Chapter 132 The Appearance of Master Xuankong

Moonlight shone like water, bathing every inch of the battlefield. A few wisps of cold wind blew, stirring up dead leaves, as if an invisible hand were manipulating the chessboard. In the distance, a figure in plain monk robes approached, their steps light yet imbued with a Zen air. Master Xuankong clasped his hands together, his face filled with calm and gratitude, as he approached Ji Yun. He performed a Buddhist salute, his tone gentle but resolute.

"Master Qingyun," Xuankong said in a low voice, filled with deep restraint and apology, "Could you please give me a favor and allow Master Wen to return to Lingyin Temple first? He holds the lives of hundreds of monks in the temple in his hands. I have no choice but to obey his orders temporarily. If Master Wen can release the prisoners and then discuss his fate, perhaps we can reduce unnecessary casualties."

Ji Yun looked up at Xuankong, his brows raised slightly, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him. Though Xuankong appeared calm, Ji Yun was well aware of the pressure lurking behind his words. He had never believed in gods or Buddhas, and had no desire to become the so-called "savior" of the Jianghu. He was the god of war of the Tianqi Dynasty, his blade soaked in the blood of countless enemies, yet the monk before him sought to resolve everything through Buddhist teachings.

"Master Xuankong, your words are quite high-sounding," Ji Yun smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with a cold light, mixed with a bit of provocation. "You come to plead for him, but the corpses of Wen's men were caused by his own hands. My subordinates and other people in the martial arts world have all paid the price in this dispute. You asked me to give him face, why not let the entire martial arts world judge and decide how to deal with this matter together."

There was a sharp edge in Ji Yun's words. He superficially complied with Xuan Kong's proposal, but deep down, he knew it was just an excuse to shirk responsibility. He didn't intend to let Qingyun Pavilion shoulder this burden alone; instead, he wanted to involve all the martial arts sects. Killing Prefect Wen was easy, but the Ghost Shadow Sect behind it, and the conspiracy he was involved in, was definitely not something he could solve on his own.

Xuankong's clasped hands trembled slightly, the calmness on his face wavering slightly. He understood the deeper meaning behind Ji Yun's words, and he also knew that this disaster was far more complicated than he had anticipated. The monks of Lingyin Temple were subject to the conspiracy of Prefect Wen, and the lives of almost the entire temple were in his hands. Xuankong had no choice but to bow his head.

"Pavilion Master, you are absolutely right. I am not here to exonerate Prefect Wen, but to reduce unnecessary sacrifices. The monks in the temple are now being coerced by him, and I am helpless. If we can get Benefactor Wen to temporarily return to Lingyin Temple, perhaps further bloodshed can be avoided."

Ji Yun glanced at Xuan Kong from the corner of his eye, his lips curled slightly, as if he wasn't entirely convinced by his words. Since ancient times, the struggle between the martial arts world and the imperial court has never ceased. How could a place as peaceful as Lingyin Temple be completely detached from the outside world? Xuan Kong seemed to be merciful, but in reality, he was harboring a hidden agenda.

"Master Xuankong, since you put it that way, I won't embarrass you. But I don't want Qingyun Pavilion to bear the brunt of this alone. Why don't we gather all the factions together to discuss this matter and work out a solution together?" Ji Yun's tone was understated, but the chill in his eyes was hard to ignore. He didn't intend to let Prefect Wen off easily, but he also didn't want to put himself in the spotlight.

Prefect Wen stood nearby, already sweating profusely. He had initially believed Master Xuankong could save his life, but the subtext of Ji Yun's words made him realize he was nothing more than a pawn, ready to be discarded at any moment. Despite this, he forced himself to remain calm, trying to find a last chance of escape.

"Master, thank you for your kindness. I know I am guilty, but this action was forced upon me. If I could return, I would immediately release all the hostages. I hope you will forgive me."

Ji Yun sneered, his eyes sweeping across Prefect Wen like a knife: "Don't worry, I won't let you die easily. The entire martial arts world will help you get back the debt you owe."

Xuankong bowed his head and clasped his hands together, a complex emotion flickering across his eyes. He knew that while today's battle might seem to have subsided, it had actually laid the groundwork for a deeper conflict. Ji Yun's thoughts were as unfathomable as the deep ocean, and while Prefect Wen had only escaped temporarily, the Ghost Shadow Sect behind him would not give up easily.

The wind continued to blow, and the bloody stench from the battlefield had yet to completely dissipate. Xuan Kong, Ji Yun, and Prefect Wen stood on this blood-stained land, each harboring their own hidden agendas, their minds swirling with undercurrents.

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