The young monk recognized the man and knew he was an official of the Pure Heaven Bureau stationed in Chaonan City. He rose and pressed his palms together in greeting.
The middle-aged man's surname was Shi and his given name Fengchen. He was an important figure in the Pure Heaven Bureau, currently overseeing all matters related to the cultivation world in Chaonan City.
Shi Fengchen returned the young monk's greeting, then turned to the old monk and said respectfully, "Greetings, Master."
The vast majority of Pure Heaven Bureau officials were cultivators or had ties to cultivation sects, and Shi Fengchen was no exception.
By sect seniority, he should have addressed the old monk as his granduncle-master, but his official position made that rather inconvenient. Addressing him as Master was more appropriate.
The old monk said gently, "What business brings you here, Official Shi?"
Shi Fengchen gave a wry smile. "Master, two incidents occurred in Chaonan City today: someone forced their way into the city, and someone committed murder. Both were the work of cultivators."
The old monk asked in puzzlement, "Could these matters have something to do with us?"
The temple gates were already closed, so there was no fear of outsiders overhearing their conversation. Shi Fengchen said directly, "The people from the Three Capitals Sect are dead."
The young monk was greatly startled by this and glanced at the old monk.
Shi Fengchen continued, "The very people who wanted the Spirit-Calming Borneol at the Precious Tree Residence."
Compassion showed on the old monk's face. "Where are those Daoist Friends' remains? I would like to go and recite a passage of the Rebirth Sutra to see them off."
Shi Fengchen smiled wryly. "Their bodies were all burned to ashes. Whoever did it was very cold-blooded."
The old monk said, "Do