Chapter 8, Clearing of Misunderstandings

The woman in the pink attire said: "It is indeed Lianhua"

Tao Zhixian's face turned ashen, trembling as he exclaimed: "What... what kind of demon are you!"

Hong Ning lightly said: "Is it possible that there are none in the treasure vault of County Magistrate Tao's home? I have heard that the vault is filled with countless rare and precious treasures. Why not take some out for the esteemed governor to appreciate?"

The sea lord was also astonished: "This is ... ... "

The rabbit spirit has let go of its heart

Lianhua stood still for half a day, suddenly covering his face and rushing into the pond, disappearing along with the lotus leaves.

The Sea Lord exclaimed: "Are you human or ghost?"

Lianhua wept and said: "He is Lianhua's benefactor, how could Lianhua not wish to save him? It is only because my cultivation was too shallow at that time, and I had little strength, that I barely escaped the heavenly tribulation three years ago and managed to attain a human form. Yet, I am still afraid of the Buddhist teachings in the temple and cannot come out to take action"

County Magistrate Tao said: "There were no outsiders in the temple that night, who else could there be besides you monks"

The sea lord nodded, and Tao County Magistrate found it inappropriate to say anything further

"What time is it?" asked Haigong, turning his profile.

Splendid Path: "There is a distinction between immortals and mortals, and between humans and other beings. Forcing a union will surely incur divine retribution, which brings no benefit to them"

The woman in the pink attire bowed and spoke in a melodious voice: "I report to you, my lord, that I am the lotus of this Lotus Pond, named Lianhua. I have come today specifically regarding a wrongful case."

The Sea Lord, being an exceptionally astute individual, had long perceived the signs and solemnly stated: "You have taken the life of another without authorization, which is indeed a grave offense. However, considering your slight sense of gratitude and your status as an outsider, unfamiliar with the laws of the human realm, I shall pardon you this time since you have voluntarily surrendered. Yet, given that Zheng has committed acts of violence prior, you are granted clemency this once, but you must never harm another again in the future"

Mr. Tao, being a successful candidate from the imperial examination, our government naturally does not dare to inquire further. "Lord Hai stood up and said, 'Bring forth the imperial sword.'"

The sea lord lamented: "It is evident that the principles of heaven are clear, and no one can escape the consequences of their actions"

Lianhua said: "The bones lie submerged at the bottom of the pond, unknown to anyone. The benefactor is surely unable to enter the cycle of reincarnation, suffering in the underworld. The blooming period is determined by the Flower God, and Lianhua dares not make any mistakes. Thus, I can only privately allow them to wither early, hoping that someone might discover the strange occurrence in the pond, which could potentially lead to the benefactor's bones seeing the light of day again. Unfortunately, no one has ever understood this. Now, at last, the esteemed one has arrived, and Lianhua wishes to voice grievances. However, the esteemed one is filled with righteousness, accompanied by guards wielding swords and knives, exuding a heavy aura of menace, which is why I have hesitated to reveal myself. Fortunately, a fortuitous opportunity has arisen, as Zheng Ke has also come, allowing Lianhua to seek revenge for the benefactor."

The Sea Lord pondered for a moment and said: "Since you are a monster, you must possess magical powers. Why do you not save him?"

Hai Gongdao: "In this case, you have indeed been harmed by Zheng Ke, because of that crystal bottle from the Dragon Palace?"

"With all due respect, I, Lianhua, dare not conceal the truth," Lianhua spoke softly. "The reason I killed Zheng Ke was to avenge another. " At this point, she unexpectedly shed tears and turned to the crowd: "I wonder if you have heard of a master in this temple ten years ago, whose Dharma name was Haiming."

The crowd was astonished

Lianhua shook his head

The county magistrate Tao suddenly stood up: "I, as a humble official, hold great respect for you, my lord, and therefore extend you special courtesies. If you do not appreciate them, that is one matter, but to heed the one-sided words of a murderer is quite another. Although my position is lowly, I am still a scholar who has come from the imperial court. It is rather excessive and beyond your authority to search my residence without due cause."

Upon hearing this, County Magistrate Tao immediately slapped the armrest of his chair and scolded with a frown, "So you are the murderer! Someone, come here!" Realizing something was amiss as soon as he shouted, he hurriedly called out to Hong Ning, "Why aren't you quickly helping me capture the murderer!"

The hour of the rat is approaching, yet there is not the slightest sign of movement. Hong Ning is also a bit anxious and turns to ask everyone: "Have you all really gone to the weapons? What about the masters, do they have any other magical tools on them?"

The sea lord was even more convinced: "I never expected that the young lady would be a master of the Dao."

In fact, the illusion cast by Hong Ning was merely a rudimentary trick. In a moment of desperation, she resorted to this small ruse to buy time. Upon hearing this, she bowed and said, "The witness will arrive shortly; I kindly ask both lords to wait a moment longer"

County Magistrate Tao sneered: "I wonder when that important witness will arrive?"

Lianhua coldly looked at him: "The evidence is the crystal bottle from the Dragon Palace that the county magistrate has collected. It was originally guided by Lianhua to help repay a favor, but unexpectedly it aroused Zheng Ke's greed, bringing disaster to the benefactor instead."

Splendid Path: "It can be considered."

The rabbit was stunned for a moment, then jumped up and said, "You are right, I will go cultivate now." It transformed into a jade rabbit and ran away

The sea lord looked at her

The sea master observes the abbot

"Being a rabbit is quite good?" A gentle voice echoed in my ears, "You might be eaten by wolves or jackals, or perhaps even captured by humans to be fried as a snack."

The abbot is urgent: "This ... ... "

This woman is certainly not an ordinary person, and everyone understands this in their hearts, not daring to speak much

Heming clasped his hands in prayer and looked up to the sky: "This matter arose because of the poor monk and has nothing to do with others. If there are calamities in the future, the poor monk is willing to bear them all, but I only ask that the heavens do not implicate her."

Rabbit Spirit said: "I did not intend to; I merely happened to obtain a celestial fruit left over by the old immortal Shou Xing, which is how I became what I am now"

Lianhua said: "My lord, please wait for Lianhua to finish speaking before making your request."

As the talisman burned away, two large characters appeared in the air: "Arrived"

The sea lord sighed, "As an outlier, such loyalty is indeed rare and not inferior to that of humans"

Thus, you killed him

Tao Zhixian turned pale and denied, "Where is there a dragon palace crystal bottle? Nonsense!"

Hong Ning remained silent for a long time and said: "Lian Hua likes Master Heming."

Lianhua floated down and brushed against the lotus leaves, pulling him to tears: "It is I, look, look, I have attained human form!"

As soon as the words fell, the originally dark surface of the pond was unexpectedly covered with lotus leaves, and a woman in a pink dress stood gracefully upon the leaves, her delicate face resembling a peach blossom, strikingly beautiful, as if she were a fairy

Both individuals were momentarily stunned, unaware of when Jinxiu had already stood beside them

Upon hearing the four characters "Shangfang Baojian," Tao Zhixian was instantly rendered speechless.

Jinxiu looked at her for a moment: "I owe you."

A splendid smile: "Whether through coercion or temptation, I merely spoke the truth. The path of immortality is eternal; it can be comprehended, so why can you not?"

It was nearly midnight, a constable reported.

The wind has ceased, and a monk in gray robes stands with his palms together by the pond

Heming shook his head: "If one does not repay in this life, one will still repay in the next life"

Hong gazed at him and asked, "Are you also practicing immortality?"

Lianhua is more than willing.

Hai Gongjing: "Who are you?"

The yamen runners were already too frightened to move, responding in trembling voices, while the monks let out a sigh of relief

"Do not run around anymore, I have little time to see you lately," Jin Xiu sighed softly, "No matter what happens, it is all fate; you must understand this principle."

The abbot stepped forward and said: "Our temple indeed had a venerable monk named Haiming, who has gone out on a pilgrimage and has not yet returned. It is only because I arrived late that I have never met him."

Hong Ning is amusing, interrupting it: "Don't come out to scare me, and I won't catch you"

Hai Gong sat back down in his chair and looked at Lian Hua: "Just based on your one-sided account, it is difficult to convince others. How can we know that the bottle was not sent to Zheng Ke by Hai Ming himself?"

Tao Zhixian said: "Zheng Ke and Haiming were originally good friends, how could he possibly kill him! What evidence do you have? Do not slander with baseless accusations."

Feng Wanmian, as the night deepens, Hong Ning feels a complex mix of emotions. Silently, she walks past the rockery, only to see the rabbit spirit lying on the ground once again.

Hong Ning sat down on the stone and raised an eyebrow: "You always want me to cultivate immortality, but what do you plan to use to tempt me?"

Lianhua shook his head: "Even if Lianhua does not intervene, the grievances of the master will eventually be vindicated, but..." He paused.

The sea lord said sternly: "Someone, go search!"

Hong Ning said: "Do you also wish to cultivate immortality?"

Heming turned his face to look at Lianhua for a moment, gently pushed her away, turned around, and disappeared with the wind

The monk in gray raised his face, and one could see that he appeared to be in his thirties, with a high forehead and straight nose, exuding a sense of vigor between his brows. His smile was gentle yet carried a refreshing brightness: "Are you the Lotus?"

Jinxiu looked at the rabbit spirit: "It is rare that you have such a celestial affinity. Although cultivating immortality may seem uninteresting, how do you know that the days of the immortals are not difficult? At that time, you could sleep and enjoy the coolness just as you do now, without the worries of life and death, coming and going freely. Wouldn't that be better?"

The abbot hurriedly stepped forward and clasped his hands together: "Goodness, I assure you, the monks of our temple are absolutely not the murderers. Please investigate thoroughly, my lord."

Hong Ning smiled calmly: "I believe she has miscalculated the time, let me ask the commoner."

Tao Zhixian clasped his hands, his demeanor no longer as respectful, and he said defiantly: "I do not dare, it is just hard to convince people."

Lianhua said: "Lianhua does not dare to utter a single lie. Master Haiming has not actually gone out to wander; it is all fabricated by Zheng Ke. On the night of June 16, ten years ago, Zheng Ke had already killed him, binding him with iron chains and sinking him to the bottom of the pond." She pointed to the center of the pond and continued: "Right there, Zheng Ke was afraid of being discovered, so he specifically invested in building a temple to prevent outsiders from approaching the pond."

Everyone could see clearly, and they were astonished, no longer daring to underestimate her

Everyone shook their heads

Lianhua has been in this pond for a hundred years. Twelve years ago, a severe drought caused the pond to dry up. Fortunately, Master Haiming came daily to carry water for rescue. Lianhua, grateful for this kindness, intended to cultivate a human form to repay the favor. However, he was unexpectedly harmed by Zheng Ke and died under mysterious circumstances. Fortunately, heaven is watching; ten years later, Zheng Ke unexpectedly moved back in and even replaced all the items in the room that contained the character 'Buddha'.

In the middle of the night, the sky was devoid of the moon, and five or six torches were burning by the pond. In the glow of the fire, Hong Ning, dressed in a green robe, stood by the pond, while beside her, Hai Gong had also changed into plain clothes, sitting upright in a chair, accompanied by Tao County Magistrate. The two guards in blue robes stood barehanded on either side, and the various officials and constables had already sheathed their swords. About twenty monks had also removed their prayer beads and other items, standing at a distance.

Feeling flustered under his gaze, Hong Ning turned her face away: "About this matter... thank you, I will return tomorrow."

County Magistrate Tao said: "Nonsense! Nonsense! That Haiming left home to travel ten years ago and has yet to return, not knowing where he has died. How can this be blamed on Zheng Ke!"

In fact, Hai Gong had stayed in the temple for several days and had heard some rumors about the actions of this county magistrate. He was determined to punish him. A mere county magistrate had privately established a treasure vault, hiding so many valuable treasures. This was indeed a rare opportunity

Before the monk in gray could respond, a voice filled with surprise rang out from Lianhua: "It is Master Haiming! Master, do you still remember me?"

Just as I was thinking, a gust of wind suddenly swept up from the pond

The bestowed sword is the best talisman against evil. It was only then that Haigong realized her fear, so he ordered the two blue-robed guards to stop, turned around and commanded everyone to apprehend County Magistrate Tao. He then turned back and shouted at the yamen runners: "Close the temple doors! Anyone who secretly communicates or sends word outside will be executed on the spot!"

The monk in gray lowered his head and clasped his hands in greeting: "I am indeed Haiming, who was harmed by Zheng Ke ten years ago. My remains have been buried at the bottom of the pond, unseen by the light of day. I have suffered greatly in the underworld. Today, the King of Hell has seen that my sins have been purged and was about to send me for reincarnation. Fortunately, a divine being sent a message on my behalf, thus I have been granted the opportunity to come here to confront the matter, to prevent the wrongful accusation of an innocent person."

Seeing it disappear on the opposite shore, Hong Ning felt both angry and amused, glancing at Jin Xiu: "Is there such a hint? Wouldn't this be considered tempting others?"

This woman made such strange and bizarre requests, and Hai Gong was initially somewhat worried, regretting that he had agreed too hastily. If he were to mobilize everyone in the middle of the night and ended up with no results, he would inevitably become a laughingstock in the future. However, seeing her calm demeanor and complete confidence, he gradually felt reassured.

Lian Hua made a bow: "Thank you, Sir Xie"

Sea Lord Accident: "You ... ... "

Hong Ning understood his meaning: "Rest assured, Lord Hai. Jin Xiu would never deceive me"

The Sea Lord smiles as he gazes at the sea: "Karma and retribution are also what you are destined to endure. Now, one of you is affectionate and the other is righteous. Although you are not of the same kind, your mutual kindness is profound. It would be better for this court to take the lead and allow you to return to secular life, so as not to disappoint her heartfelt intentions. What do you think?"

Hong Ning remained calm on the surface, yet was extremely anxious inside. Although she had just used a bit of clever trickery to temporarily get by, it could only serve as a stopgap. If that lotus did not appear soon, it would truly be difficult to explain

Hai Gong also said: "How do you know he was harmed by Zheng Ke?"

Upon discerning the identity of this individual, it was discovered that there was no shadow beneath him, causing the crowd to retreat in unison

No one could have imagined such hidden circumstances, and everyone looked at each other in bewilderment

Upon hearing this, Hai Gong could not help but frown and looked towards Hong Ning with a hint of inquiry in his expression. He had specifically led the group to wait here because he heard that an important witness would be arriving tonight

Hong Ning cast a cold glance at him: "My lord, why the hurry? Since she dares to come forward and confess, would she really run away? Even if she is the murderer, we must first hear her testimony."

After speaking, she took a few steps forward towards the pond, took a deep breath, drew a talisman from her bosom, silently recited an incantation while gazing into the air, clapped her hands together, and then tossed it upwards. The talisman floated gracefully into the air and ignited on its own.

The sea official is indeed well-informed and knowledgeable, and with many years of experience in office and a sense of integrity, he quickly composed himself: "Who is this young lady? If you know the ins and outs of this case, you might as well speak the truth."

For some reason, upon hearing these words, Hong Ning felt a trace of unease arise in her heart. She vaguely replied with an "en" and suddenly stood up, saying, "I will take my leave now"

Heming paused for a moment and expressed his gratitude: "I am deeply grateful that you, my lord, have shown mercy and spared her. However, humans and demons are on different paths, and the beings of grass and wood do not enter the cycle of reincarnation. How can I, a humble monk, unjustly ruin her cultivation? I shall take my leave for now."

Unlike the previous gust of wind that accompanied Lianhua's arrival, this wind was particularly cold and carried a chilling aura, causing a shiver in the hearts of those present. Several torches nearly extinguished, casting a pale and ghastly hue on the faces of the crowd, prompting everyone to involuntarily tremble.

The Sea Lord expressed some displeasure: "This matter requires further discussion. Once the truth is ascertained, this government will certainly provide your sister-in-law with justice."

Hong Ning sensed something unusual and was overjoyed: "Since you have already arrived, why do you not show yourself!"

Splendid Path: "If in the next life, Hai Ming is willing to devote himself to cultivation, and if there is indeed a connection in the future, the two of them can ascend to the immortal path together, which is surely better than in the mortal realm?"

Upon seeing her, the rabbit spirit perked up its ears and said, "Are you going to catch me again?" Then it began to ramble on about the difficulties of its cultivation.

The two characters, as large as a doudou, shone brightly and took nearly ten seconds to gradually fade away like fireflies

The Sea Lord furrowed his brows and said in a deep voice: "Bold demon, how dare you take a life without permission? If you do not thoroughly explain the reasons today, this office will not let you off lightly!"

Who killed Zheng Ke?

The rabbit spirit agrees: "That is what is said."

Red sorrow and melancholy

Lian Hua was just about to speak when a gust of cold wind swept in

Splendid and unwavering: "Emotions, the eternal path of immortality, life endures, and there exists an everlasting affection. However, in the mortal realm, each lifetime leads to the forgetting of past affections. Just like you, do you still remember your past life? In the next life, you will forget your current master and senior brothers even more. If you wish for it to be eternal, the only way is to cultivate immortality."

A bizarre and sinister case occurred in the temple, and County Magistrate Tao wished to keep his distance. However, when the governor sent someone to invite him, he had no choice but to brace himself and comply. He was already filled with anger, and upon realizing that this was yet another scheme devised by Hong Ning, he became even more impatient: "This is nothing but a ruse! In my opinion, it must be these monks who are up to no good. It would be better to detain them and conduct a thorough interrogation; I am not afraid they will not confess!"

Hong Ning asked: "Why do you want to protect me?"

The wind came fiercely, with countless dust and sand swirling, yet it was not cold, faintly carrying the fragrance of lotus leaves and flowers, piercing directly into the heart, while the surrounding flames inexplicably dimmed a few degrees

Following Lianhua's指示, the crowd quickly retrieved the skeletal remains from the pond and placed them in a coffin. The sea official personally led a team to search Tao County Magistrate's home. Zheng Ke's notorious reputation was well-known, and his death was not a loss; the investigation aimed to ensure that the monks in the temple were not wrongfully accused. Although the events of this night were mysterious, there were many witnesses. As for Tao County Magistrate, his misdeeds numbered in the thousands, if not hundreds, and the treasures in the vault were sufficient to secure a conviction.

The words were spoken naturally, but to Hong, they seemed to carry an air of ambiguity, making her feel quite uncomfortable: "I don't remember you owing me anything."

Hong Ning hurried to reassure: "There is no need for alarm, my lord; she is indeed the witness referred to by the common woman."

Lian Hua was lost in thought

Hong Ning sighed lightly: "Indeed, cultivating immortality is quite boring"

Hemingway, look at Lianhua

Hong Ning lightly remarked: "There is no need to attribute everything to heaven; heaven also acts through the hands of people. It is only because it holds dominion over all that it can establish certain heavenly principles for others to follow. This does not necessarily mean it is truly fair, as some individuals commit numerous wrongdoings yet continue to live well."

Hai Gong sneered: "Do you mean to say that this government has no authority to conduct a search?"

Hong Ning said: "So you deliberately let the lotus flowers in this pond wither on June 16."

Lianhua nodded

Hong Ning said: "What is important to us is this life; who remembers what happens in the next life? What is so remarkable about heaven? It merely uses Lianhua's hand to clear your name. However, if Lianhua kills privately, it will only increase the severity of her future tribulation. If she cannot overcome the tribulation, she will be forced to revert to her original form. This too is attributed to heavenly will. It is evident that heaven is a merciless entity, while we, being emotional, become weak."

It is fine not to remember

Everyone covered their faces with their sleeves, exclaiming: "What a wonderful fragrance!"

Heming nodded: "This matter has its origins. In my youth, I made unwise friendships and fell in with a band of outlaws, committing countless murders. To escape the pursuit of the authorities, I became a monk. Although I later wished to repent and return to the right path, I was ultimately burdened by deep sins. Thus, I met my end at the hands of Zheng Ke, and spent ten years in the underworld atoning for my crimes. Now that my sins have been purged, I implore you, sir, to take charge and retrieve the bones from the bottom of the pool, allowing me to enter the cycle of reincarnation.

Hai Gong nodded and asked Lian Hua: "Do you have a grudge against Zheng Ke?"