Volume One, Chapter 88: First Exploration of the Clear Breeze Monastery

By the time Qin Yu and the young master arrived at Qingfeng Temple, dusk had already settled. There were few devotees at this hour, only small groups emerging here and there.

Today, Qin Yu wore a white short-sleeved blouse paired with a blue and pink plaid skirt, and a pair of fluffy platform shoes that highlighted her tall, youthful figure. On her face was a pink Hello Kitty mask, revealing only her large, expressive eyes. Her exceptional aura drew the attention of passersby, who couldn’t help but steal glances at her.

When the young master saw Qin Yu’s outfit, his gaze was transfixed. Yet, this look reminded him of a certain cross-dressing enthusiast fond of school uniforms, sending a chill through his heart.

“Well, Master, you look great, but could you maybe dress like this a little less often around me?” he said awkwardly.

Qin Yu raised an eyebrow. “PTSD, are we?”

The young master was speechless. If you know, must you say it aloud? Does he not care about his dignity?

Their appearance at the entrance of Qingfeng Temple immediately drew the attention of two boys dressed as junior Taoists. Even aside from their striking looks, the young master’s flashy red luxury car was enough to turn heads.

Before they even reached the doors, one young Taoist hurried over as if greeting a god of wealth. They soon understood the reason for his eager expression.

“May I ask if you have a reservation?” the boy inquired.

The young master glanced at Qin Yu, who gave no response.

They had agreed in the car: if she gave no signal, they would speak honestly.

“We came in a rush and didn’t have time to reserve. Could you tell us which master in the temple is the most effective right now?”

Qin Yu nodded inwardly, appreciating his tact. The young master truly knew how to get information.

“Well, about that...”

The young Taoist, though young, was well-versed in the art of collecting money. He subtly turned his body to shield his next move, then greedily rubbed his fingers together, clearly signaling a request for cash.

The young master remembered how much he’d spent during his last visit to Qingfeng Temple, winding through various procedures. He hadn’t expected even the gatekeepers to be so brazen! Compared to this, Master Qiu’s temple was far better—straightforward prices, no hidden charges.

He was about to protest, but Qin Yu quietly stopped him.

Understanding her intent, he begrudgingly slipped two hundred yuan into the boy’s hand.

Yet the boy, sizing them up, was unimpressed. He rubbed his fingers again, “Not enough!”

The young master’s fists clenched.

But Qin Yu’s soft voice came first. “That’s enough. Unless you want your companion to know you’re pocketing private money?”

She glanced meaningfully at another junior Taoist who was anxiously watching them from nearby.

The boy’s demeanor shifted instantly, and he smiled obsequiously, “You misunderstand, this is incense money, not private funds!”

Qin Yu didn’t bother to argue. “Is your temple master present?”

“You’re out of luck today. Our master began a closed-door retreat yesterday and won’t emerge for at least ten days or half a month. If you wish to see him, you’ll have to come another day.”

Qin Yu glanced up at Qingfeng Temple. Its exterior gleamed with gold and jade, and thick streams of incense smoke drifted from within, each wisp tinged with a golden, faintly holy glow. The scene suggested not the presence of evil, but a place sanctified by divine light.

“What a pity,” Qin Yu said, feigning disappointment. “Since we’re here, let’s burn a stick of incense and offer some money to show our respect.”

At the mention of incense money, the young Taoist’s face brightened, and he eagerly bowed, leading them inside. “You two are truly kind-hearted! Heaven will surely bless you with health and longevity!”

He chattered nonstop along the way, introducing the various grades of incense, always emphasizing the most expensive and prestigious options.

Qin Yu couldn’t help but feel a pang as she thought of the deserted Lingshan Temple. There’s no harm without comparison.

Master, look at how others run their temple, then look at yourself.

“All right, you can leave us here. We’ll go in ourselves,” Qin Yu said, halting him at the inner hall.

The boy was reluctant, searching for another excuse, but Qin Yu’s cool gaze made him change his tune. “When you buy incense later, mention my name—Ru Feng—for a discount!”

Qin Yu smiled and nodded.

Ru Feng, worried they’d forget, kept glancing back as he walked away. “Remember, my name is Ru Feng! Don’t get it wrong!”

Once Ru Feng had disappeared, the young master snorted, grumbling, “Is this even a temple? It’s just a bunch of beggars after money!”

Qin Yu found the comparison apt.

Seeing Qin Yu preparing to enter, the young master was puzzled. “Master, are we really here to offer incense money?”

“Haven’t you been wanting a peace talisman? This is a good opportunity for one.”

He rolled his eyes dramatically. “I’d have to be out of my mind to ignore the master beside me and seek a charm from this useless temple.”

Ever since the incident where a Qingfeng Temple Taoist died at home, the young master had sworn off the place.

Qin Yu quietly observed the surroundings, sensing something strange she couldn’t quite describe. She lowered her gaze and instructed, “No matter what happens inside, don’t accept anything from them unless I say so.”

The young master pursed his lips and nodded firmly. “Got it!”

No sooner had they stepped inside than another junior Taoist approached, eager to serve, but Qin Yu politely declined, saying they’d already been introduced.

The inner hall was even more lavish than outside; the four corner pillars were gilded and carved with lively clouds and dragons. From afar, the central statue of pure gold stood tall and imposing.

Qin Yu stood beneath it, seeming tiny by comparison. She strained to look up, but could only see the statue’s massive body, its face obscured.

She turned to the Taoist tending the incense. “Which deity is worshipped here?”