Having a previous harmless experience with the ghostly bus, Marcus did not want to alarm anyone, so he just shrugged off Elvin’s confusion: “Maybe it’s some kind of night bus program? Let’s be careful and not raise any suspicion.”
“Okay.” Elvin nodded and slightly sped up the vehicle.
“I don’t know. Marcus, something’s off about that bus.” Keryn’s voice came from the middle row seats: “There’s no passenger, and there’s - there’s a strange fog around it - ”
“It’s okay. Just keep to ourselves.” Marcus interrupted Keryn: “I’ve seen it before. No need to worry about anything - ”
“Oh, he stopped. He picked up someone.” Kevin interjected: “It’s weird. This is way too late - too early for any bus ride.”
“Wait, what is it, Marcus?” Elvin’s voice began trembling.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s fine. Just ignore it and move forward.” Marcus shook his head: “It’s not our first priority right now. ”
Keryn wanted to ask again, but Kevin stopped her before she could utter a word.
“Temple Way’. We’re almost there.” Elvin announced.
“Alright. Drive really slow and be careful when you hit dirt road, it’s really rough and no signs on either side. ” Marcus let out a breath of relief.
The SUV was as smooth as its luxury status would suggest as well. On a dirt and pebble road that would make absolutely most vehicles tumble up and down only made the body of the vehicle waved a little and barely caused Marcus any discomfort.
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“Wait, there’s someone here already.” Keryn poked her upper body through between the front seats.
In the simple, crude parking space covered with some cracked cement and stone plates, parked one simple and humble, even rugged looking van with a slightly longer trunk than normal.
“Could be one of the master’s old contacts.” Marcus narrowed his eyes as he hopped off his seat. “Let me take a look first - don’t go off right away.”
Keryn jumped off the SUV and signaled Kevin and Mick to stay inside. Both mystic martial artist detectives circled the van a few times. As it turned out, this strange vehicle was only made to look simple. Upon close inspection, the tempered glass windows, the embedded steel plates and the reinforced tires were still visible.
“No one’s inside. But let’s still be careful.” Keryn nodded at Marcus.
They proceed to go up the narrow path uphill towards the temple in a defensive formation. Marcus was in front, while Keryn stayed in the back. It took a bit longer than usual, but they reached the Temple of Forgetfulness without any surprises.
“Detective, come on in.” Wuzui answered the door, wearing his new robe.
A man that looked even older than Master Liaoran was sitting on a simple hay mat next to the master in the outer sanctum, sipping tea. Master Liaoran changed into a simple, well-fitted robe. There were a number of hay mats laid around them, waiting to seat more people.
“Detective Cai. I see you come just in time.” Master Liaoran stood up and bowed to them gently: “And the one who would provide us passage to where we want to go is here as well.”
“Thank you, Master.” Marcus bowed back, the rest of the group bowed along with him.
“That’s all of you?” The nameless man did not even stand up, and just shook his head at Marcus and the group: “And looks like most of you are civilians? I am not really optimistic about this, Liaoran. ”
“We still have at least one mythic martial artist coming with us.” Marcus added.
“So that’s - three of you.” The nameless man shrugged: “And three civilians. I don’t think you guys have that big a chance. Do you even have artifacts on you to shield you from the air and the sounds inside?”
“This monk will manage that for them. Old friend.” Master Liaoran smiled at his friend, then he turned to Marcus: “And some more is coming?”
“I think probably just one. Gloria Lee, I don’t know if you know her, Master.” Marcus answered after a short moment of hesitation: “I’d hope her friend - mentor would be coming. But I am not confident about it.”
“This monk has met her before.” Master Liaoran nodded: “And her mentor - if she knew what we had planned, she might NOT choose to come with us. Don’t worry, it would be for a good reason.”
“She’s not coming, and for indeed a good reason.” Gloria’s voice came from behind. Marcus turned around, and saw her coming into the temple with a middle aged man: “Master Liaoran. This is both of us. And we’re honored to join you on your quest.”
“Great. One more civilian!” The nameless man shrugged.
“That is Sifu Tae Kuo of the Fuman Coffin Home. He could be more than helpful than someone who knew only how to fight.” Master Liaoran chuckled: “And much appreciation for your bravery, Sifu. This monk is much more hopeful of our endeavor thanks to your being here with us.”