The two exchanged a look. Xiang Jintian did not carry any identification on him.
Xu Qian's thoughts stirred, and a transparent card appeared in her hand.
"We are from Guangming Base," she said, pausing. "Guangming Base was established by the former leader. Most of the survivors in the north are concentrated there."
Tong Wu's eyes brightened slightly. He lowered his gaze and took the card from her hand.
Dual-element esper with psychic abilities, member of the War Wolf Army.
"Benefactor, what is the former leader's name?"
Xiang Jintian replied, "Mei..."
Tong Wu's belief grew. The leader used a different name in public and their original name within the temple.
Even the leader of a nation would fear retaliation against their family.
There were very, very few people with the surname Mei.
"Benefactor, is he well?"
The leader was a devout Buddhist. Jiaye Island was close to B City, and he visited frequently for worship, becoming familiar with the place after several trips.
The explosives were also sent on the leader's orders.
Xiang Jintian sighed, "The leader has passed away."
Tong Wu's hand, which was rubbing prayer beads, paused. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.
He then slowly closed his eyes and began to recite Buddhist scriptures.
Qiu Chan, hearing this, also closed her eyes and began to murmur prayers.
Xu Qian did not understand.
Xiang Jintian sighed softly. He knew the leader often visited Jiaye Island, but he hadn't realized the abbot had such a deep connection with him.
Things were different now. His name, whether spoken or not, no longer mattered.
The two did not disturb them, waiting quietly nearby for them to finish their prayers.
After a long while, his thick eyelashes lifted, and his eyes were devoid of any ripple.
"Benefactors, the laboratory is in the forest to the southeast. You can destroy the base, but you must not, under any circumstances, affect the temple."
Xu Qian's eyes lit up, and she nodded in thanks.
"Thank you."
Master Tong Wu stood up and patted the slight wrinkles on his monk's robe. The movement was fluid, as if he had done it thousands of times.
"Qiu Chan, let's go."
Qiu Chan stood up, her eyes sparkling.
"Benefactor, you will keep your word?"
Xu Qian smiled and nodded, "Naturally."
With barely any visible effort, half of the reception room was piled high with rice and some ready-to-eat vegetarian food.
Qiu Chan exclaimed, "Wow," and threw herself onto the rice.
"Master, Master, look!"
Tong Wu, however, frowned. "Benefactor, food is scarce at the moment..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Xu Qian understood. She waved her hand dismissively.
"It's fine. I promised Qiu Chan I would do it."
"Master Tong Wu, we will go to the forest to take a look first. Even if you hear any commotion, please do not come closer, to avoid being affected."
Tong Wu sighed, a rare occurrence, and nodded.
"Very well, Benefactor, what is your name?"
"Xu Qian."
"Xiang Jintian."
Suddenly, Tong Wu pursed his lips and smiled. His handsome face, like the moon in the wind, seemed to radiate Buddhist light.
"Female benefactor, may I ask you to step aside to speak?"
Xu Qian raised an eyebrow slightly, not quite understanding why they needed to speak privately.
She turned and exchanged a look with Xiang Jintian.
His expression remained unchanged, and he nodded at her.
After the wooden door was closed, Tong Wu stepped in front of Xu Qian, his eyes, clear as the moon, intently scrutinizing her.
Startled by his sudden proximity, Xu Qian took a step back.
"Master Tong Wu."
Tong Wu's expression did not change. He unfastened a red string from his neck and handed her a yellow object.
"Female benefactor, you are destined to carry misfortune and are prone to bleeding disasters. I have a charm here that can alleviate it somewhat."
Xu Qian was taken aback, not expecting that the reason for wanting to speak to her privately was this.
"But... this is from your neck."