Chapter 144: A Twist of Fate

Chapter 144: A Twist of Fate

"Red Cloud Demon Monk!?"

Zhuge Changtian's face turned pale: "H-how did he get here? What are we to do now?"

Master Red Cloud’s travels and deeds had long been known to all.

He glanced back at the three bandit leaders, who were also exchanging uneasy glances.

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance looked at Su Mo: "Our only hope now is for the Chief to turn the tide. I have urgent matters to attend to within my alliance, so I must take my leave."

With that, he was about to withdraw.

"You!?"

Zhuge Changtian nearly spat blood in anger. Just a moment ago, they were planning to form an alliance, but now, at the first sign of trouble, one of them was running away?

But in a flash, the leader of the Red Leaf Gang had already blocked his path.

"You, Venomous Fang, really don't know your place. Do you truly think you can escape?"

"…What does the leader of the Red Leaf Gang mean by this?"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance’s face darkened: "Are you trying to detain me?"

The leader of the Red Leaf Gang shook his head: "If you really want to leave, why would I stop you? But, use that snake brain of yours and think it through. The Red Cloud Demon Monk is already at the Jiaolong Association. How far is it from there to your Green Snake Alliance?"

"This…"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance frowned: "What do you suggest?"

"Our best course of action is to gather everyone here and confront the Red Cloud Demon Monk. Let’s see what skills he possesses that have made all the river factions submit to him."

The leader of the Red Leaf Gang spoke with a sense of righteousness: "Otherwise, it’s just a matter of time before disaster strikes."

"That is true…"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance seemed to be thinking of something and glanced at Su Mo, letting out a slight sigh of relief.

"Ha ha ha ha!"

The chief of the Xuanlong Water Village laughed heartily:

"The leader of the Red Leaf Gang may be a woman, but her words resonate deeply with me.

"Not like that venomous snake, who whines like a woman!

"The Red Cloud Demon Monk has been famous for a long time. Now is the perfect opportunity to meet him and see what kind of person he is."

His words caused both the leader of the Green Snake Alliance and the leader of the Red Leaf Gang to turn red with anger.

Zhuge Changtian sighed: "The Evernight Valley has misled me. I heard that the Red Cloud Demon Monk was coming, so I began preparations early. But the sudden appearance of the Evernight Valley threw all my plans into disarray.

"Now, we can only rely on all of you."

As he spoke, they heard Master Red Cloud’s voice again:

"Amitabha, this poor monk Red Cloud humbly requests that the Chief of the Jiaolong Association, Zhuge Changtian, come out for a discussion."

Master Red Cloud’s voice remained calm and composed, without any hint of urgency.

"The great monk can’t wait anymore."

The chief of the Xuanlong Water Village laughed: "Let’s go, I’ll take the lead."

After saying that, he walked ahead.

The others exchanged glances and followed behind. Zhuge Changtian was about to join them when Su Mo pulled him back.

"Does Chief Su have something to say?"

Zhuge Changtian asked quickly: "Whatever you command, I will not refuse!"

"It’s nothing, just…"

Su Mo glanced at the big man: "Do you have any food here?"

"Ha ha ha."

Zhuge Changtian nodded hurriedly: "I’ll have someone bring some right away."

"Thank you."

Su Mo smiled: "I promised her that after we settle things here, I would give her something to eat and drink. I can’t break my word."

"I understand, I understand!"

Zhuge Changtian instructed someone to fetch food from the kitchen and said: "This person is truly brave. To be honest, I’ve spent half my life on this river and have seen many characters. Such a brave hero is rare… Well, Chief Su, please wait a moment. I still have some matters to attend to, so I must take my leave."

With that, he bowed and led his people off to greet Master Red Cloud.

Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun exchanged a glance: "Shall we go and meet him?"

"Since we missed him at Red Cloud Temple, we should definitely meet him now that we’ve encountered him."

Yang Xiaoyun nodded immediately.

Chu Qiuyu listened in surprise: "You’re talking about Master Red Cloud? Are you two old acquaintances?"

"Indeed, we have met before."

Su Mo smiled and said, "This great monk is no ordinary person; he is quite extraordinary."

"Anyone who can make all the bandits along the river convert and take the tonsure must be no ordinary person."

Chu Qiuyu nodded.

"Will Miss Chu join us?"

Yang Xiaoyun asked.

"I was just about to ask you two to introduce me."

Chu Qiuyu smiled, "It would be a pity not to meet such an extraordinary person in person."

"Then let's go."

Su Mo extended his arm, gesturing, "Please."

"Please."

Chu Qiuyu also stepped aside courteously.

As they walked together, the big, burly man who had been so fierce earlier now slunk behind them, looking as if he were on his last legs.

It wasn't until someone from the Jiaolong Association brought her a roasted pig's leg that she perked up, her small eyes gleaming with excitement. She eagerly grabbed it and gnawed away, grease dripping from her mouth.

At this moment, the Jiaolong Association's water fort had completely calmed down.

Along the way, they saw many traitors bound and thrown to the side, awaiting their fate.

Upon reaching the gate of the water fort, they heard Zhuge Changtian's voice echoing from afar:

"Which one is Master Red Cloud? I am Zhuge Changtian, and I apologize for not being able to welcome you properly!"

They had arrived almost simultaneously with Su Mo, but only now did he speak.

When Su Mo and his group approached, the people of the Jiaolong Association parted to let them through.

From a distance, they could see a large boat moored on the river.

The sail bore no design, only a single large character: 'Bitter!'

A group of monks with fierce appearances stood solemnly at the bow of the ship, some with their hands clasped in prayer, silent and still.

Others looked upon them with compassionate eyes.

At the bow of the large ship, a young monk sat, holding a small abacus, clicking the beads with a worried expression.

He was the very same guest monk from the front of Red Cloud Temple.

As Zhuge Changtian's words faded, a figure leaped from the ship, moving through the air and landing gracefully before the Jiaolong Association's water fort.

Leading the group was none other than Master Red Cloud.

To his left stood a towering man with a fierce countenance, whom Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun recognized after a moment's thought.

"Halfday Madman!?"

Yang Xiaoyun whispered to Su Mo, "I almost didn't recognize him with his head shaved. Has he really converted?"

Recalling what the young guest monk had told him, Su Mo remembered that Halfday Madman was originally supposed to be dealt with by his senior brother.

But Halfday Madman refused, and the senior brother, feeling inadequate, had to call upon Master Red Cloud.

At the time, the young monk had said, "This guy is in for it..."

Master Red Cloud practiced a scripture called the 'Painful Person Sutra,' specifically for converting those who resist.

Now, it seemed, the young monk's words were true.

Thinking of the power of the Painful Person Sutra, Su Mo had to admit that Halfday Madman's conversion wasn't surprising.

On the other side of Master Red Cloud stood another monk with a fierce appearance, though Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun didn't recognize him, possibly a new disciple taken in during their journey.

The old monk remained thin and gaunt, his robe flapping in the cold wind.

Surrounded by the two fierce-looking men, he looked like a hostage tied up by bandits.

Of course, neither Zhuge Changtian nor the three bandit leaders dared to underestimate this old monk.

Seeing the old monk place his hands together and say, "Amitabha," just as he was about to speak, he suddenly paused:

"Mr. Su?"

These words took Zhuge Changtian and the others by surprise.

They instinctively turned to look at Su Mo.

Seeing Su Mo step forward and smile, they said,

"Master Red Cloud, it has been a month since we last met, and you still look as distinguished as ever."

Zhuge Changtian and the others felt a bit dizzy.

So it turns out Su Mo actually knows this Red Cloud Demon Monk?

The already tense situation instantly became even more strained.

Without delving into the past, the deep internal strength and terrifying physical power Su Mo displayed in the water dungeon, where he snapped iron chains and broke handcuffs, were enough to make none of them dare to underestimate him.

Not to mention his previous feat of defeating the Youquan Cult?

Zhuge Changtian was almost tempted to snatch the pig's hind leg from the fat man who was gnawing on it.

This guy not only eats but also smacks his lips... truly disrespectful.

Of course, no matter what he felt inside, he had to maintain his composure and force a smile.

He heard Master Red Cloud say with a smile:

"Amidst the sea of suffering, only the heart can find peace. How has Su Mo been?"

"Thank you for your concern, Master."

Su Mo replied with a smile: "I have been well."

"That's good."

Master Red Cloud nodded.

Then he heard Su Mo say: "Why has Master suddenly come to visit the Jiaolong Association at this time?"

"Su Mo, you may not know..."

Master Red Cloud said: "This old monk led many disciples on a hard journey along the river. After reaching the Three Rivers Watershed, we could only travel by boat. We happened to hear that Zhuge Changtian of the Jiaolong Association, for some unknown reason, has sealed off the river, trapping many merchants in Three Rivers Bay.

"Therefore, I took the liberty of visiting at night, hoping that Zhuge would show mercy and not compound the mistake."

Zhuge Changtian's face darkened, and he quickly said: "Master! Blocking the river is not my doing."

"Oh?"

Master Red Cloud looked at Zhuge Changtian: "This old monk would like to hear more."

Zhuge Changtian dared not hide anything.

He recounted how Evernight Valley was plotting against the Jiaolong Association and even wanted to control the entire waterway.

Master Red Cloud was silent for a moment after listening. Then he heard Halfday Madman Ning Wubian sneer from the side:

"Master, we can't believe this. We don't even know what Evernight Valley is. They just spout lies, and who knows if any of it is true?"

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Changtian glared at Halfday Madman:

"How can you say such things? Zhuge Changtian may be incompetent, but I am not a coward.

"Why would I deceive you?

"However, I have long heard of your reputations. Capturing people along the river and forcing them to become monks—your methods are far from honorable.

"Despite this, I still treated you with respect upon your arrival.

"For a monk to slander someone's reputation without evidence is truly baseless!"

Halfday Madman sneered again, about to retort.

But then he heard Master Red Cloud say calmly: "Hui Bian, be silent."

"Master..."

Halfday Madman's face changed slightly.

The old monk said: "Your anger is too strong, and you have yet to see through it. Today, you are making baseless accusations. Enough... extend your hand."

"Master!"

Halfday Madman's face changed dramatically: "Disciple is wrong, truly wrong!"

Master Red Cloud glanced back at him, and Halfday Madman immediately dared not speak further, kneeling on the ground and extending his hand.

Master Red Cloud lightly swept over the Shenmen point on his palm edge, causing this large man to tremble uncontrollably, his face contorted with pain.

Master Red Cloud did not look at him, only saying:

"Su Mo, is what Zhuge Changtian said true?"

"It is indeed true."

Su Mo nodded: "I also came here because of the Jiaolong Association blocking the river. There are other complications within the water fort tonight. Why doesn't Master Red Cloud come inside and we can discuss the details?"

"If Su Mo invites me, how can I refuse?"

As Master Red Cloud spoke, he approached, and Halfday Madman was taken to the boat.

Another large monk stayed behind, bringing along a dozen or so other monks who followed.

Master Red Cloud glanced back at them, his gaze inscrutable.

Only now did Zhuge Changtian regain his senses, quickly saying: "Master, please come inside."

"Thank you, Sir."

Master Red Cloud clasped his hands in a bow, which left the onlookers marveling.

They all say that this monk is entirely unreasonable, arriving at a place and immediately forcing people to become monks, leaving no room for negotiation.

Now it seems that these words were exaggerated.

Though the old monk is inscrutable, his actions are always measured and principled; he is certainly not one to act recklessly.

This has put Zhuge Changtian and the others at ease.

Immediately, they worked together to invite the old monk inside.

Along the way, there were signs of destruction everywhere, indicating that the Jiaolong Association had indeed gone through a great turmoil just now.

As they walked, Master Hongyun casually recounted the details to Su Mo.

At first, Master Hongyun led a group of monks away from Red Cloud Temple, intending to use ascetic practices to temper their minds, allowing them to experience the suffering of the world and reform their ways.

Wherever they went, if they encountered bandit strongholds with excessive violence, they would naturally try to persuade them to join the monastic life.

However, somehow, soon after they set out, rumors began to spread.

It was said that he led these monks to force everyone along the way to convert to Buddhism, and those who refused would be forcibly shaved.

After this rumor spread, no matter where they went, no one would listen to the old monk's explanations. It was clear that not everyone was to be shaved... only those with deep sins would be guided into the Buddhist path.

Otherwise, even the leaders of bandit strongholds would not be shaved without reason.

After all, in such a difficult world, how many bandits were forced to take to the mountains?

On the mountain, they also had families to support, how could they easily abandon the secular world?

But this consideration was ignored, and every time he arrived somewhere, these people would fight him to the death, as if they would not rest until Master Hongyun shaved them.

Once the killing intent arose, Master Hongyun found it hard to refuse, so he took them all in one by one.

As a result, the group grew larger and larger.

He originally intended to travel south along the road, cross the Hui River, and reach the Fallen Phoenix Alliance.

He planned to pay respects to the Grandmaster of the Fallen Phoenix Alliance, Wei Ruhan, and seek guidance on the principles of good and evil from this grandmaster.

However, under these circumstances, he had to change his route and head directly for the Hui River, planning to follow the river.

But when the water stronghold saw this group of monks approaching, they immediately recalled the rumors... and the old events were repeated.

Throughout the journey, Master Hongyun frankly admitted that while there were indeed many deeply sinful individuals who sincerely wanted to be converted,

there were also many who were shaved for no apparent reason.

"Fortunately, these people are not inherently bad. Even if they cannot sever the ties of the secular world, after some training, they can return to lay life."

Master Hongyun laughed wryly, "This can be considered not going against my original intentions."

Su Mo and the other leaders present were all taken aback by this account.

Every rumor about this monk described him as vicious, forcing people to shave and taking them away... they never imagined there were so many twists and turns involved.

Zhuge Changtian suddenly felt quite grateful to Evernight Valley.

Because he had already prepared to fight the monk to the death, with all preparations underway, waiting for the monk to arrive and engage in battle.

But after the turmoil in Evernight Valley, all his preparations were in disarray.

Instead, by a twist of fate, they had an opportunity to communicate, and upon hearing this, he suddenly felt that his chances of avoiding being shaved were quite high.

He became even more courteous to Master Hongyun.

Their casual conversation brought them to the main hall of the Jiaolong Association, where they took their seats according to guest and host. Zhuge Changtian and Master Hongyun both insisted on being humble, and eventually, they even involved Su Mo, resulting in no one willing to sit in the main seat.

So the main seat was left empty, and they sat down without regard for left or right.

Zhuge Changtian had someone bring tea for everyone to drink.

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance personally went to serve, bringing the tea and offering it to each person.

When it came to Su Mo, before he could reach out, the large man following him quickly took the cup:

"I, I, I, I, I... I'm so thirsty!"

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance instinctively pulled back his hand and glanced at Su Mo.

Su Mo smiled, "Give it to her first."

"Oh, she doesn't understand the rules."

The leader of the Green Snake Alliance shook his head, "Head Security Chief Su, please wait a moment."

Saying this, he turned around and fetched another cup, then handed it to Su Mo.

Su Mo raised an eyebrow, looked down at the teacup silently, and heard Zhuge Changtian laugh:

"You serving tea yourself, in the past I wouldn't have dared to drink it, but today we stand shoulder to shoulder against the enemy, which is different from before.

"Tonight, turning the tide was no easy feat. If it weren't for Head Security Chief Su saving us from the clutches of Evernight Valley, the Jiaolong Association would truly have fallen into their hands.

"Here, let's toast with tea instead of wine, to all of you!"

"Cheers!"

Everyone raised their cups together, and Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun also held their cups with their sleeves, bringing them to their lips.

There was no savoring of the tea; it was all downed in one gulp.

Only Master Hongyun did not partake, but no one paid it any mind.

"Come, Master, let me introduce you to everyone present."

Zhuge Changtian began introducing each person to Master Hongyun one by one.