Night Reconnaissance at the Golden Buddha

A low voice sounded.

Yang Xiao's steps faltered.

He turned and saw three gray-robed monks emerge from the shadows in the distance. The trees cast too much shadow for him to make out their faces.

A thought flashed through Yang Xiao's mind. Before the men stepped into view, he activated Thousand Faces to change his appearance.

His face began to change. His features slowly reshaped themselves, and his bones shifted slightly.

In the blink of an eye, his back grew stooped and his face aged. A trace of compassion and authority settled over his features.

By the time he turned to face the gray-robed monks, he wore a short gray cloth jacket and looked perfectly composed.

"Abbot Huiming?"

The monk froze, then hurriedly lowered his staff, pressed his palms together, and bowed.

The two monks behind him also bowed, their expressions respectful.

"Abbot, why have you come in person so late at night?"

The monk at the front raised his head, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

He lowered his voice, glanced around, and asked cautiously, "Abbot, didn't you say you wouldn't come to cultivate today? What brings you here?"

Yang Xiao's expression did not change. He merely gave the monk a calm look.

"I was concerned something might go wrong, so I came to check."

His tone was gentle but carried a measure of authority. His voice sounded exactly like Huiming's.

"A wise precaution, Abbot. We were careless." The monk did not dare ask anything more. He bowed quickly, stepped aside, and gestured for him to pass.

"This way, Abbot. I'll take you in."

Yang Xiao nodded and followed the monk through the stone gate toward Back Mountain.

The mountain path wound between thick trees. A light night breeze brought a wash of cool air.

As Yang Xiao