Chapter 123: Snow Ridge Twin Immortals

Lingnan Prefecture is a unique commandery located at the border of Qingzhou and Yunzhou. Its terrain is complex, characterized by numerous mountains and rivers, with continuous ranges and crisscrossing waterways. The climate is hot and humid, feeling like spring all year round, with abundant rainfall and perpetual mist. Due to the heavy humidity, the forests often contain noxious vapors, making it difficult for outsiders to adapt.

However, this climate also gives rise to many unique medicinal herbs and teas. Consequently, merchants from Qingzhou and Yunzhou frequently visit Lingnan to procure goods, trading between the two regions to profit from price differences.

For instance, the caravan that brought Gu Mo and Gu Chudong on this trip regularly transports local porcelain specialties from Linjiang Commandery to Lingnan, selling them at high prices. They then purchase Lingnan's medicinal herbs, furs, and teas at low prices to sell them at a premium back in Linjiang Commandery.

Although the round trip takes a long time and the journey is perilous, the profits are substantial, making the risk worthwhile.

The caravan's owner, Ma Xingkong, was a native of Linjiang City. Though a merchant, he was also involved in the martial arts world and thus was intimately familiar with Gu Mo's renowned name. Consequently, he took meticulous care of Gu Mo and Gu Chudong throughout the journey.

One afternoon, the group was traveling through a large mountain range. Though it had been sunny that morning, the sky suddenly became heavily overcast.

However, such weather was commonplace for the caravan members. Ma Xingkong, the owner, rode his horse alongside Gu Mo and said, "Sir Gu, Lady Gu, it's about to rain. We might be delayed again today. But it shouldn't last too long; the climate in Lingnan is like that—the rain comes and goes quickly."

Gu Mo nodded slightly. In the few days since entering Lingnan territory, he had indeed witnessed its climate, which was as unpredictable as a child's mood, crying one moment and laughing the next.

"It's fine, Mr. Ma," Gu Chudong said. "Now that we've reached Lingnan, we're not in such a hurry. Are you planning to make camp here?"

"There's no need for that," Ma Xingkong replied. "This mountain is called Kongming Mountain, and there's a temple within it named Kongming Temple. A master of profound Buddhist teachings, Dharma name Huiyuan, resides there in seclusion. I have a good relationship with Master Huiyuan, so we can rest temporarily at Kongming Temple. It's been half a year since I last saw Master Huiyuan, so it's a good opportunity to visit."

"That's great," Gu Chudong said. "Camping outdoors is never as comfortable as staying indoors."

Immediately, Ma Xingkong ordered the caravan to pick up pace.

The caravan consisted of about ten people and three flatbed wagons, making it a relatively simple setup and allowing for quick travel.

As the group passed a crossroads, a small temple came into view. The vermillion paint on its exterior walls was mottled with age, and a few branches of unknown wildflowers emerged from the top of the wall, swaying gently in the breeze, adding a touch of life to the ancient site.

Ma Xingkong quickly said, "That's Kongming Temple. Sir Gu, Lady Gu, please wait a moment; I'll go knock on the gate."

Immediately, Ma Xingkong dismounted and rushed to the temple gate to knock.

In a moment, the gate opened, revealing a young monk with a gentle appearance, seemingly around twenty years old. He was very mild-mannered and smiled, instantly inspiring goodwill in anyone who saw him.

The young monk pressed his palms together, bowed, and asked, "Are you here to offer incense and pray for blessings, benefactor?"

Ma Xingkong looked at the young monk with some doubt and said, "Where is Master Huiyuan? I am his friend, passing through and coming to visit him."

"So you are a friend of my master," the young monk replied. "My name is Juechen, and I am the master's newly accepted disciple. He has been invited out to visit a friend. Currently, only my senior brothers and I are at the temple. If you are not in a hurry, you may enter and rest. The master should return tomorrow."

Ma Xingkong said, "We can't wait until tomorrow. However, it's about to rain, and I'd like to borrow your temple to take shelter temporarily. Would that be possible?"

Juechen quickly replied, "Of course, please come in."

Immediately, Ma Xingkong gestured for the caravan members to lead their horses into the temple from the side. It was clear that Ma Xingkong was indeed very familiar with Kongming Temple, having frequently stopped there to rest.

The temple was indeed very small, featuring a small central courtyard, two side wings, and a main hall in the middle.

Despite its small size, the temple housed a surprising number of statues. In the center was a clay statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva, and on either side of the main hall were statues of Weituo Bodhisattva, Shancai Tongzi, Longnü, and the Four Heavenly Kings. However, perhaps the disciples were slacking off in their master's absence, as not even incense or candles were lit.

No sooner had the group entered the courtyard and begun tying their horses than the rain poured down. Everyone quickly tied their horses loosely and hurried into the main hall to shelter from the downpour.

Upon entering the main hall, Ma Xingkong and the others were slightly startled. There were two young women sitting on cushions in a corner. However, their surprise wasn't simply because there were two women; it was normal for others to seek shelter from the rain here, especially since the women had bundles, indicating they were also travelers.

Ma Xingkong and the others were surprised because the two women were exceptionally beautiful.

The two young women sat quietly in coarse linen clothing, without makeup, yet their natural beauty was undeniable. The woman on the left had eyes that conveyed a spring-like warmth, her gaze soft and watery, exuding tenderness with every glance. The woman on the right slightly lowered her head, her lips gently pursed, like a begonia blooming for the first time in the rain—fragile yet possessing a charming vulnerability that inspired pity. Their gentle demeanor made everyone feel a sense of compassion.

Seeing so many people enter, the two young women appeared timid and hesitant, their shy demeanor evoking pity.

Their appearance made Ma Xingkong and the other men in the group feel somewhat constrained, especially the younger members of the caravan. Some even blushed, their hearts racing, not daring to look directly at the women, yet unable to resist stealing glances.

Ma Xingkong cupped his hands towards the two women without speaking, then signaled for his caravan members to rest. As people of the *jianghu*, they were unpretentious and sat on the floor. Aside from occasionally sneaking glances at the two women, their rest was no different from usual, except their voices were much quieter, perhaps out of respect for the Buddhist sanctuary or to avoid disturbing the beautiful women.

In the corner, the two women were also secretly observing the caravan members. When their gazes fell upon Gu Mo, a strange glint appeared in both their eyes. They exchanged a look, then couldn't help but glance at him again.

Just then, Gu Mo smiled faintly.

The two young women actually smiled back.

The two young women were already stunningly beautiful, and their smiles made the young men in the caravan's hearts race and breaths quicken. Even the married middle-aged men, including Ma Xingkong, found themselves captivated by their smiles, their minds momentarily wandering.

However, just then, the monk Juechen entered, breaking the atmosphere in the main hall. He carried a small tea table with three plates of pastries, two teapots, and some cups on it.

"This humble temple is simple, and I apologize for any oversight, benefactors!"

Monk Juechen placed two plates of pastries in front of Ma Xingkong and the other caravan members, along with two teapots and cups according to their number. Then, he separately brought a teapot and a plate of pastries to the two young women.

Everyone thanked Monk Juechen.

Monk Juechen pressed his palms together, bowed, and said, "Please rest here, benefactors. My senior brothers and I will be in the side rooms. If you need anything, feel free to call us."

With that, Monk Juechen slowly exited the main hall.

Inside the main hall, the caravan members began picking up teacups or eating pastries.

Ma Xingkong personally poured tea for Gu Mo and Gu Chudong, saying, "This tea must be Master Huiyuan's personally crafted 'Mingqian Mountain Tea.' The leaves are picked from the old tea trees at the top of Kongming Mountain a few days before Qingming Festival each year. Master Huiyuan calls it 'Mingqian Mountain Tea,' and combined with his unique technique, it's truly a rare fine tea. It's a pity Master Huiyuan is unwilling to share his method; otherwise, with proper management, there might be another top-grade tea available on the market."

Ma Xingkong took a sip while speaking, praising, "It is indeed Mingqian Mountain Tea; it still has that same flavor. When I return from this trip, I must ask Master Huiyuan for some."

Gu Mo smiled faintly, unsure how to respond, as he didn't understand tea. To him, all tea tasted the same; having him drink fine tea was like casting pearls before swine.

However, just as Gu Mo raised his teacup to drink, he froze. Similarly, Gu Chudong, who was beside him, also froze with her teacup. She frowned slightly and whispered, "Brother, is this Soul-Trapping Powder?"

Gu Mo nodded slightly.

"This..."

Gu Mo smiled faintly.

Gu Chudong understood immediately. She raised her teacup and drained it, but with a sleight of hand, she vaporized the tea using her internal energy.

Gu Mo did the same. Although the Soul-Trapping Powder would have no effect on him, he disliked taking medicine. However, he didn't stop Ma Xingkong and the others because the powder was harmless, merely inducing sleep.

As expected, it wasn't long before some caravan members began to feel unwell, their heads growing heavy and dizzy. However, Soul-Trapping Powder was known as the most potent soporific in the martial arts world, bar none.

Thus, even though Ma Xingkong's internal energy ranked as second-rate in the *jianghu*, he couldn't resist its effects and promptly passed out.

Gu Mo and Gu Chudong cooperated fully, leaning against the wall and feigning unconsciousness.

A short while later, footsteps sounded from outside the door, and a group of six monks entered. Juechen led them, but apart from him, the other five were all ferocious-looking, the kind that immediately inspired fear.

Juechen's gentle demeanor vanished as he grumbled, "Damn it, these people nearly ruined my plans!" Then, looking at the two young women in the corner, he leered, "Brothers, I never thought we'd find such good fortune with women, even hiding in this godforsaken place!"

"Boss," a bald, burly man said, pointing at Gu Chudong, "Don't forget, there's another one here. Although she hasn't fully matured, her looks and figure aren't bad at all. Especially her skin, it's truly exquisite! How does that saying go... so delicate it could break if... blown or touched..."

"It's 'delicate as if it could break if blown or touched,' you big oaf. Regretting your lack of education now, are we?"

A teasing female voice suddenly rang out.

"Right, right, right, it's 'delicate as if it could break if blown or—'"

The bald man stopped mid-sentence, suddenly stunned. Not just him, but the other monks were also stunned, their faces filled with horror as they watched the two women, who were supposedly unconscious in the corner, now smiling at the six of them.

"The Six Freaks of Qishan, you're really hard to find!"

The six monks were instantly aghast as the woman revealed their identities. Monk Juechen's pupils contracted slightly as he gravely said, "We seem to have misjudged you. May I ask who you two are?"

The two women gracefully rose to their feet. In an instant, their aura dramatically transformed. Their previous gentle fragility and endearing vulnerability vanished like smoke, replaced by an aloof and noble elegance that kept others at a distance. An invisible chill seemed to emanate from them, deterring anyone from approaching too easily.

"We come from Xueling."

Juechen was greatly alarmed: "The Twin Immortals of Xueling!"