The Dandy's Duchess

Chapter 164: Not Fated with Buddha (2)

"Amitabha!" Master Lingyin clasped his hands together towards the sky, his expression one of both compassion and sighing.

"Master, is it true that Miss Qianyue is different?" Abbot Ciyun asked Master Lingyin, "Is she connected to our Buddha? Otherwise, why would you insist on her?"

"She has no connection with the Buddha," Master Lingyin smiled, not wanting to elaborate further. He turned and walked back into the temple, adding as he walked, "I should pack my things and set off."

"Abbot Ciyun truly wants to leave with you, Master. However, it's unexpected that this involves the troubles of Master Jing and Miss Qianyue, as well as the theft of the twelve golden statues. Now we are bound here; the emperor will not let Lingtai Temple off easily," Abbot Ciyun sighed.

"If there's trouble, seek out the Wang Residence for help; Master Jing will certainly lend a hand on my behalf," Master Lingyin replied. "Rest assured, Lingtai Temple will face challenges but will emerge unscathed. As for those twelve statues... don't think about them anymore. Let the emperor and the Crown Prince worry about it."

"Master is right!" Abbot Ciyun nodded.

As they spoke, they entered the temple. The mountain gate closed, and the lively atmosphere of Xiangquan Mountain finally quieted down.

Inside the fragrant sandalwood carriage, Yun Qianyue maintained a solemn expression towards Rongjing until they reached the foot of the mountain. Rongjing sat leaning against the carriage wall, seemingly oblivious to Yun Qianyue's cold demeanor, engrossed in a book he held in his hands. His jade-like fingertips occasionally turned the pages, with the soft rustling of the pages filling the silence.

After half an hour, feeling bored and unable to sleep, Yun Qianyue picked up a book and began to flip through it backwards.

Rongjing glanced at her, lifted his eyelids, then lowered them again to continue reading.

The two remained silent in the carriage, each absorbed in their own books. The sound of the wheels pressing against the ground mingled with the clattering of horse hooves outside. Once they descended the mountain and hit the main road, the bumpy ride finally became smooth.

Ye Qingran rode up to the carriage, "Sister Qianyue, what are you doing? Want to ride with me? I can give you a lift!"

"I'm not riding!" Yun Qianyue replied without looking up.

"Still mad? After ten miles ahead, I'll be turning off towards the military headquarters. If you want to race with me, you'll have to wait a while," Ye Qingran said.

Yun Qianyue looked up, frowning, and asked, "Is the military headquarters far from the capital?"

"The military headquarters is in the West Mountain, about fifty miles from the capital. That's not too far. But in half a month, it's the annual martial arts champion competition. This year, my royal uncle has decreed an expansion of the selection criteria; not only the young masters with martial skills from the various prefectures of the capital can participate, but also any commoners who place in the top three of their respective regions. Outstanding soldiers can also compete for a promotion of three ranks. The champion will receive an official title and have the opportunity to duel with Sister Qianyue. Since I'm in charge of the military headquarters, I naturally need to return and attend to this matter. I probably won't have time to come find you for a while," Ye Qingran explained.

"Is that so? So there will be some excitement again in half a month?" Yun Qianyue glanced at Rongjing, noticing his indifferent expression. She thought that with him having lost all his skills, he wouldn't be able to handle any competition. The title of the extraordinary talent that had lasted for ten years would probably be handed over this year.

"Yes, indeed!" Ye Qingran nodded.

Yun Qianyue set her book down and reached for the curtain, "In that case, I'll go out and ride with you!"

As she stretched out her hand, Rongjing quickly stopped her, turning to Ye Qingran, "It's broad daylight; how can she ride with you? After wandering for seven years, has your brain wandered away too? Don't forget, this is the capital of the Heavenly Saint Dynasty, not a wild place. You may not care about your reputation, but she does."

Yun Qianyue turned her head to look at Rongjing. Since when did she care about his nonsense about reputation?

"True! You make a good point, weak beauty. I didn't consider that. Little girl, I'll wait until after the competition to come challenge you to a race," Ye Qingran nodded. "For now, I'll head to the military headquarters!"

"Alright then!" Yun Qianyue agreed, realizing it was better to avoid trouble. Although she wasn't afraid of any messy reputation or rumors, they were indeed a hassle. She had always been one to graciously decline trouble.

Rongjing released his hold and continued reading.

However, Yun Qianyue pulled open the curtain, only to see Ye Qingran already riding away. The galloping horse carried him swiftly, and he sat upright in the saddle with perfect posture. Even from behind, he appeared effortlessly graceful. As she watched, Ye Qingran seemed to sense her gaze, turning back to look at her. He released the reins and made a silly face at her with his hands on his cheeks. She couldn't help but chuckle, thinking Ye Qingran was truly a light-hearted and easy-going person. Even after he disappeared from view, a broad smile remained on her face.

Rongjing glanced at her and said softly, "Close the curtain; you're poking my eyes."

Yun Qianyue retracted her gaze, snorting, "I only opened a little gap in the curtain. How can that poke your eyes? Nonsense!"

Without lifting his head, Rongjing replied, "You're smiling like a lovestruck fool; it's naturally blinding to me."

Yun Qianyue was instantly annoyed and kicked Rongjing hard, glaring at him. "You'd better shut that poisonous mouth of yours. Ye Qingran is much better than you; of course I'd smile at him. Being a lovestruck fool is still better looking than you." She was still angry that he hadn't helped her just now.

Rongjing suddenly put down his book and looked at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue glared at him. "Am I wrong?"

Rongjing's eyes narrowed slightly, and he suddenly grabbed her wrist, pulling her forcefully in front of him. He lowered his head to look at her, his voice extremely low, "Hmm? Repeat what you just said."

"Hey, let go of me!" Yun Qianyue didn't expect him to act so suddenly and tried to pry his hand off her wrist. Unfortunately, although this man had lost his skills, he was still stronger than her. She could only glare at him, annoyed, and said, "What should I say? What I said is the truth."

"Truth?" Rongjing's clear eyes suddenly darkened.

Yun Qianyue froze, staring into Rongjing's eyes, surprised to find they could change color. Just as she was looking, Rongjing suddenly leaned down closer to her.

Yun Qianyue was startled and hurriedly tried to dodge, but there was no escaping; she could only watch his face get closer and magnify, enveloped by the elegant, lotus-like aura he exuded. She quickly said, "Hey, Rongjing, what are you doing?"