Chen Changqing's hand, poised to pick up food, froze in midair.
Liu Ruyan sat across from him. Noticing the change in him, she swept her gaze in the direction he was listening.
Several monks at the neighboring table were still conversing in low voices.
"With Senior Brother Wuchen stepping in this time, that Monk Rujie from Tianyin Temple won't hold out for long."
"I heard Rujie has quite a reputation among the younger generation of the human race. He's even friends with Chen Changqing of Shushan."
"Chen Changqing?"
One of the monks gave a scornful laugh.
"Who knows where he is now? Besides, this is a Buddhist debate. Can the Shushan Holy Son really interfere?"
The middle-aged monk at their head frowned.
"Say no more."
Only then did the young monks shut their mouths.
Chen Changqing set down his chopsticks.
Liu Ruyan spoke.
"What is it?"
"We're going to Tianyin Temple."
Liu Ruyan was taken aback.
"What are we going there for?"
"There's a friend there."
Chen Changqing lifted his teacup and took a sip.
"And while we're at it, we'll see who's planning to step on him."
Liu Ruyan looked at him and understood at once.
Chen Changqing usually seemed laid-back, and he rarely spoke any stirring words, but if something truly happened to someone he acknowledged as a friend, he would move faster than anyone.
She had seen it once before, in the Maple Leaf Dynasty.
Now it was Tianyin Temple's turn.
She did not try to dissuade him, merely nodded.
"Alright."
Chen Changqing rose to his feet, paid the bill, and left.
The Listening Wind Tower's proprietor had been about to come forward to greet them, but when he saw the bag of Spirit Stones left on the table, his face immediately bloomed with delight.
As the