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A man can see without his eyes, but he cannot see without his heart.
Hua Manlou learned this truth after his sense of sight was taken away from him at a young age. But he's for...
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The dawn came forth quite soon, and yet still, there was no sign of Xue Bing nor any clues she would have left behind to explain her mysterious and sudden disappearance. With no leads to guide them, they could only continue along their way to the Qixia Temple, while Jiang Qing revealed her identity as promised. Her fellow sect members quickly committed Xue Bing's description to their memories, setting out to spread the word among their fellow beggars.
With her identity revealed to clan members, Jiang Qing no longer concealed the jade staff, carrying it proudly with her as they made their way to the temple.
Lu Xiaofeng was the first to approach the temple, and without a single knock, pushed open the main doors to the temple grounds — nearly spooking a young nun who had been on her way out.
"Who are you?" Lu Xiaofeng asked.
"I haven't even asked you yet," she glared at him. "So abrupt and rude. Who are you? And who are these two people you've brought with you?"
Lu Xiaofeng clicked his tongue, a slight smirk present on his lips as he looked back at his two companions for a moment. "Is this how a nun treats the temple benefactors?"
A heavy tapping sound grew in its volume before a blind, bearded man appeared from behind the nun. "Is the man outside Lu Xiaofeng? And a woman. Is she Chief Jiang Qing of the Beggar Sect?" he asked.
"Captain Lan. How did you know it was us?" Lu Xiaofeng asked.
"Ah. Constable Jin Jiuling from the Six Doors was here. He told me that you both were to come here to meet with me," Lan Chongwei explained. "An honor to meet your acquaintance, Chief Jiang. You are so young, and yet you have come so far."
Jiang Qing clasped her hands together, greeting both Lan Chongwei and the young nun. "Thank you, Captain. Hua Manlou is also here," she said, knowing that the captain may not have realized his presence.
"Apologies, Young Master Hua," he lowered his head. "I . . must have forgotten that you would be coming here. Please forgive me and do not blame Constable Jin."
"There is nothing to forgive, Captain. Please do not worry needlessly for my sake."
Jiang Qing gazed toward Hua Manlou, but as usual, his expression was proper and smiling, revealing very little to her. She knew of Constable Jin's dislike of Hua Manlou, but he was slowly stepping too far beyond his boundaries.
"Right. Of course," Lan Chongwei nodded. "And everyone, this is my sister, Lan Yanxia. She is the abbot of Qixia Temple."
"No wonder you're here recovering from your injuries. Your sister is here," Lu Xiaofeng said, bowing slightly to Abbott Lan. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Pleased to meet all of you. Now, if you all will excuse me, I have my duties to attend to."
Abbott Lan took her leave quickly, while Captain Lan began to usher his three guests in. "Sorry about that," he said, using his large staff to help him guide his way through the temple to a small clearing. "But, in regard to the case at hand, I have never witnessed such a bizarre attack before. It's just an embroidery needle."
