028 A little warning

In the Daoist temple, Qin Liu Xi had a dedicated chamber for resting and practicing cultivation. After conversing with the venerable Red Yuan Daoist, she entered her chamber, retrieved yellow paper and cinnabar, and began drawing talismans.

The scene of her conversation with the venerable Red Yuan Daoist also fell into the eyes of Qi Qian and others.

"This elder Daoist, clearly acquainted with Na Buqiu, yet remains silent towards us. Could it be intentional to keep us in suspense?" Yan Nan's face turned livid with anger. "No, I must approach and inquire."

With a swift step, he strode to the front of Red Yuan, his face stern as he interrogated, "Observing Master, you clearly know Na Buqiu, why keep us hanging? Are you unaware that human lives are at stake?"

"Yan Nan, no rudeness allowed!" Qi Qian stepped forward, his tone faintly authoritative but devoid of much anger.

He, too, couldn't fathom why the master of Qingping Temple, who clearly knew Na Buqiu, refrained from intervening.

"My apologies for the impertinence, Master. Please do not be vexed. He is merely hot-headed due to youth and impatience," Qi Qian said with a hint of arrogance.

Red Yuan Daoist waved his whisk, remarking, "It's all about cause and effect..."

"Cause and effect, you venerable Daoist, aren't you misleading us? Isn't karma and retribution a concept of Buddhism? You, as a Daoist, why speak of karma?" Yan Nan bluntly interrupted.

"Good sir, Daoism also teaches about karma. Each individual has their own destiny; how could I dare to meddle with the will of heaven?" 

"We are merely here seeking medical aid, asking your esteemed self to facilitate a connection. How does that relate to the will of heaven? It seems far-fetched!" Yan Nan snorted. "You are clearly evading the issue."

Red Yuan maintained his smile. "When the fate aligns, the requests of the virtuous are fulfilled."

Qi Qian raised an eyebrow. "Ah, venerable Daoist, resorting to Buddhist verses again..."

"Yan Nan." Qi Qian intervened, and Yan Nan immediately stepped back.

Red Yuan Daoist turned to Qi Qian, his gaze profound. "Some people have shallow ties with their parents; one should not force matters. The virtuous should take note."

Qi Qian's breath hitched, his lips pursed, and after a moment, he chuckled lightly. "Blame not my subordinate. Even I find the Daoist's words akin to Buddhist teachings."

"The abbot of the No-Form Temple on the neighboring hill is a good friend of mine," Red Yuan Daoist chuckled.

The crowd fell silent.

Watching Red Yuan Daoist depart, Yan Nan remarked, "Master, this Daoist is quite..." He felt a bit inclined to give him a beating, as well as Na Buqiu.

Qi Qian said, "Let it be. He does have a point; it always comes around."

The fact that they weren't accused of tracking the wrong person indicated that the young man was indeed Na Buqiu, so young.

Qin Liu Xi finished drawing several talismans, rubbed her nose, then rose, opened the window, and caught sight of the noble son.

"Young master, are you leaving the mountain?" Chen Pi approached.

"Mm." If not for those at home, Qin Liu Xi would have stayed on the mountain.

Folding the talismans, Qin Liu Xi descended the mountain.

"Young master, there are people following us behind." Chen Pi glanced at the several sturdy horses behind.

Qin Liu Xi ordered indifferently, "Detour through the Wanhui Forest."

"Yes."

The carriage entered a narrow path.

Qi Qian's party immediately followed, but as they progressed, their expressions changed.

"Master." Yan Nan looked at Qi Qian with a hint of panic. After walking for a while, the carriage in front had long disappeared, and they found themselves circling in place. Passing the same tree for the fifth time, they began to suspect.

Could this be the legendary ghostly maze?

Qi Qian's expression also turned grave. Looking up at the towering locust trees that obscured the sky, the surroundings turned ink-black, rustling with the wind, eerie and terrifying, as if something they had never encountered before might emerge.

The other side deliberately led them into the forest.

Was it a warning to them for following?

Qi Qian tightened the reins, a sense of dread creeping in. He pursed his lips, then decisively ordered, "Build a fire; we'll spend the night here."

He had underestimated the young man.