Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1271 - 564: Dissipation

A heavy sigh escaped Monk Quan Heng's lips.

It's not that he longed for any particular person.

He simply wished to encounter more survivors from Tianyuan Town, verifying that additional lives had endured that horrific night, which would ease his lingering guilt just a bit.

Amitabha, demons rampant, chaos engulfing the realm.

The deepest bitterness belongs to the plight of the masses.

When will tranquility finally descend upon this world...

Deep in his heart, Monk Quan Heng yearned for the day when a savior would usher in everlasting harmony, allowing all to thrive in joy and security, free from demonic threats.

Should opportunity arise, he would pay any price to fulfill that majestic dream.

Despite his frailty and lack of strength, he forever cherished the aspiration to rescue every sentient being.

While these thoughts swirled in Monk Quan Heng's mind, the majestic silhouette of An Mansion loomed into view ahead.

Yet he remained oblivious that his presence delighted An Mansion's elite, slotting another vital fragment into the Soothing Spirit Pillar enigma.

"Welcome, Master Quan Heng of Zhongfu Temple, to An Mansion!"

The warm greetings and grinning throng felt like the yawning portals of Hell unleashing upon these two souls.

...

Jiuyang Temple.

"Not nearby, but cannot rule out the possibility of someone else responding."

Ding Hui’s voice echoed straight into Fang Yu’s thoughts.

Fang Yu kept a stoic face, advancing steadily with the masses like any pilgrim burning incense and venerating the Buddha, though his senses had already fanned out widely.

"Sirs..."

Having endured the jammed lineup, the trio now stood near the front, their moment to burn incense and pray fast approaching—then Qin Er could slip the intel into the Merit Box, fulfilling the Rebel Army's directive.

Still, she had to seek permission from these two masters first; even with her secret code hidden in the report letter—her potential lifeline—she needed to perform every facade to perfection.

Failing that, these two would slay her long before aid could arrive.

Conditions at Jiuyang Temple diverged from her anticipations. Crowds did flock to burn incense and pray, utterly crammed together, yet the sheer density kept the three pressed close, barely any room to maneuver.

Qin Er yearned to exploit a gap for escape, yet no such moment presented itself.

They had shuffled along till now, nearly at the front for prayers.

As Fang Yu gave a subtle nod of approval, Qin Er exhaled softly in relief, her grip instinctively clenching the report letter tighter.

Qin Er’s subtle maneuvers amused Fang Yu somewhat.

The vast chasm in their strengths rendered all her plots pathetically futile.

Forget Fang Yu—even Ding Hui pierced her petty schemes effortlessly, and likely without drawing on their power disparity; mere reflection sufficed to unravel Qin Er’s tiny ploy.

"Do we not need to care about her?" Fang Yu inquired softly.

Ding Hui’s voice resonated within his mind once more.

"To catch a fish, you must first put the bait. Don’t rush, I’m watching."

Fang Yu shrugged indifferently; it mattered little to him.

His prowess allowed instantaneous reaction to whatever crisis might erupt.

Furthermore, his recent wide sweep of the incense-burners revealed mostly civilians amid the throng, with scant few possessing minor might—and those barely qualified as basic Martial Artists, unworthy of Fang Yu’s notice.

By now, the line had advanced to their slot for incense.

Each of the three clutched their sticks, proceeding to offer prayers.

Fang Yu held no faith to begin with; he mimicked the prior devotees—lighting incense, bowing, planting it—rushing through the rituals. As he rose upright, he abruptly stiffened.

That beaming Buddha idol, reminiscent of the Leshan Giant Buddha, suddenly emanated a queer unease.

The sensation struck abruptly and vanished just as quick.

Gazing back at the statue, no such vibe lingered.

Fang Yu creased his brow faintly.

Despite the nagging suspicion in his chest, the lack of a health bar on the statue meant it was merely an eccentric carving.

"What’s wrong?"

Ding Hui’s voice sounded in his mind.

Fang Yu gave a faint headshake.

"Nothing."

Having paid respects to the idol, Qin Er approached the Merit Box to finish her duty.

Soon after, the trio departed the temple.

The Merit Box at Jiuyang Temple stood open to visitors and monks alike for deposits, yet withdrawing contents demanded proper credentials or covert methods.

One by one, pilgrims tossed in their incense offerings, though none retrieved a thing for some time.

Until...

A grinning monk clad in robes a shade deeper than the standard ones approached the Merit Box, flanked by fellow brethren, palms pressed in greeting.

Shielded by his companions, he produced a key, unlocked the Merit Box, and withdrew an item from within.

"Is it him?"

After looping around and concealing himself in the darkness, Fang Yu gestured toward the man, whispering his query.

Qin Er shook her head in clear nervousness.

That shake meant uncertainty, not refusal.

As a true novice in the Rebel Army, she barely knew the members inside, and identifying faces was beyond her.

Yet Fang Yu clearly held some doubt toward her; his eyes shifted unbidden to Ding Hui, plainly asking for his take.

"Don’t rush."

Ding Hui gave his head a subtle shake.

"He didn’t touch that letter at all, just pocketed some incense money. He’s likely from the temple, though we can’t exclude the chance he’s a Rebel Army agent sent to distract or flush someone out."