Meanwhile, Shen Hai, Yan Xiao, and Xia Nan were investigating the area around Little Chongyang Temple.
The three split up, each with his own methods.
Xia Nan followed the footprints Zhong Xueran had left behind, tracking her step by step. He moved slowly because he had to carefully distinguish her prints on the muddy mountain path.
To Xia Nan, finding Zhong Xueran herself mattered more than finding whoever had attacked her. Human life always took priority over everything else.
Shen Hai clearly thought otherwise. He returned to Little Chongyang Temple halfway up the mountain, found the Guest-Reception Daoist at the entrance, and asked, "Young Daoist, does Little Chongyang Temple allow long-term stays?"
The Guest-Reception Daoist looked Shen Hai over a few times, then shook his head. "Sorry, patron. Little Chongyang Temple can accommodate guests for two or three days, but not for an extended stay, unless you have taken a master, converted, and hold a Lay Buddhist Certificate."
"What about down the mountain? Is there anywhere down there where I could stay long-term?" Shen Hai asked with a smile. "The surroundings here are lovely. I'd like to stay for a while and restore my body and mind."
The Guest-Reception Daoist nodded in agreement and pointed down the mountain. "There are several private homes down there that take in guests. If you're interested, you can go down and ask."
"Is that so..." Shen Hai rubbed his chin, turned around, and immediately headed down the mountain.
Seeing his attitude change in an instant, the Guest-Reception Daoist was rather bewildered.
Wasn't this patron here to restore his body and mind? Why did he look more like he was searching for someone...?
His guess was indeed correct. Shen Hai was searching for someone. In his reasoning, someone who chose a place like this to