Listening to the commotion outside, Zhang Ruhui immediately sensed that something was amiss.
However, before he could even open the carriage door to investigate, someone grabbed his clothes and yanked him out.
Though Zhang Ruhui had learned some martial arts, as he prepared to fight back, someone in the crowd landed a swift kick to his chest.
The breath he had gathered was instantly dispersed. He spat out a mouthful of congealed blood, his body going limp, rendering him incapable of resistance.
He was then dragged aside by the enraged crowd, and the onlookers began to beat him.
Meanwhile, Lin Ling su on the other side was in an even worse predicament.
Although he had been bestowed the title of Yuanmiao Zhenren by Emperor Huizong Zhao Ji, titles did not translate to martial prowess.
Fortunately, the carriage he was traveling in was specially made, with its interior lined with iron plates. Seeing that the situation outside was not right, he quickly activated a hidden mechanism, completely sealing the carriage.
Even so, hearing the sounds of doors being smashed outside, Lin Ling su trembled with fear.
"Are you fucking tired of living? Don't you know this is Bianliang City?"
After an indeterminate amount of time, a resonant shout finally came from outside the carriage.
"Don't let these villains escape! The current Yuanmiao Zhenren is in the carriage!"
Seeing that the patrolling Imperial Guards had arrived, Zhang Ruhui, who was being beaten into an unrecognizable state by the furious crowd, quickly shouted.
"Yuanmiao Zhenren? Seize them, don't let them escape!"
Upon hearing that the Yuanmiao Zhenren was in the carriage, these patrolling Imperial Guards did not dare to delay.
After all, if anything were to happen to Lin Ling su, they would all face severe consequences.
"Daoist, are you alright? Where is Yuanmiao Zhenren?"
Seeing his subordinates rounding up the rioters, the leading officer quickly helped Zhang Ruhui up.
"Master, are you alright? Are you injured?"
"I am fine. Do not let these people escape. Investigate thoroughly, interrogate them meticulously, and find out who incited them!"
This was the greatest loss Lin Ling su had suffered in his life since being expelled from the temple by those monks, and the closest he had ever come to death.
Whether out of fear or anger, by the time Lin Ling su emerged from the carriage, his face was completely drained of color.
"Let's go, we're going into the palace. This matter is not over!"
Having suffered such a significant setback, how could Lin Ling su let it go? If he didn't reclaim his reputation, the Shenxiao Sect would likely have no standing in Bianliang City in the future.
Without a second thought, he decided to head straight to the palace with Zhang Ruhui.
***
"Master, shall I go kill that damned brat!"
In the meditation room of Xiangguo Temple, the burly monk Qing Zhen said through gritted teeth to Dao Jian.
"You scoundrel, shut your mouth! Is that something a monastic should say?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Dao Jian immediately rebuked him sternly.
"But Master, are we just going to stand by and watch the great taboos of Buddhism be destroyed by this young brat? We spent so much money and effort to make this happen, and now, on the verge of success, this happens!"
Qing Zhen spoke while slamming his fist heavily onto the ground.
The bluestone pavement immediately developed a large pit under his punch.
His fist, cut by the debris, began to bleed profusely, staining a large area of the ground red in an instant.
The remaining monks, though silent, all wore expressions of indignation.
"Do you know who he is? A figure like the future Su Zizhan. If you kill him, do you think anyone in this world will dare to believe in Buddhism?"
Although Dao Jian was also furious about the matter, he did not have the courage to bear the consequences of killing Han Mo at this time.
After all, putting aside his noble background and the Emperor's favor, his sheer talent alone made them wary of taking action.
Many people might not have a significant impact when alive, but their deaths could completely change the situation.
Take Han Mo for instance. While alive, his influence might not be substantial, though he had some poetic fame among scholars, his actual influence was debatable.
However, if he were to be killed on the street by a monk for such a reason now, it would undoubtedly cause a huge uproar.
Lin Ling su, who already had the upper hand, would have no opportunity to retaliate and would surely crush them with overwhelming force.
If they were all to die, the Buddhist community in the world would likely soon be leaderless.
It would take at least several decades for another eminent monk like them, capable of leading the masses, to emerge.
"But we can't just let this kid continue to cause trouble like this, can we? And what about Shao Bowen! He clearly promised us that he wouldn't tell a third person about this matter, but if he didn't leak it, would those people really have foresight?"
Although Zhi Yuan should not have been involved in such discussions, seeing Dao Jian's constant tolerance, even he found it somewhat unbearable.
"Alright, the deed is done. What's the use of talking about it now? Han Mo cannot be touched, and Shao Bowen has probably fled to the ends of the earth by now. We should focus on what to do next!"
From the first day Dao Jian met Shao Bowen, he had anticipated such an outcome.
To foresee the unpredictable, to plan three steps ahead, how could a person like that put himself in danger?
Instead of wasting time and energy trying to find trouble with him now, it would be better to quickly consider how to handle the situation moving forward.
"Dong—dong—dong—"
Just as Dao Jian finished speaking, three knocks sounded from outside the door.
"What is it?"
"Master, it's done!"
Hearing this reply, Dao Jian finally breathed a sigh of relief.
They had made preparations for two scenarios today. Although the first matter was messed up by Han Mo, the second matter was thankfully accomplished...
"You immediately take them away from Bianliang City, go as far as you can, and are not allowed to return to Bianliang for two years!"