Chapter 623: Not Allowed to Move

Carrying a large wine jar was certainly inconvenient for walking and would attract curious stares from passersby. After all, Ji Yuan wasn't using a cart, and his attire at that moment made him quite noticeable. However, under a subtle illusion, Ji Yuan emerged from the alley onto the street, yet few people paid him any mind.

With a gentle tap, Ji Yuan removed the seal from the wine jar. Holding the Thousand-Measure Gourd in one hand and the large wine jar in the other, the wine inside transformed into a small, swirling vortex that snaked upward and flowed into the open mouth of the Gourd. In just a few breaths, the entire jar was empty.

"This jar..."

Mumbling this, Ji Yuan didn't discard the jar but tucked it directly into his sleeve. He vaguely recalled the old man mentioning that the jar itself was worth fifty coppers and was a complimentary item. Even if he couldn't return it for a refund, giving it back to the old man later would be good.

After walking along the street for about a quarter of an hour, Ji Yuan saw Gan Qingle hurrying back from the opposite direction. Gan Qingle seemed lost in thought and didn't notice Ji Yuan at first. By the time he registered Ji Yuan's presence, they were only seven or eight paces apart.

"Mr. Ji? Why weren't you waiting for me at the wine shop?"

"I finished buying the wine, so I came out to look around. By the way, since I've run into you, Sir Gan, was there anything interesting about what just happened?"

Hearing Ji Yuan's question, Gan Qingle took a few steps closer, and after scanning his surroundings, he leaned in and spoke softly to Ji Yuan.

"To tell you the truth, sir, it's quite a coincidence. The woman I saw went to the Hui Residence with the procession as well."

As he spoke, Gan Qingle's eyes carefully scrutinized Ji Yuan, as if trying to discern something from him. It wasn't that he distrusted Ji Yuan, but rather a conditioned reflex for a martial artist given such a coincidence.

"Oh, that is quite a coincidence. However, that kind of procession isn't something ordinary families have. The Hui Residence is a prominent noble household in the city, so a visit there is quite normal. Excellent, I also need to pay a visit. Perhaps we'll even run into each other. Shall we go then?"

Gan Qingle thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Alright, I'll lead you to the Hui Residence. Sir, please wait a moment while I fetch my wine pouch."

Gan Qingle believed he was a good judge of character. From a first impression to a brief interaction, he could usually form an opinion of a stranger, especially after sharing drinks. Though his time with Ji Yuan was short, he was certain the man was no treacherous villain. Going to the Hui Residence together might prove interesting, and even if there was no excitement, he was content to lend a hand.

"No need, I've brought it for you."

Ji Yuan took out the leather pouch and handed it to Gan Qingle, who paused in slight surprise. He hadn't seen Ji Yuan carrying that leather wine pouch before; he must have overlooked it.

The Hui Residence in Lian Yue Prefecture was not only a prominent household, but Master Hui also served as the prefect of the prefecture. The elder Master Hui had once been a minister in the imperial court in the capital, though he had retired long ago. Moreover, as a daughter of the Hui family had married into the imperial palace, they were highly favored imperial relatives.

The two had no trouble reaching the street where the Hui Residence was located. Along the way, even before Ji Yuan could ask, Gan Qingle couldn't help but describe to him how impressive the woman he had seen earlier was, calling her an absolute master in the martial world. Ji Yuan, however, merely offered a polite acknowledgment, showing no exaggerated reaction.

In front of the Hui Residence, the entrance was grand and imposing, with several brand-new lanterns hanging high. Eight guards stood watch at the gate, flanked by two towering stone lions. Though located on a relatively prosperous street, there were no stalls or other vendors within a considerable distance of the residence.

"This Hui Residence is even grander than a Prime Minister's mansion."

Observing the grand entrance of the Hui Residence, the demeanor of the gatekeepers, and the overall atmosphere of the estate, Ji Yuan suddenly realized that his visit might not even get him past the main gate.

Gan Qingle, standing beside him, heard Ji Yuan's remark and chuckled.

"Mr. Ji is actually correct. Even the Prime Minister in the capital has to give the Hui Residence considerable deference, all because of Consort Hui..."

Before Gan Qingle could finish his sentence, someone at the residence gate called out, demanding their attention.

"What are you doing? Why are you lingering in front of the Hui Residence?"

"Oh, please announce our arrival. Tell Master Hui that Sir Gan Qingle is here specifically to visit him."

Ji Yuan's words momentarily stunned Gan Qingle. He turned to Ji Yuan with a sound of surprise, but before he could speak, the gatekeepers called out again.

"Gan Qingle, the 'Iron Fist of Righteous Heroism'? Is this Sir Gan?"

After a quick glance at Ji Yuan, all eight guards focused their attention on Gan Qingle beside him. His distinctive beard was quite noticeable. Previously, they had only subconsciously taken a second look, but now, connecting it to the famous name, they immediately matched it with his appearance.

Gan Qingle twitched his lips, glanced at Ji Yuan, who wore a faint, knowing smile, and without exposing him, cupped his fist to the guards and said.

"I am Gan Qingle, indeed. Please announce my presence!"

"Sir Gan, please wait a moment. We shall go announce you immediately!"

With that, one of the gate guards hurriedly entered the residence. Even if this Gan Qingle were an imposter, it wasn't their place to discern. Furthermore, the Hui Residence was not a place one could simply gain entry to by casually dropping a name.

"Mr. Ji, what exactly are you up to...?"

"I, Ji Yuan, am neither a noble nor a renowned scholar, so it's more effective to use Sir Gan's name. Don't worry, I wouldn't harm you. Of course, if Sir Gan..."

Gan Qingle whispered his question, and Ji Yuan replied in an equally low voice. Gan Qingle wasn't particularly afraid of being implicated, but he found the situation both amusing and exasperating.

Not long after, the gate guard who had gone inside to announce returned, accompanied by a middle-aged man in close-fitting attire. As soon as the man emerged, he fixed his gaze on Gan Qingle, and with just a brief glance, confirmed the visitor's identity.

"It is indeed Sir Gan! Sir Gan, please come in. And who might this gentleman accompanying you be?"

"My surname is Ji, and I am accompanying Sir Gan."

"Oh, it's Mr. Ji. Please both come in!"

Ji Yuan and Gan Qingle naturally did not decline and followed the man into the Hui Residence. The estate was adorned with exquisite pavilions and towers, and swarms of maids and servants bustled about, all demonstrating the luxurious lifestyle of the powerful elite.

Inside a reception hall at the Hui Residence, Princess Chu Ruyan of the Tingliang Kingdom and her accompanying female official, Lu Qianyan, were seated. In addition to two personal maids, there was also a monk in a kasaya, who was Huiling.

Even though she was no longer young, Chu Ruyan remained strikingly beautiful. Not only did she show no signs of aging, but she exuded even more charm and grace.

But unlike the relaxed atmosphere when they first arrived, with no Hui Residence staff present, the three individuals' expressions were now rather serious.

"Master Huiling, is there truly demonic energy here?"

Lu Qianyan whispered her question, her peripheral vision constantly keeping an eye on the Hui Residence maids at the edge of the reception hall. Huiling's lips moved slightly.

"It's very, very faint. I've long cultivated under the Bodhi tree at Daliang Temple, blessed by the essence of the Tao and the protection of Buddha, so I cannot be mistaken. Furthermore, there appears to be more than one trace of demonic energy. Some are barely perceptible, others are elusive. Perhaps they don't manifest often, or perhaps they are exceptionally skilled at concealment, or perhaps both. It's truly difficult to discern."

"Master, can you guarantee the Princess's safety?"

"Namo Amitabha, Great Ming King Buddha! This humble monk will certainly do his utmost to ensure Her Royal Highness's safety!"

Chu Ruyan offered Huiling a charming smile. Though many privately mocked her as an older, unmarried princess, she paid them no mind. Huiling, however, showed no reaction to her smile.

"Should Master Hui be informed of this matter?"

Lu Qianyan's question was directed at the Princess, who subtly shook her head.

"Let's wait and see. Our priority is to take Master Huiling to the capital of the Tianbao Kingdom to meet the Emperor. Master Hui will be back soon anyway."

As they were speaking, Monk Huiling's expression suddenly turned grave. He shot a look at the two beside him, who immediately reacted, regained their composure, and began chatting and laughing amongst themselves.

"Ah, this must be Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Tingliang Kingdom. Her demeanor is truly splendid; even as a woman, I find myself captivated!"

A woman with a graceful figure and a remarkably bright appearance entered the reception hall alongside several servants. Her gaze lingered on Chu Ruyan for a moment, then swept over Lu Qianyan before focusing intently on Huiling.

"This must be Master Huiling, the esteemed monk from Daliang Temple? Even in the Tianbao Kingdom, I have long admired your reputation! Oh, forgive my manners. My name is Liu Shengyan—yes, I share the character 'Yan' with Her Highness. I pay my respects to Your Royal Highness and Master Huiling!"

The woman smiled brightly and performed a deep curtsy. As the Princess of the Tingliang Kingdom, Chu Ruyan was not required to return the gesture. Huiling, however, stood up, clasped his hands together, and chanted a Buddhist prayer.

"Namo Amitabha, Great Ming King Buddha. This humble monk returns your greeting!"

"Hehehe, Master Huiling is truly handsome. No wonder the Princess is so fond of you..."

The woman approached Monk Huiling, her face wreathed in smiles, even attempting to reach out and touch his face. Huiling stepped back, evading her touch. Simultaneously, a faint Buddhist light flashed deep within his eyes. Though very subtle, demonic energy permeated the woman before him. However, this energy barely emanated from her body; had Huiling not cultivated the Bodhi Bright Mirror, he would not have been able to detect it at all.

'What an incredibly powerful demon! I wonder what its true form is!'

"Hmph, Madam Liu, watch your conduct!"

Chu Ruyan could not bear to see this brazen woman getting close to Huiling, so she spoke coldly. Meanwhile, Lu Qianyan stepped forward, cleverly putting a subtle barrier between Liu Shengyan and the monk.

Meanwhile, at the entrance to the Hui Residence's front courtyard, Ji Yuan and Gan Qingle were being led inside by the Hui family's steward. They certainly wouldn't be taken to the reception hall where the Princess and Huiling were, but they also wouldn't be neglected. However, at this moment, Ji Yuan paused, his gaze sweeping toward a particular section of the Hui Residence.

"Mr. Ji, is something wrong?"

"Heh, it's become a fox's den. I clearly overestimated all of you! Sir Gan, do you believe there are demons in this world?"

Ji Yuan had originally intended to blend in and proceed slowly, but now he felt that approach was temporarily unnecessary.

"Huh?"

Gan Qingle, still processing what was happening, suddenly saw Ji Yuan's figure blur, as if he were drifting like a wisp of smoke towards a specific part of the Hui Residence. Meanwhile, Gan Qingle's own movements became unusually sluggish; even lifting a hand felt like slow motion.

By the time Gan Qingle shook himself awake, Ji Yuan was nowhere to be seen.

"Sir Gan, this way, please."

The steward continued to smile cheerfully, seemingly oblivious to Ji Yuan's departure. In fact, Gan Qingle got the distinct impression that the steward didn't even remember Ji Yuan had been there.

'Good heavens, this Mr. Ji is truly extraordinary...'

As Gan Qingle reeled in shock, in a reception hall elsewhere in the Hui Residence, Liu Ruyan's eyes flashed with a cold glint. Outwardly, she remained polite, subtly shifting her body, and with a smile, she bypassed Lu Qianyan to stand aside.

"I, your humble servant, am merely here to meet the esteemed monk who is entering the palace and to admire the Princess's grace. My husband will be back soon, and I..."

Before she could finish, she was interrupted by a calm voice.

"Where is that fox? Is it in the imperial palace?"

Liu Ruyan suddenly spun around to find Ji Yuan standing behind her in his wide-sleeved green robe, looking at her expressionlessly.

"My name is Ji Yuan. I imagine you must have heard of me. Hmm, dare to move, and your spirit and form will be utterly annihilated."

This sentence was spoken by Ji Yuan in a calm tone, yet it carried the terrifying power of words that instantly become reality. Liu Ruyan's pupils constricted violently. After truly seeing Ji Yuan clearly, she felt as if she had plunged into an ice cellar, her limbs heavy as lead from fright. She dared not even move, let alone breathe.