Chapter 123: The Benevolent Narcissus

Zijin Temple, located on the third hill west of the Huanshan Villa District, was an obscure Taoist temple without a single soul knowing of its existence.

If it weren’t for Zhao Long having someone investigate, no one would have known where Zijin Temple was.

Qin Xuan hung up the phone and ran toward the temple’s location at his fastest speed. Although he was moving as quickly as possible, his entire body’s true energy had to be restrained and could not be used, so he was only slightly faster than an ordinary person.

Fortunately, the temple was only a few kilometers away. As dusk approached, Qin Xuan finally looked up and saw the small Taoist temple perched atop a hill.

“Hopefully Shui Xian wasn’t taken by them, or I’ll break their damn legs…”

Qin Xuan’s expression turned grim as he recalled the two lecherous young Taoist priests who came at the start, as well as the lecherous old Taoist who followed. There was no need to show mercy to these scum.

Before long, Qin Xuan approached the temple, but of course, he would not foolishly barge in.

If Shui Xian had been hidden somewhere, it would be tragic to kill them without knowing. It was better to scout the situation first. Qin Xuan climbed the wall from the side. The small temple had no defenses and was easily infiltrated by him.

The entire temple covered just over three hundred square meters, with only four or five simple buildings within the courtyard walls.

Qin Xuan released a trace of true energy to probe and quickly found the few people inside the temple. In the central front hall, there were three breathing presences—likely the master and his two disciples.

A room to the right of the temple carried an older aura. From the fragrant scent drifting out, it was probably the kitchen.

“The master and disciples gathered together? Let’s see what they’re talking about…”

Qin Xuan tiptoed outside the front hall, unnoticed.

“…So you don’t need to worry. In just a few days, that female demon won’t escape from our grasp.”

The voice of the Ascended Taoist drifted into Qin Xuan’s ears.

“Master, I have a question,” a young Taoist’s voice sounded.

“Speak up if you’ve got something to say,” the Ascended Taoist replied impatiently.

“Ahem. Since you’ve informed the major sects to come subdue the female demon, will we still get a share if she’s caught?”

“Hmph, you don’t understand. Why make this public? The only ones who know besides us are me and Qingzhen Taoist, the leader of Jinling Queen Mother Palace. No one else is aware.”

“Oh? Master, can Qingzhen Taoist handle that swordsman?”

“Hmph, nonsense. Qingzhen Taoist is the leader of the Queen Mother Palace, the foremost cultivation sect in Jinling. If he couldn’t handle a mere swordsman, wouldn’t that be a laughingstock?”

“Hehe, master is wise. So once Qingzhen Taoist subdues the female demon, you can ask him to hand her over to us… hehe…”

“Hmph. You two little brats, that female demon better be as beautiful as you say, or all this effort will have been in vain. I’ll lock you up for a month if not.”

“Master, rest assured. That female demon is truly stunning, even more so than the white snake demon last time…”

“Hmph, let’s hope so. Qingzhen Taoist said he’ll arrive at Zijin Temple in four or five days. Then I will bring him to the villa to capture the demon. Alright, it’s late; let’s begin our evening chants…”

Qin Xuan listened from outside the building, anger swelling inside him, yet he was also puzzled.

From the old Taoist’s tone, it seemed they hadn’t made a move yet. They were waiting for Qingzhen Taoist to arrive in four or five days before acting. Then where was Shui Xian now? Could it be that Qingzhen Taoist had taken action alone?

In any case, the three Taoists before him appeared unaware of Shui Xian’s current whereabouts.

Considering the Ascended Taoist was at the Foundation Establishment stage, and Qin Xuan could not recklessly use his true energy, he did not rush out to break the old Taoist’s legs—that would be a waste of time. He had no choice but to let them be for now.

“The urgent matter is to find out where Shui Xian has gone…” Qin Xuan pondered.

At that moment, chanting from the master and two disciples began inside the main hall: “The Great Way is profound and mysterious; with thought, nothing is not harmonized. Refining essence into immortality, thus forming the adamantine body…”

Qin Xuan had no patience to listen further and leapt out of the temple.

Just then, his phone suddenly rang.

He felt relieved—if it had rung inside, it would have alerted the three Taoists, causing trouble.

He pulled out his phone to see the caller was Dongfang Qingwan. He answered, “Qingwan, what’s wrong?”

“Qin Xuan, come back quickly!”

Dongfang Qingwan’s voice was anxious.

“What happened? I’m coming right away!”

Qin Xuan’s heart tightened as he hurried back.

“Shui Xian has returned, but she’s weak. She said she wants to take you somewhere…”

“Take me somewhere?” Qin Xuan was puzzled but relieved that Shui Xian was safe. He agreed and hung up. Though he didn’t know why she was weak, it didn’t matter—she could recover.

Ten minutes later, Qin Xuan returned to the villa.

“Xiao Qin Xuan, come here,” Liu Qianqian pulled him into the living room.

Inside, Dongfang Qingwan sat chatting with Shui Xian.

Seeing Shui Xian, Qin Xuan felt a wave of relief.

She still wore a thin veil, her graceful figure faintly visible beneath, her delicate features tender and lovable. Yet now, she truly seemed weakened, though the cause remained unknown.

“Master, you’re back,” Shui Xian hurriedly stood and bowed anxiously upon seeing Qin Xuan.

Qin Xuan stepped forward and steadied her, not allowing her to bow. He frowned and said, “I’ve always said we are equals. Why do you still bow? Don’t ever call me master again.”

Tears streamed down Shui Xian’s face, deeply moved, yet inside she grew more resolute—she would call him master even more from now on.

“Alright, tell me where you went just now?”

Qin Xuan asked.

“Xiao Qin Xuan, don’t be so harsh. Shui Xian was really knocked out and taken away. She barely escaped,” Liu Qianqian interjected, shooting Qin Xuan a glare.

“Harsh?” Qin Xuan was a bit annoyed but surprised to hear Shui Xian had truly been abducted. “Shui Xian, who took you? When did this happen?”

He thought to himself that the little demoness wasn’t without skill—being captured but escaping on her own.

“I don’t know who they were, but they were just ordinary people. When I woke up, I used pollen to knock them out and escaped back myself… Master, will you blame me for attacking ordinary people?”

Shui Xian asked timidly.

“Of course not. They took you first; defending yourself is justified.”

Qin Xuan comforted her. “You said you want to take me somewhere? Is it where they captured you?”

“Yes,” Shui Xian nodded repeatedly. “Though I escaped, I don’t know what’s happening to them over there. I worry something might go wrong… so I want to ask you to go see.”

“You want me to go check if they’re alright?” Qin Xuan asked, surprised.

“Yes…” Shui Xian nodded shyly.

“Heavens!” Qin Xuan was speechless. The foolish little demon, worried about others’ safety even after being captured? Such kindness!

Of course, he would go there, but his purpose was entirely different.

“Tell me where it is. I want to find out who they really are—how dare they be so bold.”

A cold gleam flashed in Qin Xuan’s eyes. Breaking into someone’s home to abduct people? Those capable of such deeds were no good at all!