Nightfall

Unveiling His Ambition

Mu You stared at Jun Mo’s head, with her right hand clutching her dress. She bit hard on her lips so as to clear her mind and trembled, “What are you doing? Will you turn to Buddhism?”

Jun Mo just washed his head by the well. Clear well water fell off his head and damped his clothes. Upon hearing Mu You’s words, he replied without turning back, “There’s no harm in reading some Buddhist scriptures.”

Mu You’s voice was still trembling. “As much as you respected Eldest Brother, you didn’t care when he told you to consult with Buddhist scriptures. They were just two kids who are ignorant about cultivation. Why did you take them seriously?”

Jun Mo looked at the hair scattered around the well, and spoke again after a moment of silence, “I hated Buddhism throughout my life. However, it recently occurred to me that I might have missed something there.”

Mu You replied sadly, “In order to find a way in Buddhism, you have to be a monk?”

Jun Mo turned to her, looked at the tears on her face and said, “When did I say I would become a monk? I hate Buddhism because those monks do not produce anything nor take care of their parents. How could I become a monk? I meant to read some Buddhism scriptures and see if I can find some peace there.”

His explanation made Mu You even more heartbroken. She replied in tears, “You’ve shaved your head. How could you still be lying to me?”

Jun Mo explained awkwardly, “I just thought the grey hair was ugly, and gave you more troubles every morning. So I shaved it.”

Mu You could not believe him. “Is that all?”

Jun Mo nodded and came to her. “You will get used to it in a few days. Please don’t be sad.

“It’s good I shaved. Maybe the newly grown hair will become black again.”

Mu You smiled through tears, and subconsciously reached out to touch Jun Mo’s head.

Jun Mo was very particular about etiquette and usually would not let anyone touch his body, let alone his head. But he did not avoid her this time.

Yet, he was obviously stiff and uneasy.

Mu You gently touched his bare head. Suddenly she realized something and reminded him, “I know you hate Buddhism. But from now on you cannot make fun of the monks for their bare heads.”

Jun Mo frowned, “Reading some Buddhist scriptures does not necessarily mean I would worship Buddha. I would still scold him if the Buddha himself showed up.”

Mu You could not help laughing. “Whatever. You can no longer mock their bare heads.”

…

A guest arrived at the Sword Garret. He was dressed in an indigo gown and carrying a long sword. He was middle-aged, yet he was still charming and elegant.

As a powerful man of the Knowing Destiny State, he certainly deserved great courtesy. However, the students at the Sword Garret showed him exceptional respect not because of his high stage, but because the Sage of Sword had ordered them to. This was not only because of his unique background, but also because this man was worthy of respect.

They admired him for his courage, daring to come here despite having been seriously wounded in the eyes by the Sage of Sword years ago, or the fact that he was already a national enemy of the Great Tang.

Cheng Ziqing looked at him and said, “Please come in, Mr. Chao.”

The man in the indigo gown was Chao Xiaoshu, also known as Old Chao from the Spring Breeze Pavilion.