Chapter 22: Setting Plans

In the end, the four Innate masters decided that Master Yun Shou would interrogate the Heishi captive that very night.

This was partly because the prisoner had been handed over to Xuanzhen Temple by Daoist Nun Momei. Moreover, Nun Guanjian had confirmed that this man was not one of the Heishi assassins they had previously fought. Thus, it was highly likely that he was the one who had killed Nun Guanbai.

Furthermore, Xuanzhen Temple had the advantage of being based in Qingzhou.

If all went well, by morning, they could begin dismantling Heishi's network in Qingzhou.

After the discussion, Master Yun Shou mentioned that there were still matters to handle within the temple. He asked Nun Guanjian to lead Masters Tongya, Yanbei, and Momei to the Yunshui Hall, where guests were accommodated, so they could rest.

The night deepened, and the moonlight continued to quietly bathe the courtyard. Aside from the broken walls and ruins, it seemed as if nothing had changed.

The severely injured monks finally stabilized after taking healing pills. Once Nun Guanjian returned, they waited for further developments.

Master Yun Shou, with an unusually serious expression, spoke:

"Today's events have shown how far Xuanzhen Temple has declined. From now on, we must strengthen the martial training of all our disciples. Wufang Hall must take on this responsibility, and the resources in the storehouse should be made available to disciples who excel in martial arts. We must ensure that the younger generation grows into strong practitioners as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Master Guantai from Wufang Hall was overjoyed.

"Additionally, since Nun Guanzhi has found his way back and helped the temple survive this ordeal, he may return to the Daoist order. As for Shaochong, who has proven himself in battle and achieved great results, I intend to appoint him as a Daoist heir of Xuanzhen Temple."

"Finally, from now on, Nun Guanhe will take charge of the daily affairs of Xuanzhen Temple. Guanhe, you will lead the other junior monks in handling the aftermath of those who sacrificed their lives in this battle and ensure that the disciples are properly comforted."

Master Yun Shou's sudden announcement of so many decisions left the Daoists somewhat taken aback.

Nun Guanxu, upon hearing the final words, could not hide his look of disappointment and gloom.

Bai Yichen, on the other hand, was quite pleased. The matter of his own lineage had been resolved, and his path toward his life's goal had advanced. Yun Shou was indeed a straightforward person.

The other monks, after brief reflection, recognized that Master Yun Shou's decisions were wise under the current circumstances. As for Bai Yichen's appointment as a Daoist heir, they had already heard of his bravery during the battle, so they had no objections.

Thus, in unison, the monks bowed their heads and expressed their agreement.

Master Yun Shou, seeing this, nodded slightly. He then asked Nun Guanhe, Nun Guanzhi, and Bai Yichen to remain.

He instructed the three of them to wait in the courtyard and went to wake up the Heishi captive, dragging him into a nearby woodshed.

Not long after, the sound of painful groaning, full of suffering, echoed through the quiet night, adding an eerie atmosphere to the stillness.

Bai Yichen and the other two listened from outside, their expressions calm and unchanged.

After all, as Daoists living in the martial world, they could not afford to be overly conservative or they would have long since vanished into history.

Before long, Master Yun Shou emerged and began verifying the information he had extracted with Nun Guanzhi. The general details of Heishi's presence in Qingzhou matched up, but the specific purpose of this operation remained undisclosed.

The captive only knew that Heishi's leader, known as the Chief of Hei lin, believed Xuanzhen Temple's decline presented the perfect opportunity to strike. Beyond that, he knew nothing.

Seeing there was no further information to extract, Master Yun Shou killed the Heishi assassin, avenging Nun Guanyun.

With this matter concluded, Master Yun Shou dismissed Nun Guanzhi.

He then led Bai Yichen and Nun Guanhe to the meditation room where Master Yun Shou typically practiced.

Bai Yichen, following last, dutifully closed the door behind them.

Without any pretense, Master Yun Shou, in front of both of them, lightly flicked his sleeve, revealing a hidden compartment in the center of the bed that would be unnoticed by an ordinary eye.

Master Yun Shou extended his hand, his inner energy activating as he gently extracted a small box from within.

The box was intricately carved, adorned with cloud patterns. Slowly, Master Yun Shou opened the lid and took out a small, exquisite vial. The vial was transparent, containing a single spiritual pill that glowed with a rich, red hue, like a piece of red agate.

Could it be…

"This is the Red Ginseng Barrier-Breaking Pill, refined by the previous temple master back when the temple still had sufficient strength. It was made with great effort and resources."

As expected, Bai Yichen's heart trembled slightly.

This was a pill coveted by martial artists across the martial world, known for increasing the likelihood of breaking through to the Innate stage. It was made using rare herbs like hundred-year-old red lingzhi, snow lotus, dragon's blood resin, purple ginseng, and over a dozen other precious ingredients.

He had not expected Xuanzhen Temple to still have one left.

"Three were produced at the time, and now this is the last one. Unfortunately, with the temple's current strength, it would be difficult to refine any more."

At this, Master Yun Shou gave a bitter smile.

"I had been hesitant for some time, as all three of you—Guanhe, Guanzhi, and Guanxu—are of similar age. But after tonight's events, it feels appropriate to bring closure to this matter."

With that, Master Yun Shou handed the vial to Nun Guanhe. Though Guanhe hesitated briefly, he eventually accepted the Innate opportunity with solemnity.

With a hint of emotion in his voice, Master Yun Shou continued, "Shaochong is still growing, and Xuanzhen Temple will need your generation to hold it up!"

Nun Guanhe, deeply moved, responded with a resolute expression. His brow furrowed in determination.

"I will give my all and will not fail your trust," Nun Guanhe said, his voice firm, every word as solid as stone.

Seeing this, Master Yun Shou's eyes gleamed with approval, and he nodded in satisfaction. After giving a few more instructions regarding the consumption of the pill, he fell silent.

Understanding that Master Yun Shou still had something to say to Bai Yichen, Nun Guanhe respectfully excused himself.

As soon as he left, Master Yun Shou turned to Bai Yichen, a subtle smile on his lips, and asked, "Shaochong, what do you think? Have I made the right decisions?"

Here it was—the final test.

Bai Yichen, showing no hesitation, replied, "Everything you have done is for the future of Xuanzhen Temple. As your disciple, I wholeheartedly agree."

Without waiting for Yun Shou to ask, Bai Yichen continued: "This is indeed a time of crisis for Xuanzhen Temple, but relying on external forces cannot be a long-term solution. Daoist Tongya and the others will eventually leave. Only when the temple produces a second Innate master can we sustain the order and preserve its legacy."

"Among those remaining, Uncle Guanhe is undoubtedly the best choice in both experience and martial prowess. This pill should rightfully be his."

Hearing this, Yun Shou nodded in relief, though he seemed somewhat unwilling as he looked directly at Bai Yichen and asked: "What about Guanxu?"

"Xuanzhen Temple is a Daoist order, but it is also a martial sect in the jianghu. If one's skills are inferior, they must accept defeat." Bai Yichen's voice was firm and unflinching.

"Good! Over the years, the temple has focused too much on discussing Daoist teachings and accumulating wealth, forgetting that the struggles of the jianghu never cease. Xuanzhen Temple has always been a martial sect. If not for the reputation earned by our ancestors, why would people come from far and wide to request our rituals?"

"You show such wisdom at your young age; who else could be the Daoist heir but you? I will pass this knowledge to you tonight."