Chen Changqing's hand froze halfway through picking up a dish.
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 Heavenly Sound Temple won't be able to hold out much longer."
"I heard Rujie has quite a reputation among the younger generation of the human race. He's even friends with Chen Changqing of Mount Shu."
"Chen Changqing?"
One of the monks gave a scornful laugh.
"Who knows where he is now? Besides, this is a Buddhist Sect debate on the Dharma. Could the Holy Son of Mount Shu really interfere?"
The middle-aged monk at their head frowned.
"Say no more."
Only then did the young monks fall silent.
Chen Changqing set down his chopsticks.
Liu Ruyan spoke.
"What is it?"
"We're going to Heavenly Sound Temple."
Liu Ruyan was briefly stunned.
"What are we going there for?"
"There's an old friend there."
Chen Changqing lifted his teacup and took a sip.
"And while we're at it, we'll see who's planning to trample him."
Looking at him, Liu Ruyan already understood.
Chen Changqing usually appeared lazy and laid-back, and he rarely spoke any impassioned words. But if something happened to a friend he acknowledged, he would move faster than anyone.
She had seen it once in the Maple Leaf Dynasty.
Now, it was Heavenly Sound Temple's turn.
She did not try to dissuade him, merely nodded.
"Alright."
Chen Changqing rose, paid the bill, and left.
The Listening Wind Tower's proprietor had been about to come forward and greet them, but when he saw the bag of spirit stones left on the table, his face immediately bloomed