Chapter 2356: Defying Fate (Patreon)

Chapter 2356: Defying Fate

Shu Yu sat beside the her Master, carefully observing her. She didn't notice any signs of injury or mistreatment, which relieved her.

The room they were in was quite spacious, and it housed only the Dongqing Temple Master. All the necessary amenities were available. Compared to Cheng Xian's cramped room, the East Clearmind Sect Leader's treatment was significantly better.

"Master, how did you end up in the Southwest? When we last parted ways, you said you were going to the capital," Shu Yu inquired.

The Dongqing Temple Master also observed Shu Yu and, satisfied with her condition, replied, "A fellow Daoist was in danger, so I came to the Southwest to help. Unfortunately, I arrived too late. My fellow Daoist's Daoist temple was destroyed, and he is still missing. When I arrived in the Southwest, I was captured as well."

Shu Yu furrowed her brow. "Master, didn't you sense the danger here?"

"One can calculate for others but not for oneself. Besides, this is my karmic fate. Even if I had known the danger, I couldn't have avoided it," the Dongqing Temple Master responded.

Shu Yu decided not to comment further on her master's profound insights.

"They kept you here for a reason, didn't they? It can't be just to lure us here," Shu Yu pondered.

"They asked me to read their fortunes," her master explained.

Shu Yu immediately understood. Her master's abilities had been verified by the previous emperor. A few years ago, the Fifth Prince had sent Meng Yunzheng to seek her help in divination. Members of the imperial family believed in such matters, especially during times of uncertainty.

"Did you read their fortunes?" Shu Yu asked.

"Yes," her master nodded.

Shu Yu became intrigued. "So, what did you see in their fortunes? I remember you once told the Fifth Prince that he was a true dragon emperor. They can't have changed their fate in just a few years, right?"

Her master replied calmly, "They are at their weakest."

Shu Yu was taken aback. "Weakest? Does that mean they won't succeed?"

The term "weakest" seemed to suggest that their chances of success were minimal.

Her master continued, "Their last-ditch effort."

Shu Yu was left speechless. The people from the black market would likely be infuriated when they heard this. Being at their weakest meant that their success was highly unlikely.

"If you've already seen their fortunes, why are they keeping you here? Did you refuse to help them?" Shu Yu asked.

"Of course, I refused. Changing one's fate against the heavens, especially in matters concerning the fate of a nation, is not something I should get involved in. Even if I escape the cycle of reincarnation after death, your ancestor would not spare me," her master explained.

Shu Yu suddenly realized why they hadn't killed her. Perhaps they intended to use her as leverage to coerce her master into helping them change their fate.

"Master, since you said they are at their weakest, can't we just relax and wait? After all, it seems they're destined to fail," Shu Yu suggested, half-jokingly.

The Dongqing Temple Master gave her a glance.

Shu Yu chuckled, "Just kidding." If they couldn't succeed, it didn't mean they couldn't take them down together.

But there was still work to be done.

As she was contemplating, a knock came from the door.

Shu Yu raised her gaze and saw a middle-aged man entering the room.

This man... he seemed to be the steward from the Jiangyuan County black market, the one with the beaded bracelet on his wrist.

Her gaze instinctively fell on his wrist, but it was concealed by his sleeve.

The steward smiled and asked, "Dongqing Temple Master and the County Princess finished their conversation?"

"Aren't you listening from outside?" Shu Yu replied.

He chuckled, "I was. So, what's the County Princess current stance? Do you want to persuade the Dongqing Temple Master?"

Shu Yu raised an eyebrow and suddenly said, "Could we have a private conversation, Mister... in charge?"