On the surface, everything seemed normal. The Vajra Sect didn't appear to be suffering from any persecution. But Lin Yun knew that this matter was definitely not as simple as it seemed.
The Vajra Sect looked unharmed for now, but their very presence here must have impacted the Crimson Ghost Sect's plans.
"This is clearly different from the other places," Lin Yun said to Liu Xiaolu beside him. "If the Valley of Ten Thousand Evils doesn't dare to make a move on them, why imprison them here?"
The latter smiled in response. "I am not yet sure of the reason. But since the Vajra Sect is trapped here, it must be because they possess some means that the Crimson Ghost Sect and the Valley of Ten Thousand Evils are wary of."
Liu Xiaolu's thoughts mirrored Lin Yun's. Under the circumstances, it was the only explanation that made sense.
As the two of them approached the entrance, they were immediately stopped by guards.
"The Elder has given an order! No one is to enter without permission."
Liu Xiaolu smiled. "Senior Brother Hong, it's me. Have you forgotten?"
Liu Xiaolu was a man who often helped others out, and because of this, many people remembered him. At this moment, he skillfully leveraged this advantage.
The disciple looked at Liu Xiaolu with curiosity. "Junior Brother Liu? Did the Elder have some business that required you to come here?"
Liu Xiaolu nodded with a smile, not blushing in the slightest as he lied. "Senior Brother Hong, the Elder said he's worried the people from the Vajra Sect know something, so he sent me to see if they are willing to talk."
The disciple pondered for a moment. Although this was somewhat against the rules, Liu Xiaolu was an old hand in the Valley of Ten Thousand Evils. Thus, he didn't stop them.
"If that's the case, you two can go in. But make it quick. Don't make things difficult for me."
A look of delight flashed across Liu Xiaolu's face. "Many thanks, Senior Brother Hong."
He then led Lin Yun inside. Lin Yun couldn't help but marvel at Liu Xiaolu's abilities, which were more impressive than he had imagined.
"The Vajra Sect doesn't seem like a heretical sect at all. They seem quite humane," Lin Yun commented with a smile.
Liu Xiaolu just nodded. "The prestigious and righteous sects would likely not accept people like us, who have little talent for cultivation. But the Valley of Ten Thousand Evils, an 'evil' sect, is not so picky." He said this with a self-deprecating laugh.
Once upon a time, he too had dreamed of joining a righteous sect. But how could he? With his level of talent, those high and mighty figures would never have given him a second glance, and might even have mocked him. But the Vajra Sect was different. They had their own views and were never picky about their disciples. As long as you were absolutely loyal to the sect, that was good enough for them.
"Actually, I think the Vajra Sect was forced into this situation against their will," Liu Xiaolu speculated. "With their strength, they would never have allowed something like this to happen."
Though it was just his guess, he believed that based on the Vajra Sect's usual conduct, they would never have risked getting involved in such a complex affair. There was only one explanation. The Vajra Sect must have reached some kind of secret, unspeakable agreement with the Crimson Ghost Sect.
Lin Yun remained silent. They had now arrived at the place where the Vajra Sect was being held. Two young monks were standing guard at the entrance. Seeing Lin Yun and Liu Xiaolu approach, they stepped forward.
"Amitābha. Benefactors, please stop," one of the young monks said with a smile.
"Apologies for the trouble, but we wish to see Abbot Jingkong," Liu Xiaolu replied with a smile of his own.
The two young monks were completely baffled. Ever since their sect had been imprisoned here, there had been no movement. For this entire time, no one from the Valley of Ten Thousand Evils had come to see them even once. For someone to take the initiative to visit them today was truly strange.
"Benefactors, please wait here a moment while we go and inform him." One of the young monks turned and ran off. A short while later, he came jogging back.
"Benefactors, please follow me. Abbot Jingkong has been waiting for you."
Lin Yun followed behind them without a word. Although they were imprisoned, the disciples of the Vajra Sect showed no signs of being dispirited. Even in this environment, they were still diligently persisting in their daily practices.
Soon, Lin Yun and Liu Xiaolu saw Jingkong, who was meditating with his eyes closed.
"For so long, the Valley of Ten Thousand Evils has completely ignored us. It seems they had no plans for us. But now, they have suddenly taken an interest." Jingkong slowly opened his eyes, looking at the two men before him with a smile.
"Jiming, you may go first. I will handle things here."
The young monk who had led them bowed. "Yes, Abbot Jingkong."
After the young monk had left, Jingkong waved his hand. An invisible barrier seemed to instantly envelop them.
Jingkong's gaze finally settled on Lin Yun. Although this young man looked no different from a disciple of the Valley, he could smell something different on him.
"Little benefactor, I suspect you have not come here today on behalf of the Valley of Ten Thousand Evils."
Lin Yun smiled. It seemed his killing intent was too heavy to be concealed. "The Abbot is an understanding man. I have indeed come here today to stop the Crimson Ghost Sect's plot. I have already rescued several other sects, and for now, I can still put up a fight against the Crimson Ghost Sect in this place."
Only then did Jingkong look at Lin Yun with true seriousness. He smiled and nodded. "Heroes emerge from the young. The Flowing Cloud Sect has always called you a traitor, but in reality, they were merely afraid of your talent and ability. Sometimes, the value of a person lies in not denying oneself."
Jingkong said this as he slowly rose to his feet.
Lin Yun now stared intently at the old monk before him.
[Name]: Jingkong
[Realm]: ??
[Destiny Template]: My Buddha is Merciful (Purple)
[Attributes]: To Feed the Eagle with One's Own Body (Blue), Perceiving Heaven's Secrets (Purple) [Fate]: On the ancient battlefield, he battles exotic beasts and fiends. To protect the main force's retreat, he enters final meditation and passes away on the spot.
[Recent Turning Point]: Is imprisoned by the Valley of Ten Thousand Evils, but because of this, encounters a fateful opportunity.
It was clear that the old monk held compassion in his heart. Because of this, Lin Yun finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Many thanks for your praise, Senior."
He could tell that the old monk's strength must be immense, yet for some reason, he had not made a move this entire time. Lin Yun felt that Jingkong clearly had the ability to defeat the members of the Valley of Ten Thousand Evils. Even that Elder Yunfei would have been no match for him.