Chapter 104: The Blue-Eyed Guest, Amidst the Banquet

That night, the three men were rising stars within the local flower-picking circles of Yu City, highly valued by Master Huma. Whenever there was a young maiden of interest, it was entrusted to these three to abduct on his behalf.

Upon hearing that one of the three had been killed—specifically the second brother, who had mastered the formidable Five Ghosts Severing Soul Palm—Master Huma immediately took the matter seriously.

When he learned the killer was the Poison-Handed Boy and that the remaining two had exposed their secret mistresses hidden away in their golden chambers, his fury nearly sent the two remaining men to the underworld as well.

Master Huma knew he had acted improperly in this affair. Recalling past times when he had jested with the Poison-Handed Boy—sharing all pleasures regardless of beauty or ugliness, such brotherly camaraderie—he felt a deep shame.

Early the next morning, he took his most treasured concubine, Wang Lianlian, to the Poison-Handed Boy’s chamber to offer his apologies.

Upon hearing Master Huma’s tearful repentance, Ji Ming felt conflicted and unsure how to respond. He had not expected such social graces from a rogue leftist cultivator.

Seeing the beautiful woman seated on the couch, her silk robe half undone, Ji Ming refrained from refusing her outright, as such a rejection would not fit his current persona.

He therefore feigned joy at their reunion, engaging Master Huma in cordial conversation for a while, looking for an opportunity to exit the troublesome place.

Master Huma noticed that the Poison-Handed Boy, Shi Long, showed no impatience but instead engaged Wang Lianlian in some “training,” then turned to inquire about his own situation with genuine concern. This only deepened his shame.

For a moment, he could not bring himself to voice his earlier proposal of “one-three-five, two-four-six alternating concubines.”

“Such shame,” Master Huma said, his oily, round face gleaming. “I have been enjoying myself here and forgotten my virtuous younger brother. Allow me to host a banquet later and invite comrades from Little West Mountain to honor you.”

Ji Ming studied Master Huma, suspecting something, and asked in surprise, “Brother, have you entered the strict Taoist monastery and become one of the Daoists?”

“Indeed,” Master Huma replied proudly, producing a silver talisman from within his robes and handing it to Ji Ming. “This is a pass issued by the Land Officer of the Peaceful Mountain Orchid Shade Sect. It protects us from the surveillance of underworld officials, granting some respite under the mortal law’s net. Even after death, it spares us from becoming restless spirits.”

Ji Ming’s eyes gleamed with desire as he examined the talisman, but before long, Master Huma returned it to his robe and resumed a worried expression.

“Though I have entered the monastery, I feel like a pawn pushed into the river, always sent to die in the field.”

Ji Ming knew his feelings were justified and did not want to dwell on the topic. As he prepared to change the subject, the woman on the couch spoke up sultrily, “You two haven’t got the balls to keep me company all this time?”

Ji Ming’s expression darkened, and he raised the ceremonial banner in his hand to strike, but Master Huma stopped him.

Master Huma smiled sheepishly. “This woman’s charms are exceptional, and her gifts rare. I have indulged her somewhat lately. She is merely undergoing training on the couch; killing her would be a waste.”

“Then train her well before sending her over,” Ji Ming replied smoothly.

Master Huma’s eyes flashed, suspecting Ji Ming was testing him, and said displeased, “I keep over a dozen dancing girls at the temple. One more won’t make a difference. You are welcome to enjoy yourself here; I will not refuse.”

Seeing Master Huma’s forced generosity, Ji Ming felt speechless and said, “Lately, I’ve often indulged in such courtesans but now wish to try something different.”

Hearing this, Master Huma did not doubt him. He knew Ji Ming had been enlightened by the old monk Kong Le and had profound insight into the art of joyous meditation.

He immediately moved Wang Lianlian elsewhere and began discussing the art of yin-yang harmony with Ji Ming.

As their conversation grew animated, Master Huma’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

The deeper they delved, the more Master Huma admired the Poison-Handed Boy, finally falling silent, feeling every word was truth, eager to remember and apply them in the future, reluctant to interrupt.

After the discourse, Ji Ming felt he had sacrificed much to maintain his persona and lamented the old Daoist’s poor planning in assigning him such a challenging identity.

As their lively debate concluded, Master Huma suddenly recalled something and said, “I have a friend on Little West Mountain, cold in demeanor but fiery within. Her origins are mysterious. If you could win her over, you would thrive in the monastery.”

“No good,” Ji Ming began to decline but saw Master Huma’s suspicious look and changed his tone: “The upcoming assessment leaves me no time for distractions.”

“Precisely why you should win her,” Master Huma urged. “Her mother was an enlightened fox spirit, so she was born gifted, with a pair of emerald eyes.”

“Natural magic eyes,” Ji Ming recognized the importance.

“Exactly,” Master Huma clasped his hands. “Though born of an enlightened fox spirit, she was abandoned and raised by commoners. Upon growing up, she apprenticed under the monastery’s altar master—not truly as student and teacher but as husband and wife.

“Later, the altar master was reprimanded by the Peaceful Mountain headquarters for poor governance, stripped of his titles and Daoist registration, and she fell into disgrace.

“I hear that during her favored years, many coveted the treasures in her household.”

Ji Ming shook his head and said, “Then her vigilance must be top-notch now. Brother, don’t joke with me.”

Master Huma pointed to the banner in Ji Ming’s hand and smiled. “Brother, have you forgotten our specialty? You use the magic banner to confuse, I use love potions to seduce. After some indulgence, when she sobers, we threaten her with this matter. I guarantee she will be utterly compliant.”

Ji Ming shuddered inwardly. In this era valuing obedience and chastity, this was a ruthless stratagem—no doubt many women had fallen victim to it, subjected to endless degradation.

He knew if he refused now, Master Huma would surely become suspicious, perhaps even hostile, so he said, “Brother, quickly prepare the banquet. Let me make ready.”

“Good! Good! Good!” Master Huma was overjoyed. He had long coveted that woman, and now the chance had come. Life’s pleasures seemed complete. He immediately sent out invitations.

Though a villain, Master Huma was well versed in management.

First, he never touched the flower-picking himself; second, he never operated locally, no matter how impatient; third, he frequently recited Buddhist sutras and managed the temple, earning a good reputation.

With these three points, he was a respected figure in the Little West Mountain region, granted face by all.

That evening, many leftist cultivators and monastery Daoists, including some second-tier practitioners, gathered at the temple, enjoying lively entertainment in the main hall.

The emerald-eyed female Daoist had no desire to attend but could not refuse Master Huma’s warm invitation, nor the unfavorable situation she faced in the monastery.

Inside the main hall, seeing many familiar Daoists, she relaxed somewhat.

Then, spotting Fa Wen Monk, a second-tier Qi Refining practitioner, her mind brightened.

Fa Wen Monk was conversing with Master Huma on Chan Buddhism, and at the most exquisite points, beat the drums, enhancing the banquet's atmosphere.

Master Huma saw Fa Wen Monk’s good mood and clasped hands in respect. “Senior Brother, do you know our temple recently gained a new one deeply connected to Buddha?”

“Who?”

“Shi Long, a boy with the aura of a prodigy, said to have been enlightened by a great monk in childhood.”

“Bring him here quickly!”