Chapter 51: Selling Books

The Golden Bell Temple was famous for its massive golden bell that weighed over ten thousand catties. It was said that once this giant bell rang, those destined to hear it could see their past and future lives while standing before it.

The golden bell had not rung for several years. However, given Madam Red’s status, the Golden Bell Temple would never refuse her request. In fact, the temple master personally stepped up, shirtless, to push the wooden mallet for Madam Red.

Dong… Dong… As the deafening yet melodious sound of the bell flew into the air, Su Tang and Wen Xiang entered the Golden Bell Temple, watching Madam Red’s back from a distance.

Their outfits were the same as the day before yesterday. The only difference was that Wen Xiang held a birdcage in her hand. Inside was a canary that seemed to be injured, as its movements in the cage looked clumsy.

Su Tang found it strange. They had come to kill someone; why were they carrying a birdcage? He had asked Wen Xiang, but she refused to tell him.

Pfft… Madam Red, who had been standing there with a solemn expression, suddenly laughed. “It seems I am not the destined one. Xiao Qi, look at his expression… Hehe… Hahaha…”

The golden bell weighed over ten thousand catties, and the large wooden mallet used to strike it weighed nearly a thousand catties. Moreover, the recoil from each strike was very strong, making it difficult to keep the mallet balanced. The shirtless temple master stumbled slightly, and his arms were shaking. It seemed his Cultivation had been neglected for a long time.

“Madam, what did you say?” Gu Qijue asked loudly. The sound of the bell was still echoing in his ears, so he had not heard her words clearly.

Madam Red had not heard what Gu Qijue was saying either. She turned around and happened to see Su Tang in the distance. Su Tang was startled and quickly avoided her gaze.

“I have no destiny with this golden bell, but I seem to have some with him…” Madam Red sighed softly.

The bell had stopped ringing. This time, Gu Qijue heard her clearly. He followed Madam Red’s gaze and smiled. “Madam, shall I invite him over?”

“That works. These days are so boring…” Madam Red’s eyes sparkled with charm. She then turned around and walked swaying toward the temple.

Su Tang stared blankly at Madam Red’s back until she disappeared through the corner gate. Only then did he reluctantly turn his head. Gu Qijue saw this entire scene and laughed secretly in his heart. Then, seeing that Su Tang seemed about to leave, he quickly walked over and called out, “Young man, please stay.”

Su Tang was stunned. He turned around and asked uncertainly, “Are you… calling me?”

“That’s right, young man. My lady invites you,” Gu Qijue smiled.

“Really?” Su Tang was overjoyed. He shook off Wen Xiang’s hand and strode toward the temple.

“Zhenye, where are you going?” Wen Xiang stepped forward to chase after him.

“Miss, you cannot enter.” Gu Qijue reached out to stop Wen Xiang.

“He can enter, so why can’t I?!” Wen Xiang was almost crying from frustration. “Zhenye, don’t leave!”

“Go home first,” Su Tang shouted without looking back.

“Do not worry, miss. My lady just wants to discuss a deal with the young man. He will be out soon,” Gu Qijue said.

Wen Xiang glared at Gu Qijue, turned around angrily, and walked out of the temple. As she walked, she muttered, “Stinky men can’t be trusted… stinky men…”

“Wait a moment…” Gu Qijue called again.

“Why are you calling me? You won’t even let me in!” Wen Xiang said crossly.

“Miss, I saw you holding a book the other day. Travels of Moyun Ridge?”

“Ah, what about it? Does me reading a book bother you?!” Wen Xiang’s tone was sharp.

“I love reading travel books the most. I wonder if the miss…”

“I never lend my books!” Wen Xiang refused flatly.

Although Wen Xiang’s attitude was very unfriendly, Gu Qijue did not mind. In his eyes, Wen Xiang was just a little girl throwing a tantrum. Instead of hating it, he found it innocent and romantic.

“No, I am willing to pay a high price to buy it. I hope the miss can grant my wish.”

“A high price, huh…” Wen Xiang’s eyes lit up. She asked tentatively, “How much… can you pay?”

Gu Qijue looked Wen Xiang up and down. He guessed that this girl came from an average family and was not very wealthy, which was why she clung so tightly to that Nangong Zhenye. “How about this, I will give you ten gold coins.”

“Ten gold coins?” Wen Xiang pouted. “That’s too little. There are six books in total, and you only give ten gold coins? These belonged to my grandfather’s grandfather’s…”

“Ten gold coins per book, for six books? Then that would be sixty gold coins in total,” Gu Qijue smiled.

Wen Xiang opened her mouth wide and looked at Gu Qijue blankly, unable to speak for a long time. Gu Qijue asked, “Miss?”

“You… you are not joking?”

“Why would I joke about such a thing?”

Wen Xiang suddenly took several steps back, looking alert. “You don’t have some evil intention, do you?!”

Gu Qijue didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He felt the girl was cutely foolish. Could one really ask if someone had evil intentions?

“Miss, I can give you the money first. Besides, it’s broad daylight… Hehe…” Gu Qijue laughed awkwardly.

Wen Xiang remained cautious and took another step back.

“Everyone in Changshan County knows your young man Zhenye. How would I dare? Rest assured, miss, I just want to buy the books,” Gu Qijue explained, though he was becoming a bit impatient.

“Give me the money first.” Wen Xiang held out her hand.

Gu Qijue counted out the gold coins and handed them to Wen Xiang. Wen Xiang finally smiled, but then she became nervous again. “Come with me now. My grandfather is not home. If he finds out I sold his treasures, he will definitely beat me to death!”

Actually, according to common sense, as a personal guard, he should never have let Madam Red leave his sight. Even if she was doing something private, he should have ensured he could hear her. But on second thought, this girl was simple-minded and didn’t know what she was selling. However, the girl’s elders would understand. If they heard someone coveted those books, they would flee or hide them immediately, which would make things much harder.

Besides, Madam Red might have a flirtatious moment with that Nangong Zhenye; as long as he returned quickly, it was fine. There were other Martial Artists responsible for protecting Madam Red anyway. Furthermore, with Madam Red’s family background and status, who would be brave enough to provoke her?

“Miss, please lead the way.” Gu Qijue decided to get the books first.

He followed Wen Xiang through streets and alleys, finally arriving at a small courtyard. Wen Xiang looked back and whispered, calling out sneakily, “Grandpa… Grandpa…”

Gu Qijue, behind her, almost burst out laughing.

There was no response from inside. Wen Xiang looked delighted and waved her hand. “Quick, come inside quickly…”

Gu Qijue followed Wen Xiang into the courtyard. Wen Xiang said, “Wait for me here. I’ll go find the books for you.”