Only when he saw the four Foundation Establishment cultivators did Jiang Che realize that getting Chunhui to leave had taken more than that one remark of his.
It had certainly helped, giving Chunhui a graceful way out. Otherwise, there might have been further complications.
But the key was still the arrival of four Azure Mystic Foundation Establishment cultivators together. That was what had driven the monk away.
"Disciple Jiang Che pays his respects to the elders!"
"Dispense with the formalities." The Daoist at their head raised a hand. It was Jifang. "That monk placed a restriction on you just now. You must not divulge the supreme arts of White Dragon Temple, or you risk having your heart and liver torn apart. Conduct yourself wisely."
Jiang Che's heart tightened. "This disciple understands."
Jifang studied Jiang Che, then asked about something else. "I am curious. That monk from White Dragon Temple threatened you with death, then tempted you by saying you were suited to Buddhist cultivation. Why didn't you go?"
"This disciple belongs to the Azure Mystic Sect. I receive the sect's provisions and cultivate its arts. Naturally, my loyalty lies with the sect."
Daoist Jifang raised an eyebrow, a half-smile on his face. "Tell the truth."
"Er-" Jiang Che answered honestly, "-this disciple simply doesn't want to become a monk."
The four Foundation Establishment cultivators burst out laughing.
Amid their laughter, Daoist Jifang asked again, "Then what was that last remark of yours about? How did it make that stubborn monk leave without another word?"
Jiang Che fell silent for a moment.
"This disciple heard it from Meditation Master Chunhui's senior brother."
As he spoke, his gaze passed over the four Foundation Establishment cultivators to the radiant, translucent-looking three-year-old child outside the door.
The child looked back at him, nodding with