Yuanmu had already realized he had lost his composure. Forcing down his anger, he slowly nodded to Hu Xiaotian. "Benefactor, this old monk will give you three more days. If I still do not see that sutra after three days, you had better prepare to perform the rites for your friend's departed soul!"
Hu Xiaotian nodded calmly. "Master, if my friend suffers even the slightest harm, I promise you I will wipe the Heavenly Dragon Temple clean from this world. Not a blade of grass or a single tree will remain."
"If you truly do that," Yuanmu said, "you will pay a terrible price!"
Hu Xiaotian left the Zen Room and saw Mingjing waiting outside the door. Yuanmu's voice came from behind him. "Mingjing, see the prince out for me."
Mingjing gestured courteously and led the way for Hu Xiaotian. At the junction ahead, he intended to take Hu Xiaotian straight toward the front hall, but to his surprise, Hu Xiaotian pointed toward the Pagoda Forest. "I want to go this way."
"This is not the shortest route," Mingjing said.
"I have always preferred taking the long way around." Hu Xiaotian did not care what Mingjing thought and had already started walking. Helpless, Mingjing could only hurry after him.
Hu Xiaotian strode ahead without the slightest intention of waiting for him. This was not his first visit to the Pagoda Forest, and he knew its paths very well.
Mingjing had already guessed his purpose. From behind him, he said, "Your Highness, that Buddhist Pagoda is no longer there."
Hu Xiaotian stopped and chuckled. "What do you mean by that, Master Mingjing? I merely chose to pass through here. I have no other purpose."
Who are you trying to fool? Mingjing thought. *You took a whole detour instead of the direct