Chapter Twenty-One: Luo Si and Xun'er

Wu Jue glanced at Luo Si, responding with a casual tone, “I am but a monk who cultivated deep within the mountains, isolated from the world. Only because chaos has engulfed the land did I emerge to save the masses. Benefactor, do you find anything inappropriate in that?”

Luo Si adjusted his glasses and smiled. “Not inappropriate, just a minor curiosity. There’s a legend from ancient times, when Buddhism flourished—a monastery called Da Lin, revered for its martial arts, said to possess seventy-three supreme techniques, treasured by our nation. Yet under the tyranny of the old feudal regime, Da Lin was tragically destroyed. I suspect, esteemed monk, you’re no ordinary man. Could you be a master from Da Lin?”

His conjecture sparked an uproar among the prisoners, who had already been astounded by Wu Jue’s formidable strength. Now, Luo Si’s reasoning brought a sudden realization. Wu Jue smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying, “The world is full of coincidences. Buddhist mysteries have been passed down for generations. I merely happened upon a glimpse of them by chance. If you wish to believe so, I have nothing to argue.”

He promptly set aside the topic and began organizing the prisoners. Besides assigning cells, he warned them that stricter supervision would follow, urging them not to nurture any wild ambitions and reminding them not to revert to their old misdeeds.

Once everyone had been assigned, he faced a new dilemma: among the prisoners, there was but one girl, and no suitable cell for her.

Female prisoners were rare, and after the zombie outbreak, most had died. This sole young girl was forced to mingle with a group of men, which was indeed awkward.

Now, Xun’er stood before Wu Jue, pitifully asking, “Big monk, how will you arrange for me? I don’t want to stay with those strange uncles.”

The remaining prisoners hung their heads, afraid to speak up; Wu Jue sensed that this girl was no ordinary person.

He studied Xun’er’s appearance more carefully: her jet-black hair concealed most of her face, her large eyes glistened with a haze, and the exposed half of her face was hard to discern, as she always sat hugging her knees.

At this moment, Wu Jue felt a familiar sensation rise within him.

Xun’er’s face seemed so familiar, as if memories from long ago were being awakened.

He hesitated, and Xun’er took his hand, shaking it gently. “Master, why don’t you answer? Is it because you find me annoying and don’t want to bother with me? I knew you’d dislike me for being a little g