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Walking along, Chen Qingyuan pondered.
When he first arrived at the Buddhist Sect, the Old Monk had said, "You are fated with our Buddha."
Now hearing similar words again, it was hard for Chen Qingyuan not to overthink.
In this lifetime, I'd rather die than become a monk!
With this belief, Chen Qingyuan quickened his pace.
"Why do I feel so exhausted?"
Chen Qingyuan felt weak all over, as if an unknown force had drained his strength, unaware of what had transpired while he was in that mysterious state.
He continued walking until he reached the front hall of Tianxu Temple, where he finally slowed down.
"Little Donor, why the rush?"
The Old Monk walked alongside Chen Qingyuan, smiling.
The other monks wanted to follow, but the Old Monk sent them away, forbidding anyone from tailing them.
"Master, tell me honestly, are you trying to make me a monk?"
Chen Qingyuan boldly asked.
"If the Little Donor wishes, of course, it's possible."
So that's how it is.
Understanding Chen Qingyuan's actions, the Old Monk went along with it, teasing him on purpose.
"I have no such thoughts. Being a monk is so tiring! Rising early for chants and prayers, just thinking about it gives me a headache. And there are so many precepts: no alcohol, no meat, no intimacy with women…"
The more Chen Qingyuan spoke, the more energized he became, resolute in not converting to Buddhism.
"Ah, that's a pity."
Even if Chen Qingyuan wanted to join the Buddhist Sect, the Old Monk didn't have the courage to accept him! He said this just to tease Chen Qingyuan, to chat and build rapport, lightening the mood.
"Master, since this matter is settled, may I leave now?"
Every corner of the Buddhist Sect was solemn, making Chen Qingyuan feel uncomfortable.
"No rush, stay a few more days," the Old Monk said. "The Little Donor has expended much spiritual energy and needs proper rest."
"The Buddhist Sect won't force me to become a monk, right?"
Chen Qingyuan asked quietly, unsure.
"That won't happen, please be assured, Little Donor!"
The Old Monk laughed, quickly making a promise.
"That's good." Chen Qingyuan nodded lightly, agreeing to stay a bit longer.
"I'm old and don't quite understand the thoughts of the young, so Daochen Monk will take care of the Little Donor from now on."
With that, the Old Monk used Sound Transmission to summon Daochen Monk.
Daochen Monk arrived on command, standing beside Chen Qingyuan.
"Take good care of Chen Donor, do not neglect him."
The Old Monk instructed.
"Yes," Daochen Monk accepted the order.
Even without the Old Monk's words, Daochen Monk would have done his utmost to host Chen Qingyuan. Without Chen Qingyuan's help, the demonic thought within the Buddhist Cauldron would not have been so easily subdued.
"Donor, please."
Daochen Monk led the way, introducing the surrounding buildings.
Chen Qingyuan wasn't particularly interested in these.
Half an hour later, they arrived at a secluded and elegant guest hall for Chen Qingyuan to rest.
Alone in the room, Chen Qingyuan could finally rest properly.
That night, as darkness fell, Daochen Monk knocked gently on the door.
Knock, knock, knock…
The sound reached Chen Qingyuan's ears.
Upon opening the door, he saw Daochen Monk holding a box, his expression serious: "Chen Donor, this is a gift from the abbot of Tianxu Temple. Inside is a medicinal herb to replenish spiritual energy and a prayer bead. Please keep them safe."
Chen Qingyuan took the box with a hint of suspicion.
Before he could ask, Daochen Monk didn't give him the chance, completed his task, bowed with hands clasped, and left.
After Daochen Monk was far away, Chen Qingyuan closed the hall door and returned to his room, placing the wooden box on the table.
With curiosity and suspicion, Chen Qingyuan slowly opened the box.
Inside was a pale blue seven-leaf herb, a rare medicinal plant known for dispelling evil thoughts, stabilizing the Dao Heart, and replenishing the soul.
There was also a small pale yellow square box in the wooden box.
He picked up the small box and opened it slowly.
Inside was a golden prayer bead the size of half a fist, smooth and lustrous, flawless.
"What is this?"
Chen Qingyuan examined the prayer bead for a long time but couldn't find anything unusual about it.
However, since it was a gift from Tianxu Temple, it must be extraordinary. Recalling Daochen Monk's solemn demeanor, Chen Qingyuan surmised the bead was a treasure and carefully put it away.
Then, Chen Qingyuan refined the medicinal herb, and his depleted spirit quickly recovered.
The next day, Daochen Monk brought a specially prepared plain porridge.
"It's tasteless!"
Chen Qingyuan muttered, slightly disdainful.
"This porridge is specially prepared for the Donor, do not waste it."
Only after Chen Qingyuan finished the porridge did Daochen Monk leave, satisfied.
After drinking the porridge, a warm current entered his organs.
Hum—
Suddenly, Chen Qingyuan felt a heat surge through his body and quickly sat down to meditate. After a while, he opened his eyes and found his Cultivation Level had advanced, and it wouldn't be long before he could break through to the Elemental Infant Realm.
"Tianxu Temple has been too kind to me!"
Chen Qingyuan felt somewhat embarrassed.
During his stay at Tianxu Temple, Daochen Monk often accompanied him on strolls and even took him to a nearby city to relax.
After rejuvenating his spirit and ensuring no lingering effects on his body, the higher-ups of Tianxu Temple were finally at ease.
"Thank you for your hospitality during this time."
Chen Qingyuan was ready to leave, bowing to the Old Monk and the other monks.
"Little Donor, take care on your long journey."
From the beginning, the Old Monk never treated Chen Qingyuan with the airs of a Powerful Figure, always kind and approachable.
"Master, there's no need to worry, I'm leaving."
The Buddhist Sect had been too enthusiastic, making Chen Qingyuan uncomfortable, and he had long wanted to leave.
"Little Donor, keep the prayer bead with you at all times; it may save your life when it matters."
The Old Monk, fearing Chen Qingyuan wouldn't value the bead, warned through Sound Transmission.
Hearing the Old Monk's words, Chen Qingyuan nodded heavily: "I understand, thank you, Master."
Then, Chen Qingyuan set off on his journey home.
This time, Chen Qingyuan found the way home free of trouble and obstacles, a smooth journey. Before, he occasionally encountered Star Domain bandits specializing in robbery.
Too smooth!
Chen Qingyuan paid a hefty sum of Spirit Stones, used the great teleportation arrays across various regions, crossed the Chaotic Sea, and arrived at a corner of the Northern Wilderness.
Secretly, the Old Monk had sent a Mahayana monk to Protect the Dao for Chen Qingyuan, ensuring he wouldn't encounter trouble in the Eastern Land.
Of course, Chen Qingyuan was unaware of this, thinking it was a stroke of good luck.
After more than a month, Chen Qingyuan reached the core area of the Northern Wilderness and activated the Prohibition on his identity jade card.
Suddenly, a vortex appeared before Chen Qingyuan, and he stepped into it.
Whoosh!
In the blink of an eye, Chen Qingyuan had finally returned to the Academy.