Academy, Baiyan Palace.
Chen Qingyuan had barely returned when an irresistible force whisked him away to this place.
"Brat, did everything go smoothly?"
The one who acted was none other than his nominal Master, Yu Chenran.
By the lakeside, Yu Chenran sat cross-legged on the water's surface fishing, while Chen Qingyuan also stood atop the water, bowing respectfully: "Fairly smoothly."
"That's good to hear."
Learning that the Buddhist Sect of the Eastern Land had decided to entwine their fate with Chen Qingyuan, Yu Chenran's mood was exceedingly pleasant.
This meant that once Chen Qingyuan's identity was revealed, the Buddhist Sect would surely lend a hand, further enhancing his safety.
"By the way, there's something I'd like your help with, to take a look."
Saying so, Chen Qingyuan took out the prayer bead and presented it before Yu Chenran.
The moment Yu Chenran saw the prayer bead, his eyelids twitched violently, and his hands couldn't help but shake.
"The fish that just bit the hook has gotten away."
His fluctuating state of mind caused the hooked fish to slip away.
Yu Chenran's eyes remained fixed on the prayer bead, asking very seriously, "Did Tianxu Temple give this to you? Was it given or lent?"
"It was given." Chen Qingyuan noticed something off about Yu Chenran's expression and asked with doubt, "Master, is this prayer bead very precious?"
"It's… it's alright!" Yu Chenran struggled for words, finally stabilizing his emotions and slowly said, "Since it's from Tianxu Temple, keep it safe. Don't reveal it unless absolutely necessary."
"Yes." Chen Qingyuan stored the prayer bead within his body and continued to inquire, "Master, you haven't told me what this prayer bead is?"
"The relic of the previous abbot of Tianxu Temple, the only one of its kind in the world."
Yu Chenran took a deep breath and said solemnly.
"What?"
Hearing this, Chen Qingyuan was startled, letting out an exclamation.
The relic of the previous abbot contained a lifetime of Buddhist teachings, its value beyond any worldly measure.
Previously, this relic was placed under the Buddhist Cauldron to stabilize the formation and seal the demon.
Now that the demon within the Buddhist Cauldron had been thoroughly eradicated, the Old Monk decided to bestow the relic upon Chen Qingyuan, to protect him and form a good karmic connection.
"This… this thing is precious, right?"
Although Chen Qingyuan's vision was nowhere near that of a powerful figure, he was well aware of what the relic of a Buddhist leader signified.
"Master, shall we return it?"
Chen Qingyuan, usually greedy, earned his wealth through his own abilities, without any pressure. However, this prayer bead brought him immense psychological pressure.
A hot potato indeed!
Chen Qingyuan worried about potential schemes; why else would such a precious item be given to him? Could it be a ploy by the Buddhist Sect, truly wishing for him to become Buddha's child?
No way! Absolutely not!
He could never become a monk in this lifetime.
"Return what? This is a rare treasure of the ultimate path; keep it."
Yu Chenran's gaze was resolute.
"Master, how about keeping the prayer bead with you?"
Chen Qingyuan thought it over and decided to give the prayer bead to his Master. If the Buddhist Sect came looking, his Master would handle everything.
"I'm not that fortunate," Yu Chenran said enviously, yet shook his head.
"If you're not, then do I?"
Chen Qingyuan said with a wry smile.
"You do," Yu Chenran affirmed seriously.
Seeing this, Chen Qingyuan was dumbfounded, at a loss for words.
To dispel Chen Qingyuan's thoughts of returning it, Yu Chenran added, "Silly boy, the Buddhist Sect gifting you the ultimate path prayer bead is your fortune, as well as theirs. If you return it, you would actually offend the Buddhist Sect."
"Ah?"
Chen Qingyuan looked bewildered.
"If you can't figure it out, don't overthink it. You'll understand in time. Just remember one thing, keep the prayer bead with you and don't reveal it lightly."
Fools often stumble upon fortune!
Upon reflection, Yu Chenran envied his disciple's luck. Not the first in the world, but certainly few could match.
"Disciple will bear it in mind."
Even with his doubts, Chen Qingyuan asked no further.
Perhaps, only when he reached a certain height would he be qualified to understand it all.
"Go rest."
Yu Chenran's voice was somewhat somber.
"Yes."
Chen Qingyuan left.
In Baiyan Palace, only Yu Chenran remained.
After half a day of fruitless fishing, Yu Chenran realized not a single fish was caught, a sign his mind was still not at peace.
"The Old Monk really made a big move!" Yu Chenran's mind was filled with thoughts of the prayer bead, heaving a sigh, "He's binding the Buddhist Sect and Mystic Azure Sect together!"
Shared glory, shared loss.
The Buddhist Sect had its own motives, likely seizing this opportunity to gain a foothold in the Imperial Province. After all, while the Buddhist Sect wielded great influence in the Eastern Land, it wasn't as significant in other territories.
The prayer bead, transformed from the relic of the previous abbot, could cultivate a top-notch Buddhist expert and had many wondrous uses.
***
Cloud Residence, after resting for a few days, Chen Qingyuan planned to visit the Mystic Azure Sect.
Counting the time, it had been fifteen years since he left home.
Once again at Baiyan Palace, Chen Qingyuan expressed his wish: "Master, I'd like to visit Mystic Azure Sect, may I?"
"According to the Academy's rules, you actually can't return now. However, as the Vice Chancellor, I can make an exception for you."
Yu Chenran raised an eyebrow.
"Thank you, Master."
Chen Qingyuan's heart tightened at the first part of the response, thinking it would be difficult to go home. But hearing he could return, his mood lifted.
"Just come back soon."
Yu Chenran smiled.
"Master, I'd like to visit the Chancellor's pet, is that okay?"
Chen Qingyuan had brought many local delicacies from the Eastern Land, rare finds in the Northern Wilderness.
"That's not a problem, take this talisman, and you'll be able to enter."
Yu Chenran flipped his palm and handed a palm-sized talisman to Chen Qingyuan.
"Master, you're the best. If you ever get sick, I'll definitely take good care of you."
Chen Qingyuan said.
"Get out!"
Hearing this, Yu Chenran kicked him, sending Chen Qingyuan directly into that sealed space.
Using the power of the talisman, Chen Qingyuan opened the barriers along the way and entered the Mystic Realm space.
An endless plain stretched out before him, with rolling clouds above.
"Brother Hei, I've brought you some tasty treats."
Chen Qingyuan shouted towards the front.
Soon, a black python which was dozing off poked its head out from the clouds, its eyes twinkling with joy: "Little brother!"
The scene shifted, and Chen Qingyuan took out all the delicacies, piling them into a small mountain.
The black python, seeing the unfamiliar food, was very grateful to Chen Qingyuan, its affection growing: "Little brother, you're too good to me."
"It's nothing, you deserve it."
Chen Qingyuan had no ulterior motives, genuinely wanting to bring some good food for the black python. Otherwise, he wouldn't have bothered bringing it from the Eastern Land. After all, the black python had been confined in this Mystic Realm space for many years, and it seemed rather pitiful.
"By the way, Zhao Yichuan came by recently and spoke ill of you."
The black python lay on the ground, enjoying the feast.
"What did he say?"
A hint of suspicion appeared in Chen Qingyuan's eyes.
"He called you a sly fox, cunning as a spirit, warning me not to be deceived by your appearance." The black python manipulated its spiritual qi, lowering the floating food to the ground, and asked earnestly, "Brother, would you deceive me?"
"Of course not, we're brothers, as close as limbs. Elder Zhao must be jealous of our relationship, that's why he spoke ill of me."
Chen Qingyuan patted his chest and said.
"That makes sense." The black python nodded, then thought for a moment, blinking its eyes, "But, I'm a python, I don't have limbs."
"…" Chen Qingyuan.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas