17 17. The Holy Mountain

The journey from the capital city to the holy mountain is not that long. The moment Lihua saw the stone tablet on the side of the road, she knew they have arrived. She remembered her childhood days on this road. Their entrance made the hundred different eyes of the Holy Mountains agents to watch over them. Since she grew up and belonged to this place, she immediately sensed them. Looking at Chen Shao, she is certain that he did not detect them.

When they arrived in the great hall of the Holy Mountain, they were greeted by an elderly monk.

"Greetings to the young master," he bowed slightly. "and to the young miss," he slightly bowed as well but startled when he laid his eyes on her.

"Young miss? She's my wife!" Chao Shen said grimly.

The elderly monk was shocked and immediately bowed.

"This old monk apologizes for my poor sight. I hope the young master and young madam will not take offense."

"It's alright," Lihua said quickly. She looked at Chao Shen acting nervously.

"Okay then, bring us to the head monk," Chao Shen said coldly.

"Of course, this way please." then the monk turned around and lead them inside. Lihua was surprised when Chao Shen put his arms around her. She is about to take off his arms when he glared at him. She sighed and walked inside defeated.

They were greeted by the head monk inside the Audience Hall. He is much older than the one who greeted them earlier. Lihua definitely recognized this old man but she remained quiet. He has been acting as the head of the Holy Mountain for so many years now.

"May I know how this humble monk can help both of you?" the old man said while bowing slightly.

"Head monk, my wife and I need your help. We hope that you will show mercy to us and help us." Chao Shen said depressingly. It is to show that they badly needed help and only the head monk of the Holy Mountain can help them. Lihua, on the other hand, could not help but be amazed by his acting skills.

"Oh, young master, you think highly of me," he said pretending to be embarrassed but clearly they can see that he is quite pleased with what he heard.

"Please, great monk, help us," Chao Shen urged him to agree.

"Young master, you don't need to worry. A lot of noble and influential people had sought help in the Holy Mountain and they were helped. We will definitely help you."

"That's good. That's good," he pretended to be relieved looking at Lihua from time to time. Lihua would just smile timidly.

"May I know how can I help you?"

"That..." Shen acted hesitantly to speak. He looked at Lihua and reached for her arms. He held her hand close to his heart. Though she was shocked by his actions, she remained her composure, acting as if it is very normal for both of them.

"My wife and I wanted to have a baby," he said with longing in his eyes.

"That would be natural but I don't understand why you need my help?" the head monk is confused now.

"Dear great monk, please help us, we tried but we failed. The doctors told us that we will never have a baby," Shen continued with his act. It looks like the head monk had fallen for it. But based on Lihua's observation, both of them are actually acting perfectly.

"Oh, that's unfortunate," the old monk said it without thinking. He immediately shows sympathy when Chao Shen looked at him shocked.

Lihua, sensing tension, immediately spoke, "It is my fault our dear great monk. I have a problem conceiving a child." she covered her face to pretend that she is crying but inside she is holding in her laughter. She is sure that the next time she returned to the Holy Mountain, this old monk will make fun of her. Besides, she gave him a hard all those years.

Chao Shen suddenly wrapped his arms around her, pretending to be consoling her.

"Actually, it is I who have a problem. Stop blaming yourself."

The old monk who is watching this whole scene wanted to either laugh or get angry. He felt insulted with their petty tricks.

"I heard the Holy Mountain can help us," Chao Shen continued, looking at the old monk while holding on to Lihua.

"Hmmm, I am not sure if you came in the right place. We only pray here and did not practice medicine."

Hearing the old monk's words, Chao Shen's expression turned dark and intense. The old monk suddenly acted afraid.

"Okay then, we will give our best to help young master,"

"That's good then. Did you hear that?" the young master looked at her affectionately. Lihua, wipe her tears and nodded.

"Thank you, great monk," Lihua expressed her gratitude too early.

"Oh, no need to thank me yet young madam. We haven't cured the young master yet. But there might be some concern" the head monk suddenly said.

"What is it?" Chao Shen asked.

"Young master's treatment will take at least two weeks. The young master can stay in manor but I am afraid that the young madam cannot."

"Oh?" Chao Shen asked raising his brow.

The old monk immediately explained, afraid to offend the young man in front of him.

"It's our sacred tradition. I hope the young master understands."

Lihua and Chao Shen looked at each other, pretending that they are hesitating for the moment. It is Lihua who smiled timidly and spoke, "it's okay my dear husband. I can stay in the inn at the foot of the mountain."

"But it's too far away. How can I be sure of your safety if I am not with you?" he acted worried. If outsiders will see them now, they will think that they are a real couple who are deeply in love with each other. But Lihua knew the truth, it was all for a show.

The head monk interrupted them, "No need for the young madam to stay in an inn. Our Holy Mountain has a small house near the stone table entrance where she can stay while waiting for your treatment."

Oh, yes. Lihua knew about this small house. It was built for those female visitors from powerful and wealthy families. It is true that the Holy Mountain does not allow females to stay inside their manor but since Master Guang is the founder and she was the "niece" no one dared to question him.

"That's good then," Chao Shen said relieved. He knew early on about the small house near the stone tablet. It is the main reason why he acted as if he is worried about her safety. With her ability, he would be more concern with those who will try to hurt her. But then, he felt a nice feeling acting out. He liked the feeling of protecting her. Though in his heart he doubted if he is really just pretending.