"Here you go," Mochou handed the money to the vendor beside her, carefully observing the merchant.
She noticed that the vendor's expression was the same from beginning to end. There was no joy, anger, sorrow, or any emotion, as if he were a puppet being controlled.
Mochou was alarmed. Could these people be the ones? Before she could think further, the vendor's cold voice sounded.
"No change."
Mochou was dumbfounded. What kind of businessman was this? A true merchant would greet customers with a smile, praise them, and encourage them to buy more. Yet, this vendor coldly stated, "No change."
Mu Qingyao tapped the vendor's stall with her jade fan and generously declared, "Keep the rest, I'll reward you."
Looking every bit like a prodigal son, many people nearby glanced over with disdain before returning to their own small businesses.
But with that single glance, Mu Qingyao and Mochou saw many expressionless faces hidden among the pilgrims. They were likely the death warriors, disguising themselves as vendors outside Moon Awakening Temple during the day and hiding within the temple at night. What a clever tactic, Mu Qingyao's dark pupils flashed with a faint glow.
"Brother, where do you live? Young Master sees no houses around here. You can't make much money coming and going like this."
As soon as she said this, the vendor's head shot up, his eyes revealing a killing intent before it was quickly hidden.
Though it was swift, it did not escape Mu Qingyao's notice. She was now extremely certain that these people were death warriors. But how many were there? Estimating, there were two to three hundred people in the plaza, and likely more than half were death warriors.
"Just making a living," the muffled voice replied. The vendor then lowered his head to organize the items on his stall.
Knowing she wouldn't get any more information, Mu Qingyao turned and led the three of them towards the main hall of Moon Awakening Temple. Behind them, a fierce gaze was fixed upon her.
Mu Qingyao led the three to offer incense in the temple. Mochou offered a donation and, without drawing lots, rose and led them towards the rear halls.
Along the way, they saw a few young monks sweeping. Mu Qingyao stopped one, a young monk in green robes, and requested an audience with the abbot.
The young monk looked up at her, was struck by her celestial presence, and paused in astonishment. Then, with palms joined, he respectfully led her towards the abbot's chamber.
Abbot Liaokong, upon hearing the young monk's report, came out and said kindly, "May I ask what brings the benefactor to see this old monk?"
Mu Qingyao looked at him intently. This monk possessed an air of immortal cultivation and his brows were wise. No wonder the pilgrims said he was scheming; there was likely some truth to it.
Mu Qingyao joined her palms and slowly said, "This humble one has something to ask the Venerable Abbot, and hopes the Abbot can offer guidance?"
"By all means, please come in, Benefactor."
Abbot Liaokong invited them into his chamber. The room was extremely simple, with only a soft couch and a low table in the center, where a wooden fish lay. On the wall behind hung a large character "空" (Kōng - Empty), written with flowing strokes, sharp and powerful.
Apart from the character on the wall, there was nothing else. Several prayer cushions were placed on the floor, likely for disciples who came to listen to his teachings.
"Benefactor, please excuse the humble surroundings."
"Not at all."
Mu Qingyao did not refuse. She lifted the hem of her robe and sat down on the floor. Her three subordinates naturally did not dare to express anything and followed her, sitting on the prayer cushions behind her. Abbot Liaokong sat on the couch and said kindly, "Please ask your questions, Benefactor. I hope this old monk can resolve your troubles."
"Yes," Mu Qingyao looked at Liaokong before her, a glimmer of hope in her heart.
She hoped that none of this involved Abbot Liaokong, otherwise, his sins would be too profound.
Mu Qingyao's expression shifted from her usual carefree demeanor to one of profound sorrow, as if the sorrow had spread to her limbs, weighing her down. Her voice, as cold as ice, slowly sounded.
"Master, I have fallen in love with a woman, but she is married to another. I wish to become a monk. Can you allow me to become a monk at Moon Awakening Temple?"
Mu Qingyao appeared truly dejected, as if her words were genuine. The three behind her exchanged glances, unsure of what their mistress was planning, but each lowered their heads subtly.
Abbot Liaokong, seated on the high seat, blinked in surprise. His wise eyes became clouded, and after a moment of absentmindedness, he recovered and said with deep sorrow,
"Benefactor's worldly ties are not yet severed. Past affairs are unfinished, and new ones arise. I am afraid I cannot help."
"Master?"
Mu Qingyao's deep eyes swept over Liaokong. She saw his sorrowful expression, his extreme weariness, and the transformation from his previous serenity to a face clouded with gloom. He slowly and heavily said, "Please return, Benefactor. I am afraid I cannot help."
After speaking, without waiting for Mu Qingyao to reply, he called out towards the door, "Come, escort the Benefactor out."
"Yes, Master," the young monk in green robes who had led Mu Qingyao out flashed forward and respectfully said, "Benefactor, please."
Mu Qingyao led the three of them to stand, cupped her fists, and slowly said,
"I have disturbed the Master." After speaking, she followed the young monk out. She stopped at the doorway of the chamber and turned back, speaking word by word, "Even if one leaves the mortal world, the heart is still tied. Even if one cultivates Buddha, perhaps their worldly ties are not yet ended."
With her words falling, she had already departed, leaving behind a faint scent. In the room, Abbot Liaokong's face flashed with doubt. Who was he, really?
Suddenly, he seemed to understand. She was actually her. He gave a bitter smile. What is to come will come, won't it? He feared this calamity could not be avoided.
Mu Qingyao, followed by the young monk, left. In a secluded spot, she thanked the young monk and led Mochou and the others forward.
Mochou turned and glanced back, quickening her steps. She whispered, "Mistress, this place is a bit strange. Even the Abbot seems peculiar."
"Yes, be careful. I suspect someone is watching us from the shadows."
Mu Qingyao said this, then with a snap, opened her jade fan and walked forward with an air of self-importance. Her words and actions at this moment perfectly portrayed a flamboyant young master.