When Tongde heard the news, he couldn’t help but click his tongue in amazement.
The Heavenly Dragon Temple was filled with experts. In the ten or so years since Master Fa Hui became the National Teacher of the Flame Dynasty, the Heavenly Dragon Temple had grown increasingly prosperous, with no fewer than five Innate Martial Artists. It had already garnered the strength and reputation of being the foremost martial arts school in the world.
Yet, Zhi Xing alone had massacred the entire Heavenly Dragon Temple.
Such strength was truly terrifying.
"It’s Zhi Xing..." Master Fa Hui’s expression turned a shade more somber.
At his level, it was difficult to say if he still harbored any affection for the Heavenly Dragon Temple, especially given that Fa Zheng, the temple’s abbot, aimed to contend with him for the position of National Teacher...
However, the Heavenly Dragon Temple was still an important force under his command.
The annihilation of the Heavenly Dragon Temple was akin to severing one of his own arms.
"Zhi Xing... has become a demon..."
"Issue an order in my name, as the National Teacher: summon all martial arts masters from across the land to the Capital to jointly discuss the crucial matter of vanquishing this demon."
After a brief hesitation, Master Fa Hui resolved to seek external aid to deal with Xu Xing, an expert capable of single-handedly massacring the entire Heavenly Dragon Temple. If he wasn’t mistaken, Xu Xing’s next target would be him.
"Yes, Master." Monk Tongde nodded and exited the Zen Room.
「Five days passed in a flash.」
Experts from various schools continuously converged on the Capital to discuss the crucial matter of vanquishing the demon. Most notably, the three major Buddhist powers—Treasure Light Temple, Tongtian Institute, and Mituo Temple—all dispatched their Innate Martial Artists to lend their support.
Buddhist Temples considered themselves one family, far more unified than ordinary martial arts lineages.
From other major martial arts Large Sects, the Xiaosha School and the Purple Light School also brought forth their veteran elders, all Innate Martial Artists, seeking to curry favor with Master Fa Hui, the National Teacher.
For a time, the Capital saw an influx of many Jianghu people carrying knives and swords. Their presence added a touch of liveliness to the otherwise desolate city, which had grown bleak due to the declining fortunes of the Flame Dynasty.
Xu Xing also used this opportunity to slip into the Capital.
"I hear the One Cave Ghost from Fengzhou has also arrived in the Capital. They intend to pledge allegiance to the National Teacher and secure a promising future."
"The One Cave Ghost of Fengzhou is infamous for their countless wicked deeds, including many gruesome atrocities. In the Fengzhou martial arts world, they are universally detested. With their reputation, how could they possibly be qualified to align themselves with the National Teacher?"
In the Capital, within the main hall of the Yunlai Inn, a group of Jianghu people were gathered around a table, discussing the recent buzz.
"You don’t actually think this National Teacher is some paragon of virtue, do you?"
"I heard the National Teacher frequently visits the inner palace, and his relationship with Empress Dowager Liu is... ambiguous."
"Once, the Little Emperor went to Cining Palace to see Empress Dowager Liu, but he inadvertently stumbled upon a scandalous affair between the National Teacher and the Empress Dowager. The Little Emperor was so enraged that he immediately ran to the Grand Temple to weep and pray to his imperial ancestors."
Several burly men exchanged suggestive glances, gossiping about the risqué affairs of the upper nobility.
All the Jianghu heroes present who heard this exchanged knowing smiles.
Regardless of the National Teacher’s reasons for visiting the inner palace, Empress Dowager Liu had, after all, been without a consort for a long time. It wasn’t surprising that rumors of an affair would circulate. Take, for instance, the Guanyin Zen Temple in the Capital, which enjoyed immense popularity and patronage; behind closed doors, the Common People referred to it as the "Child-Seeking Temple"...
While there were certainly upright Buddhist Temples with strict disciplines, there was no shortage of squalid and corrupt ones either.
It was no wonder these Jianghu folk let their imaginations run wild.
"Scholar," one called out. "You’ve been listening in for quite a while. Why don’t you share a few words?"
In the bustling hall, a burly man—his face fleshy, his chest bared to reveal a patch of dark hair—approached Xu Xing’s table. He ordered two catties of Braised Mutton, a plate of vegetable dishes, and a pot of fine wine from an inn attendant. Then, he turned to Xu Xing and struck up a conversation, proactively breaking the ice.
He was an observant fellow.
The youth in a green robe sitting beside him, though plainly dressed, carried himself with the dignified bearing and refined upbringing of someone from a great Aristocratic Family. His entire frame seemed consolidated, his eyes held a reserved glint, and despite the Long Sword at his waist, his hands were utterly devoid of calluses...
No calluses, yet possessing profound martial skill—that usually indicated a True Lineage disciple from a Large Sect.
Calluses like that were typically removed with Secret Medicine.
Xu Xing smiled, tucking back his right sleeve and casually picking up a piece of a vegetable dish. "I’ve only just arrived in the Capital and am unfamiliar with any local tidbits, so I have nothing to recount. Please don’t take offense, Brother."
Now, Master Fa Hui was surrounded by a host of Jianghu experts. It was difficult for him to make a move, so he could only bide his time and wait for a favorable opportunity.Ordinarily, he wouldn’t fear a few Innate Martial Artists. However, while Master Fa Hui’s strength was inferior to his own, Fa Hui could at least withstand his attacks for a short while. At this moment, if other Innate Martial Artists were to lend their aid, it would be difficult for him to ensure an undefeated position.
Fortunately, he was in no particular hurry.
He just needed to wait for this crowd of Jianghu people to disperse on their own.
He refused to believe that these Innate Martial Artists and the various Jianghu heroes would remain in the Capital indefinitely.
Living in the Capital was far from easy.
These Jianghu people were all extravagant spenders; every meal involved wine and meat, as none wished to diminish their own prestige.
If this continued, it wouldn’t even take half a month before these Jianghu travelers found their lifestyles unsustainable.
Either the Imperial Court would have to foot the bill to support these Jianghu heroes, or National Teacher Fa Hui would...
After all, they had come for the ’Demon Vanquishing Assembly.’ The National Teacher couldn’t possibly refuse to even provide them with a meal, could he? If that were the case, Master Fa Hui’s reputation would plummet in no time, and the Demon Vanquishing Assembly would simply fizzle out.
As for the Innate Martial Artists, their status was esteemed, and ordinarily, they wouldn’t be troubled by matters of food and lodging. They had come to the Capital to curry favor with Fa Hui, the National Teacher. However, if Fa Hui offered no benefits, they too would depart of their own accord.
Innate Martial Artists held a distinguished status; they would never stoop to becoming mere hunting dogs for the Imperial Court, subject to the control of others.