Daochen’s appearance instantly drew the attention of many.

A monk?

Which faction?

A Heaven’s Pride from a certain lineage in the Western Border, who was nearby, stepped forward and asked, “Dao Friend, where do you come from? How should I address you?”

“I am Daochen, a humble monk from Tianxu Temple in the Eastern Land.”

Daochen clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect as he answered.

This response immediately caused a stir.

The words “Eastern Land” spread rapidly among the various factions.

Countless eyes fell upon Daochen, scrutinizing him with complex expressions.

“The Eastern Land has not participated in the Hundred Veins Banquet for many years. Their presence today must have significant implications.”

A group of old fellows sitting in the elegant pavilion of the Immortal Mansion also noticed the travel-worn Daochen, each lost in thought, a glint of surprise flashing in their deep eyes.

“Tianxu Temple, the holy temple of the Buddhist Sect of the Eastern Land. I see this young monk has a pure Buddhist heart and is protected by Buddhist markings on his body. He is likely the Buddha’s child of this era from the Eastern Land.”

An old one’s gaze pierced through the endless void, seemingly seeing through Daochen.

“The Buddhist Sect has always ignored matters outside the Eastern Land. Sending a disciple to participate in the Hundred Veins Banquet today must have a hidden agenda. We must be cautious.”

Although only Daochen came from the Eastern Land, it caused many powerful figures in the Imperial Province to look serious and be on guard.

On the warship of Misty Palace.

Chen Qingyuan was enjoying tea inside, feeling quite pleased.

“Old Chen, I heard a monk from the Eastern Land has arrived. Quite interesting.”

Zhangsun Fengye pushed the door open and said as he walked in.

“A monk from the Eastern Land? Is the news reliable?”

Hearing this, a glint flashed in Chen Qingyuan’s eyes as he turned to ask.

“Of course it’s reliable. The monk came alone, without any Protectors accompanying him.”

Zhangsun Fengye was quite puzzled about this.

The Eastern Land is very far from the Imperial Province, yet they let a young monk come alone. Aren’t they afraid of the dangers on the way?

“What’s his name?”

Chen Qingyuan asked.

“I don’t know yet. Let’s go out and take a look!”

Zhangsun Fengye suggested.

“Let’s go.” Chen Qingyuan, now interested, put down his teacup and quickly walked out of the elegant pavilion to the bow of the ship.

Scanning the surroundings, Chen Qingyuan used his cultivation and eye technique to look at a certain corner of the starry sky, focusing on the monk in simple robes, Daochen.

It’s him!

Chen Qingyuan recognized him at a glance. Though his expression didn’t change much, his heart was in turmoil.

Years ago, Chen Qingyuan had visited the Eastern Land to help Tianxu Temple deal with a demon.

Although he didn’t know the details of how the demon was dealt with, since then, the Buddhist Sect of the Eastern Land had treated him very well, even gifting him the relic of the previous abbot.

Chen Qingyuan had met Daochen a few times, so they were acquaintances, though not quite friends. However, his intuition told him that he would become very familiar with Daochen in the future.

The Buddhist Sect had given Chen Qingyuan the prayer bead relic, clearly intending to bind him to them.

“Little monk, you look quite decent. Want to come to my room for a cup of tea?”

Passing by the area where the Pear Blossom Palace of the Southern Region was located, a pretty woman loudly called out to Daochen.

“Hahaha…”

As soon as she spoke, a burst of laughter like the chirping of orioles came from the warship of Pear Blossom Palace, making many young talents who heard it feel restless and captivated.

“This humble monk is not blessed enough to be fated with the lady.”

Daochen was very polite, turning to bow.

He had lived in the Buddhist Sect since childhood, reading various Buddhist scriptures and spending years with a wooden fish, having no understanding of worldly desires, anger, ignorance, hatred, or matters between men and women.

The last time Chen Qingyuan met Daochen, he felt that Daochen was very solemn, with every inch of his skin protected by Buddhist light, as if a Buddha had descended to the mortal world.

The abbot intended to cultivate Daochen, knowing that keeping him in the temple to practice empty Buddhist teachings would not allow him to grasp the true essence.

As the abbot said, without entering the mortal world, how can one see through it?

Only by seeing through the mortal world can one truly understand life and master the Great Vehicle Buddhist teachings.

This path, though arduous, must be faced by Daochen himself.

“Fate is elusive and intangible. How can you be sure you are not fated with me, little monk?”

The woman was relentless. Her words were somewhat frivolous, but her eyes were extremely pure, without any evil thoughts. Clearly, she was teasing Daochen on purpose.

“Amitabha.”

Daochen clasped his hands together and closed his eyes to chant sutras.

Originally, Daochen planned to leave the area of Pear Blossom Palace quickly, but his path was blocked by several women, making it impossible to escape.

“Little monk, don’t be in such a hurry to leave! How about playing with us for a while?”

A woman in a white dress, standing six feet tall, with skin as smooth as jade and a beautiful face, spoke.

“Could it be that I’m not pretty enough to catch your eye, little monk?”

A woman in a pink dress, with seductive eyes, said in a bewitching tone.

“The Hundred Veins Banquet has not yet begun. No need to rush off.”

Although these women were trying their best to tease Daochen, there was no seduction in their eyes, only a hint of coldness.

Pear Blossom Palace wanted to make Daochen lose face in front of the powerful figures of the world, thereby disgracing the Buddhist Sect of the Eastern Land.

The young talents from various factions watched Daochen being surrounded by beautiful women, feeling parched and eager. Many of them were shouting in their hearts, “Sister, I can do it!”

This monk doesn’t understand romance, but I do!

The disciples of Pear Blossom Palace were all exceptional beauties, one in a million. Usually, they were as cold as ice, keeping people at a distance.

Today, encountering Daochen, they bizarrely put on a show of seduction, causing much gossip.

“What’s going on?”

Seeing Daochen blocked by Pear Blossom Palace, Chen Qingyuan was puzzled.

“They want to disgrace the Buddhist Sect on purpose.”

Zhangsun Fengye seemed to know the reason, his expression calm.

“Does the Buddhist Sect of the Eastern Land have a grudge against Pear Blossom Palace of the Southern Region?” Chen Qingyuan turned to ask, “Tell me about it.”

Wu Junyan and Zhangsun Qian also looked over, their eyes filled with curiosity, wanting to know the reason.

“I heard an elder mention it by chance. Many years ago, there was a highly talented monk from the Eastern Land, unmatched among his peers. That monk…”

Zhangsun Fengye then began to recount a long-forgotten story of cause and effect.

The monk entered the world, determined to save people and eliminate demons and monsters that plagued the world.

He had traveled to the Northern Wilderness, walked through hundreds of Star Domains, resolving countless disputes. He had also gone to the Western Border, helping the Holy Sect of the Eighteen Lineages suppress a demon rebellion, spreading Buddhist teachings and saving all beings.

Later, he went to the Southern Region and encountered an event that almost ended his Buddhist path.

His destined tribulation, unavoidable.

A tribulation of love!

Since ancient times, those who truly enter the realm of love either achieve great success or live with eternal regret.

He was the most talented disciple of the Buddhist Sect, and his fate was already sealed.