TSFLIP Chapter 59

Not far from the main hall, after passing through a long corridor, they arrived at the room of the abbot of the Temple of Inspiration. The abbot, known as Jian Yuan, was reputed to be a highly skilled monk who rarely met with visitors. Even the emperor could not force him out if he declared that the time was not right or that fate had not yet arrived.

Feng Guang, upon seeing the monk sitting on the meditation cushion with a kind and serene demeanor, was inevitably touched by his peaceful aura. This was a truly enlightened monk.

“Miss Xia, you have arrived,” Jian Yuan greeted.

“Master Jian Yuan,” Feng Guang performed a respectful bow. “Thank you for your help a while ago. Otherwise, I might have become a wandering spirit.”

“No need to thank this humble monk. It is Miss Xia’s kindness and compassion that saved her life.”

Three months ago, after Feng Guang had fallen seriously ill, her soul had inexplicably left her body. A fox demon had taken over her body. It was only when Xia Chao noticed the sudden change in his daughter’s demeanor and invited Jian Yuan down the mountain to exorcise the demon that Feng Guang could return to her body and avoid becoming a lost soul.

However, Feng Guang was puzzled. “Master Jian Yuan, I heard that you seldom leave the mountain. Why did you come this time…”

“I’ve said before that Miss Xia’s fate was not yet to end,” Jian Yuan said mysteriously. “As long as Miss Xia lives, she can help more people.”

Feng Guang fell silent. Following her original trajectory, she discovered that she would fall in love with Qi Duan and that An Lu would help Qi Duan return to Wangfu. With the help of Concubine Min, Qi Duan would reclaim the position of heir. Xiao Wang would fall ill, and Xiao Wangfei would die suddenly. As for Qi Mu, his actions would become increasingly extreme after losing his family and status, and with An Lu, who had captured his heart, taken by Qi Duan, ultimately leading him down an irreversible path.

“Miss Xia need not overthink. Just follow your heart,” Jian Yuan said, handing her a string of prayer beads. “This is a gift for you.”

“…Thank you, Master.” She took the beads, feeling uncomfortable as if her soul had been seen through. Yet, she understood that Jian Yuan was a wise and enlightened monk she could not afford to offend.

As if sensing her thoughts, Jian Yuan smiled kindly and said, “The beads contain Buddhist teachings and can protect you from harm. Demons and evil spirits will not come near you. Please remember to wear them.”

“Yes, thank you, Master.” Feng Guang thanked him sincerely this time. She had been worried about what to do if the fox demon returned, and now she had a form of protection. 

After bidding farewell to Jian Yuan, Yun’er, who wanted to get a protective talisman for herself, went to get one while Feng Guang, slightly embarrassed, waited at the hall’s entrance.

Many people were seeking protective talismans, and Yun’er stood in line. Bored, Feng Guang eventually walked over to a large bodhi tree with lush branches and leaves. Red strings were tied to peach wood tablets, which had names written on them. Some people were still adding their tablets.

A pleasant voice came from beside her, “It is said that if you write your name and that of your beloved on a wooden tablet and hang it on the tree, the Buddha will bless your union with everlasting love.”

She turned in surprise, “The heir?”

“Miss Xia, it has been a while,” Qi Mu said, looking as distinguished as ever.

“Heir, how did you know it was me?” She had not spoken while standing here, so he must have just happened to say it casually.

“Miss Xia can recognize people by their scent. Why would I not be able to?” Qi Mu smiled gently. “Since that rainy night, the scent of peach blossoms has lingered in my mind.”

“Heir!” Feng Guang’s face flushed crimson but she dared not shout, only lowering her voice and looking at him with irritation.

Qi Mu easily detected the mixture of shyness and annoyance in her melodious voice. He opened his fan with pleasure, gently waving it and exuding an air of elegance, “Why is Miss Xia angry? I am merely reminiscing about the peach blossoms.”

She pursed her lips and turned her head away, refusing to look at him.