Hongku's Desire

"Teacher, we're back!"

"Dharma Master Hongku, we've been down the mountain for several months and have now returned safely. It's been such a long time. Have you been well?"

Wu Chao and Zhang Xuezhou called out, but no sound came from Hongku's black-stone residence, much less an invitation to enter.

This was the greatest difficulty Wu Chao had anticipated when planning the assassination: they could hardly get close to Hongku, much less bring a group of people near him.

And forcing their way in would not only expose them to Hongku's arrangements inside the residence, but also ruin any chance of a sneak attack.

Without a sneak attack, the idea of a weaker man defeating a stronger one was a joke.

Standing before the gates of the black-stone residence, Wu Chao frowned slightly.

He discreetly wiped the sweat from his palms and glanced at Zhang Xuezhou.

"Since Dharma Master Hongku isn't here, let's come back tomorrow!"

Zhang Xuezhou looked back at him.

He, too, wiped the light sweat from his palms.

Everything they had planned had to be scrapped because Hongku had not opened the door. Zhang Xuezhou breathed a sigh of relief, thinking they would not have to meet in battle today.

"Wu Jin, come in!"

Just as he and Wu Chao were about to leave, a call came from the black-stone residence, Hongku's voice drifting out calmly.

"Dharma Master Hongku?"

"Just push the door open and come in. You've returned at just the right time. Venerable Lei is my guest today, so he can take this opportunity to test your Technique Within the Clouds!"

Zhang Xuezhou gave a small cry of surprise. Hongku answered him, explaining everything clearly.

"Senior brother, I'm going in!"

Zhang Xuezhou shouted.

He looked at Wu Chao, then listened to the black-stone residence.