18. Are you able to gain entry into the Imperial Palace?

Dinner at Heling Village was strictly served only after nightfall. Perhaps it was due to the presence of outsiders, or perhaps this was their usual custom, but the entire village—dozens of people—gathered together to dine. The scene was incredibly lively; with each household contributing a dish, there were over a dozen varieties spread out. Their harmonious bond likely stemmed from the fact that they were not merely neighbors, but also fellow disciples, sharing a connection far deeper than the ordinary. The banquet resembled a long, continuous feast set up along the road, where anyone could sit and eat. There were five tables in total, arranged side-by-side as if they formed one single, long surface, each set with identical dishes for convenience.

Master He sat at the head of the table on the far right. Guests such as Yue’er, Zhao Chengxian, and Feishu were seated at the same table, while the others were arranged more casually. Every dish was prepared using fresh flowers; it was a breathtaking sight that satisfied both the palate and the eyes.

Feishu, unable to contain his impatience, wanted to probe who among them had the ability to infiltrate the palace. He spoke up, “Master He, do you all possess the art of light-body movement?” He asked so abruptly that if Master He and his people were indeed the ones behind the palace incident, he risked alerting them prematurely.

Zhao Chengxian glanced at Feishu with a calm, steady gaze, signaling him not to be so direct. Yue’er looked up and intervened, explaining to Master He, “We were just remarking on how high the peak is. If you didn’t possess exceptional agility, how could you come and go so freely?” She managed to smooth things over; otherwise, there would have been no natural way to continue the conversation.

A stunningly beautiful young woman laughed, “Of course! Every one of us here practices light-body movement. Getting from here to the peak is effortless!” In truth, every disciple and grand-disciple of Master He was strikingly handsome or beautiful; there was not a single plain or unattractive person among them.

Hearing the young woman’s words, Feishu seized the opportunity to ask, “Could you easily infiltrate the Imperial Palace?” This time, Zhao Chengxian did not stop Feishu. Instead, he took a sip of floral tea, watching Master He and the others closely for their reaction.

A tall, robust man stood up, visibly agitated. “We do not associate with those in the government, and we have no reason to visit any palace! Those officials are heartless and ungrateful—who would want to deal with such soulless wretches?”

Why did they harbor such resentment toward government officials? Had some official once wronged them, or was someone among them a wanted fugitive?

Zhao Chengxian smiled and asked, “Do you all have some history with the authorities? Did someone once offend you?” He was glad he hadn’t brought his guards; his decision to keep them away had been the right one, as it prevented them from being identified as government men.

Master He smiled faintly and replied, “That is all in the past. There is no need to speak of it now.” It was clear he was unwilling to discuss the matter.

However, Zhao Chengxian and his companions had to press for answers; it was the very purpose of their visit. Yue’er smiled and persisted, “Did you offend some powerful dignitary, which is why you chose to seek refuge here at Heling Mountain?” Since they were already there, they had to get to the bottom of it.

Everyone set down their chopsticks and looked toward Master He. The Master nodded, and his eldest disciple, a man of about fifty sitting beside him, spoke up. “It is not that we offended anyone, but rather that we saw the heartlessness of those in officialdom. Decades ago, our Master took in a student. At the time, the man was not yet an official. Later, he attained the rank of top scholar. To curry favor with his superiors, he actually stole a manuscript our Master had painstakingly compiled, *Selected Works of Painting and Dyeing*, which contained various techniques for art and textiles. We went to him to demand its return, but he pretended not to know us. Would you not call such a man heartless and ungrateful?” It was evident they were people of deep feeling; otherwise, they would not have remained loyal to Master He for so long.

Zhao Chengxian asked indignantly, “What is the name of this traitor who betrayed his master?” He was certain this was the person they were looking for. Looking at the people of Heling Village, every one of them appeared to be someone who cared nothing for worldly strife; they were incapable of such petty, malicious acts.

Master He shook his head and said, “I was blind to his true nature. His name was Li Laifu. He may have changed it by now; all I know is that his surname is Li. Beyond that, I know nothing.”

Zhao Chengxian was now convinced that the people of Heling Village were not the thieves, and he ceased his questioning.