Chapter 398: Another Lovelorn Girl

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“I didn’t come to Taihang Mountain specifically to look for you but to pass by the Holy Dark Temple.” “Hmm? The Holy Dark Temple?”

“Have you heard of it?”

“Yes, it’s a powerful organization, but it’s not within the boundaries of the

Ming Dynasty.”

“Do you have a map?”

“Yes, it’s on the mountain. Would you like me to accompany you up the mountain, or shall I send someone to escort you to the foot?”

“Let’s go up the mountain. Since we’re here, we might as well familiarize ourselves with the surroundings.”

Qingfeng Taoist stood up and made a polite gesture. The couple went up the mountain from the path behind the inn. “Taoist, how old are you this year?” “One hundred and eighty-six.”

“Not bad. You take good care of yourself.”

Qingfeng glanced at Yuan Jiaqi. “The Duke of Blessings looks like he will have a long lire.’

“To guard my wife, even if I don’t want to live long, there’s no choice.”

Yuan Jiaqi was pleased to hear this. He had always wanted to accompany his wife for a long time.

During the journey, Qingfeng Taoist acted as a tour guide, introducing everything while climbing the mountain. Despite being over a hundred years old, he was in excellent spirits. Even Yuan Jiaqi was panting, but Qingfeng Taoist was unfazed.

He guided them through the halls, explaining the Buddhas they worshiped.

Then, they rested in a quiet room at the back of the courtyard. A servant brought in tea and then left. Qingfeng took out a map and handed it to Qiao Mai.

“This is the terrain of the five kingdoms. The small island in the middle is where the Holy Dark Temple is located. It’s a tropical area with many poisonous creatures. Even experts won’t easily set foot there. However, I believe you should be able to come and go freely.”

“Alright.”

Qiao Mai opened the map, took a few glances, then folded it and stored it in her space.

At the same time, she took a few books from her pocket and placed them on the table. “These are some magical techniques popular overseas. Check if they are useful for your Taoist practices.”

Qingfeng took the book on top and started reading carefully. Initially, he thought of learning from each other, but as he read, his excitement grew. “Royal Consort, the Qingfeng Temple sincerely thanks you.”

“Alright, I accept your gratitude. Just remember to focus on benefiting the people. Don’t act recklessly.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Qiao Mai took a sip of tea, watching Qingfeng absorbed in the books.

After a long while, he came back to reality. He immediately gathered the books and bowed to Qiao Mai.

“I’ve been impolite. I’ll take these books to the elder monks for their opinions. Will the two of you stay and enjoy the vegetarian feast in our temple? If you’re willing, you can stay overnight on the mountain.”

“Sure.”

Qingfeng Taoist left, and the couple moved outside. The girls, including Xi Yu, were wandering around the mountain.

There were many Taoists on the mountain and even a registered lay disciple.

The girls were curious about everything, especially the formal martial arts training of the Taoists.

However, they were quickly chased away.

They pouted. “What’s so great about it? Their moves are so empty. Master taught us practical techniques. All of that looks like showy postures.” Surprisingly, their words were heard by the Taoists. They were angry and helpless. The girls were young, and the Taoists felt awkward about confronting them even if they wanted to.

However, some Taoists were younger, so they decided to confront them.

It led to a fight, and the four maids defeated the nine Taoists.

Although they were beaten, it was not severe—just some bruises. In terms of practical martial arts, the young girls were superior.

Qiao Mai’s teachings are more suitable for practical combat, while the Taoists from Qingfeng Temple focus on a showy and ethereal style, visually appealing and full of immortal aura. However, in actual combat, they lack experience.

On the other hand, the four girls, practicing daily and engaging in real fights, demonstrated their practical skills.

While the couple enjoyed their tea, the girls returned, looking confident and energetic.

“Hey, did you go for a fight?”

“Master, we had a friendly match with the Taoists from the temple.”

“And you won?”

“Hehe, the four of us fought against nine and emerged victorious!”

“Not bad. Taihang Mountain is a blessed place with exceptional Qi. You can practice in the courtyard tonight; it will benefit your internal energy.”

“Yes, Master.”

Soon, a group of Taoists came over, still unsatisfied. They wanted to confront the maids’ master.

Qiao Mai looked at the crowd of Taoists and said, “If your skills are inferior, just admit it. Why bother coming over? Is this how your master taught you to be competitive?”

“It was your disciple who said we only practice showy postures.”

“Indeed, you have many showy moves and fewer practical ones. When it comes to a real fight, will your enemies allow you to prepare? Will they let you pose in advance?”

“Then please enlighten us.”

Qiao Mai glanced at the person. “Even Qingfeng doesn’t dare to ask me for guidance. Go back and practice for another hundred years before challenging me.”

“Arrogant!”

The person rushed over to Qiao Mai, but she casually waved at him. With a miserable scream, he fell to the ground. Witnessing Qiao Mai’s strength, the others kept silent.

Qingfeng arrived at this moment. “She’s a distinguished guest of our temple. What are you disturbing her for?”

The crowd lowered their heads, receiving a scolding. Qingfeng said, “Do whatever you need to do. Even if you practice for two lifetimes, you won’t be able to defeat this lady. Disperse now.”

The Taoists dispersed, and Qingfeng sat down.

“The old masters in the monastery love those books.”

“Good. Study them well.”

At this moment, a vegetarian feast was served. Qiao Mai called over the girls to join them.

Looking at the four maids, Qingfeng said, “Good potential.”

“They were picked up. Let’s see what they can achieve in the future.”

“If they stay, no one will dare to invade the Great Ming Dynasty for a hundred years.”

Qiao Mai smiled and glanced at Xi Yu and the others. “Hopefully.”

“Unfortunately, our temple’s internal martial arts techniques are unsuitable for them. Otherwise, staying here for some time would benefit them.” “If there’s a chance, I’ll invite the elders to visit Tianshui Town.’

“Definitely. ”

After dinner, Qingfeng Taoist left. The time on the mountain passed slowly and boringly, mostly pilgrims visiting.

They brought a lot of money, especially the additional offerings for incense.

There were also those seeking talismans from the monks, praying for peace, and various requests.

As the night gradually fell, stars and the moon seemed within reach.

The girls finished dinner and started meditating. Qiao Mai set up barriers for safety.

Facing each other, the couple enjoyed the beautiful night. How could such a night be without good wine?

They silently drank to the moon. This courtyard was the highest standard in the mountain, occupied by Qiao Mai and her companions.

Below them were three rooms and eight more rooms further below. At the bottom were over twenty ordinary guest rooms.

They were savoring the silent victory when they heard someone playing the zither in the courtyard below.

The zither’s sound was melancholic. The couple stood up and went to the wall, looking down.

“Looks like another lovesick girl.”

“Not everything can go as planned. It’s none of our business.”

“Yeah, I’ll set off for the Holy Dark Temple tomorrow. If you want, you can stay here for some more time.’

“No, I’ll take Xi Yu and the others home. It’s nice outside, but it’s more reassuring at home.”

“Alright.”

While they talked, a shadow rushed towards the girl with a glittering dagger aimed at her heart.

Qiao Mai grabbed a stone from the wall and threw it at the assailant.

With a miserable scream, the stone hit the person’s head, and they fell to the ground. The courtyard was in chaos as the maids rushed in.

“Miss, what happened?”

“Assassin! Assassin!”

The people from the temple rushed in. They carried the assassin away and started questioning everyone in the courtyard.

Qiao Mai snorted. “With a face as delicate as a flower, she possesses a strength that doesn’t match. She was defenseless.’

“People have their destinies. Back then, you asked Ling’er to learn martial arts, but she wasn’t cut out for it. It’s beyond our control..”