Chapter 305 Jingnian Zen Monastery
"Liao Kong is the person Shi Feixuan trusts the most, practicing the silent meditation technique, with great strength, but He's Jade Disc is very special; the stronger one's strength, the less likely they are to carry it with them, which gives us a chance."
At this moment, Xu Ziling also spoke up.
"Hey, so what if they carry it with them? We have a Grandmaster on our side too."
Kou Zhong actually liked to rely on stronger figures a lot, calling Fu Junniang 'Mother' every other sentence before.
Now he almost wanted to call Tao Yu 'Dad.' Alright, since Du Fuwei had already called him 'Dad', he might as well call him 'Grandpa'…
Tao Yu was good-looking and treated them frankly, utilizing his strength not to pressure them but even got ambushed because of holding them back.
Although they had known each other for only a short time, a considerable amount of trust had been established, and they were already treated like one of their own.
At this time, Kou Zhong had also learned of the 'Chosen One' from Xu Ziling and the others. Like Ba Fenghan, he too felt that he should be the 'Chosen One' and that he would soar to the skies when the opportunity presented itself.
In fact, their original motive for stealing He's Jade Disc was simply to achieve a moment of enlightenment. Xu Ziling, on the other hand, wanted to avenge Su Su and embarrass Li Jing. They truly didn't have much need for He's Jade Disc.
However, knowing that He's Jade Disc could improve their aptitude, Tao Yu mentioned that they could compensate for the shortcomings due to being 'Chosen Ones,' but still gave them a bit of encouragement, saying:
"I have a secret technique that can make up for deficiencies in one's aptitude. Once He's Jade Disc is in our hands, I can teach it to you on the way back."
Slap~
Kou Zhong's hand was already hooked onto Tao Yu's shoulder, his tiger eyes wide with surprise.
"My brother and I have been drifting around all our lives..."
"Enough, get ready quickly. It's the same plan, I will take on the Grandmaster, and the rest of them..."
Tao Yu first gave Kou Zhong a sideways glance, but then Spirit Perception kicked in, making him pause with a bewildered expression.
It was obscure, as if something was obstructing it, but a premonition told him that this seemingly ordinary Jingnian Zen Monastery concealed danger!
After having learned the Yi Sword Technique and having his strength improved further, could he still have such a feeling?
And that sense of obscurity…
"Wait a second, something's not right."
Tao Yu reached out to stop Kou Zhong, who was about to enter the monastery, his tone heavy.
"What's going on? Is there someone here who can stop us?"
Kou Zhong trusted Tao Yu very much, and upon seeing him pulling, also quickly stopped and asked.
Xu Ziling also had a look of surprised doubt.
"Brother Tao, did you sense something? Is Liao Kong that strong?"
In their eyes, Tao Yu was the man who first crippled Qu Ao, then retreated Empress Yin, and then went on a killing spree from the east end of the street to the west, rolling heads wherever he went! None of the three Grandmasters of the world could exceed him.
To them, Liao Kong could only be considered about equal to Huang Gongwang at most; even if underestimated, he shouldn't cause Tao Yu to feel wary.
"Is there a possibility that there's more than one Grandmaster?"
Tao Yu raised an eyebrow in speculation.
"That's indeed quite possible. If those bragging claims you made before were true, they could be gathering experts here."
Fu Junyu also joined the conversation.
"I'm actually not surprised they would gather experts, but gathering experts also takes time."
Tao Yu had been learning the sword for a few days at most; he did not believe it was possible to gather such a force in just a few days. Explore stories on empire
"Then, is it possible that this is in preparation for someone else?"
"Who?"
However, almost at that moment, an old laughter carrying a hint of nonchalant cynicism came from within Jingnian Zen Monastery.
"What an impressive gathering, Old Ning. Although I also hail from the Buddhist Sect and don't reject them, why bother being led by the nose?"
"Grandmaster Zhang speaks too gravely; I am only acting for the welfare of all under heaven. As for whom I assist, it doesn't matter."
"Acting for the welfare of all under heaven? What right do you have to make choices on behalf of all under heaven? I don't agree with you representing me."
Another voice transmitted, and Tao Yu immediately understood the reason.
Zhang Sanfeng, that old man, has arrived!
In fact, after turning a hundred years old, Zhang Sanfeng had become very open-minded and no longer had his former temper.
But considering the fear that the six major factions had of him, it was clear that this guy was an absolute hard case; it was just that he'd grown old and turned to cultivating his character and nature.
However, this time, having come from the world of the Heaven-Sword to the Great Tang and finding a second spring, the vigour that he once concealed was now out in the open.
From the nickname "Scruffy Taoist" and rumors of his involvement with Empress Yin or some Goryeo heritage, one can see the apprehension some people had towards him.
His personality would never tolerate this kind of charade of He's Jade Disc choosing its owner.
Not to mention, even if Bi Xuan's meddling in taking Li Shimin as an apprentice didn't lead to unforeseen events, and even if Li Shimin was still chosen, Zhang Sanfeng, who knew of the historical records, wouldn't likely stand for such a figure lording it over the common people.
Facing a great army, Zhang Sanfeng was rather helpless, but against martial artists, he also had the martial artists' ways of resolving issues!
"No wonder they have such a lineup on guard, it's to fend him off. My choice to come here today, is it also a kind of destiny at play..."
Tao Yu's Meditation Technique naturally had some of these profound effects, but he felt it wasn't his own doing, rather it was triggered by Zhang Sanfeng.
There is no doubt, this person was also a 'Chosen One' who could stir Storm and Cloud.
"It's Master Zhang, this really works out. I will go help him, and you guys look for the chance to steal He's Jade Disc. This thing is odd, remember never to touch it with the True Qi of Eternal Life, otherwise I won't teach you anymore."
Having heard the conversation at the scene, Tao Yu laughed heartily, turned to give his instructions, and then leaped into action without delay.
Kou Zhong and the others were not to be outdone.
Listening to Master Zhang's earlier words, they too were filled with a sense of heroic spirit in their hearts. Yes, why should they be the ones chosen, and who are they to talk about the Way of the Sovereign?!
Indeed, that's precisely what they found most intolerable!
"Master Zhang, the thirty-first Sect Hierarch of the Ming Cult, Tao Yu, has come to offer assistance."
Tao Yu's voice arrived before he did.
Accompanied by his Grandmaster's presence and power, he truly echoed throughout the entire Jingnian Zen Monastery, and it seemed even the tiles and rocks were trembling.
Just this display of power was enough to change the expressions of everyone present.
Tao Yu had also seen the situation at the scene: five very powerful monks, likely Liao Kong and the four Great Monks, and Shi Feixuan sitting nearby overseeing everything.
Upon seeing Tao Yu, Shi Feixuan's pretty face showed an even greater moved expression.
She had a deep impression of Tao Yu and, after hearing the news of the blood battle on the street, knew that it must have been the doing of this Grandmaster.
And in the midst of them were two Taoists facing off against each other, Tao Yu's gaze immediately drawn to Zhang Sanfeng whose presence completely overshadowed Ning Daoqi.
"Master Zhang..."
"Boundless heavens, poor Taoist Ning Daoqi," greeted Ning Daoqi with a Daoist salute, his face the very image of celestial grace and detachment.
This made Tao Yu feel a bit embarrassed as he quietly glared at him.
"Couldn't you have said it earlier? What's with the act?"
Even with Ning Daoqi's composure, being rebuked by Tao Yu in this manner left him somewhat at a loss whether to laugh or cry.
"I presume the layman must be the same Tao Yu who single-handedly repelled Empress Yin and helped Wang Shichong clear his path."
"Heh, don't pin that label on me blindly. My bottom line is much lower than Master Zhang's," Tao Yu replied with a cold laugh, then turned his gaze towards Zhang Sanfeng, who was looking at him with curiosity on his face.
Indeed, a bit scruffy and slightly portly, he well deserved the moniker.
But seeing Zhang Sanfeng's head of jet-black hair, Tao Yu also felt a shock. Was this old Taoist really beginning to rejuvenate? No wonder he had mistaken him; Ning Daoqi looked older by comparison!
"The thirty-first Sect Hierarch of the Ming Cult? Let me think, you're from another world?" Zhang Sanfeng was not surprised and made his judgment after pondering briefly.
"Indeed, during the era I served as Hierarch, Guo Jing and his wife were still alive, and the heroine Guo Xiang had not yet been born..."