Meanwhile, Shen Hai, Yan Xiao, and Xia Nan were investigating the area around Little Chongyang Temple.
The three split up, each using 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 footprints on the muddy mountain path.
To Xia Nan, finding Zhong Xueran herself was more important than finding whoever had attacked her. Human life always mattered more than anything else.
Shen Hai clearly disagreed. He returned to Little Chongyang Temple halfway up the mountain, found the Guest-Reception Daoist at the entrance, and asked, "Young Taoist Priest, does Little Chongyang Temple offer long-term accommodation?"
The Guest-Reception Daoist looked Shen Hai over a few times and shook his head. "Sorry, patron. Little Chongyang Temple can accommodate you for two or three days, but not long-term, unless you have formally become a disciple, taken refuge, and obtained 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 are lovely. I'd like to stay here for a while and nurture my body and mind."
The Guest-Reception Daoist nodded in agreement and pointed down the mountain. "There are a few private homes down there that take guests. If you're interested, you can go down and ask."
"Really..." Shen Hai rubbed his chin, turned around, and immediately headed down the mountain.
The Guest-Reception Daoist was rather bewildered by his sudden change in attitude.
Wasn't this patron here to nurture his body and mind? Why did he look more like he was searching for someone...?
His guess was indeed correct. Shen Hai was looking for someone. According to his reasoning, anyone who chose to attack Zhong Xueran through a ghost