Chapter 351: What Do You Want?
The woman known as Master Jiu Nan landed gracefully, tossing the umbrella sword toward Ye Wenxin. "If I hadn't come, who would have known the good deeds you've done?" she remarked with a wry smile.
Unlike other celestial sects, Nandou Temple was co-managed by Abbot Shi Mie and Master Jiu Nan. While Shi Mie oversaw the monks, Jiu Nan was in charge of the nuns.
Ye Wenxin watched curiously, finding Master Jiu Nan's hair a bit odd, wondering if it was a wig. Jiu Nan's gaze met hers briefly before turning to Feng Ya.
"Greetings, Sect Master Feng Ya," Jiu Nan said, offering a courteous gesture. Feng Ya nodded slightly in return, indicating a familiarity between them.
Ye Wenxin found it intriguing that someone like Feng Ya had friends. She couldn't help but glance between Feng Ya and Jiu Nan, her curiosity evident.
Perceiving Ye Wenxin's interest, Jiu Nan didn't explain but continued, "Did you find this umbrella sword in the secret realm?"
Her smile was elegant, naturally exuding a noble aura, making Ye Wenxin suspect that Jiu Nan might have been a princess before becoming a nun.
Acknowledging Jiu Nan's inquiry, Ye Wenxin replied with a respectful bow, "Yes, I found it by chance in the secret realm."
Nandou Temple was typically led by Abbot Shi Mie, and little was known about Master Jiu Nan. Seeing her in person gave Ye Wenxin a peculiar feeling.
"Could you tell me how you obtained it?" Jiu Nan inquired further. Although her intent was similar to the abbot's, her approach was more tactful. Ye Wenxin considered for a moment before elaborating.
"I entered an illusion, where a man in white asked me to learn demon exorcism. I refused." Her response drew subtle reactions from the listeners, perceiving her as eccentric.
In their view, the man was likely a projection of the realm's master, and Ye Wenxin's refusal was akin to rejecting a great opportunity.
Nearby, Jin Xiaoqin nearly rolled her eyes, knowing her disciple's penchant for tall tales. Seeing Ye Wenxin's enthusiasm with Master Jiu Nan, Jin Xiaoqin feared trouble for Nandou Temple.
Unaware of Jin Xiaoqin's thoughts, Ye Wenxin continued, believing Jin's nudge was a reminder, "The man offered me the sword if I kowtowed 200 times."
This revelation sparked interest among the crowd, the sword being a coveted treasure. Many wished they could return to the realm and kowtow as often as needed.
Jiu Nan listened intently, scrutinizing Ye Wenxin's expression for deceit. Aided by Jin Xiaoqin, Ye Wenxin lied seamlessly, adding, "I bargained it down to ten kowtows, and he gave me the sword."
The crowd buzzed with admiration for the realm master's generosity.
"So kind! If it were me, I'd have chopped Ye Wenxin to pieces first."
"Indeed, for such a divine weapon, I'd kowtow a thousand times without complaint."
Ye Wenxin chuckled wryly as Jiu Nan nodded thoughtfully. "Would you consider returning the umbrella sword to us? It's a long-lost treasure of Nandou Temple, not very powerful, but of great significance to us."
