The more you believe me, the more real it becomes.

Chapter 122 A New Palace?! (3k)

The furious roar seemed to rise from the deepest hell, shaking the heavens and the earth.

The old man never imagined that his little apprentice, whom he had raised with great care, would be paired up with someone else just by going out for a short trip!

How is this any different from kidnapping his daughter?!

No!

Enraged, he pointed to the deepest of the several eternally burning ancient lamps and swore a solemn oath:

"I swear in the name of the founding patriarch of Yan Gui Mountain! If I find out which scoundrel has acted so despicably, I will break his legs! Otherwise, I will make my ancestral hall—"

Before he could finish speaking, he was startled to see the ancient bronze lamp representing the founding ancestor suddenly flicker violently!
The lamp flame flickered, as if it might go out at any moment.

Startled by this strange phenomenon, he immediately fell silent and hurriedly did everything in his power to keep the ever-burning lamp burning.

Although the patriarch has passed away, this lamp must not be lost.

It must be carefully protected—because this lamp of the patriarch represents the lineage of his Yan Gui Mountain!
-
Meanwhile, in Tai'an County, Bai Lu Nu Tao Hongzhi glanced strangely behind her.

Why did she feel like she heard her master's voice?

He seems quite angry?

But when she looked back, all she saw was the white deer that had accompanied her, tilting its head and looking at her with a puzzled expression.

Tao Hongzhi shook her head, dispelling the inexplicable doubt in her heart, and then cupped her hands to Du Yuan, saying:
"Senior, please forgive me for not being able to offer more greetings, as I am still unaware of the matters concerning my sect."

Du Yuan waved her hand and said:

"It's alright, it's alright, go ahead."

Tao Hongzhi then walked back to her second senior sister, who had not yet attained enlightenment.

As soon as she approached, the bride became even more timid, hiding almost her entire body behind the groom, only peeking out half of her head.

For some reason, she had a strong premonition: this person who claimed to be her junior sister, a fairy-like figure, would destroy all the peace and tranquility in front of her once she got close—in a way that would leave her with no room for even hatred.

Tao Hongzhi's voice was clear and melodious, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.

“Senior sister, Master sent me here not only because he foresaw that you would suffer a calamity and asked me to come and protect you, but also so that I could take you back to our sect.”

"I've already told you!" The bride clutched her husband's sleeve tightly, her voice trembling with fear. "I'm not your senior sister! I don't go to any sect! This, this is my home!"

The groom quickly stepped forward, shielding his wife even tighter, and hurriedly said with clasped hands:

“My lady, you must be mistaken. My husband and I are both mortals. How could my wife be the senior sister you speak of?”

Tao Hongzhi didn't say much, but simply took out a pair of bracelets from her waist and said:

“Senior Sister, you encountered a demon in your heart years ago, and went straight to the brink of life and death. At that time, everyone in the sect was helpless. Therefore, Master went to great lengths to obtain these Vajra bracelets from a Bodhisattva.”

The bracelet shimmered with a precious light, its Buddha-nature hidden within.

"After obtaining this bracelet, your inner demons disappeared, and you have since used it as your natal magic weapon."

As she spoke, Tao Hongzhi presented the bracelet with both hands, saying:
"If you don't believe me, just try it on and you'll see!"

This bracelet simply cannot transform the bride into the former headmaster of Yan Gui Mountain.

But it can remind her who she really is.

Looking at the bracelets, the bride felt as if she had encountered a raging flood.

What terrified her even more was that her husband, who had been standing in front of her the whole time, suddenly stepped aside at this moment.

“Sanlang?!” Her voice trembled, filled with disbelief and panic.

The groom, having made up his mind, hung his head dejectedly, unable to look her in the eye, his voice dry and hoarse:

"If what the fairy says is true, girl, you, you, you... you should just accept it!"

He actually knew better than the bride that once his sister accepted the bracelet, he would probably lose her completely.

Life and death cannot separate them, but what if it were a heaven-reaching opportunity that could elevate her far beyond the mortal realm?
How could he bear to let these mundane entanglements hinder her soaring ambitions?

"Sanlang?!"

The groom dared not look any longer. He could only turn his head away more and more.

The bodyguards and members of the Li clan standing nearby were puzzled: This was clearly a divine blessing, so why make it seem like a life-or-death separation?

If the bride accepts the bracelet, wouldn't all of them, her relatives, also be blessed with great fortune?

Then everyone started chattering and making a ruckus:
"Hurry up and take it!"

"Yes, daughter-in-law, this is a good thing!"

The bride felt the urgent urging of the crowd around her, and the bracelet was drawing ever closer. She felt dizzy, as if the familiar ground beneath her feet, the courtyard beside her, and even Sanlang before her would all turn into quicksand and vanish in the next moment!
Overwhelmed by terror, she instinctively screamed for help to the only person who might understand her fear:
"Master Daoist—!"

Upon hearing this shout, everyone, including Tao Hongzhi, turned to look at Du Yuan standing to the side.

What do you think of me? Shouldn't this be your own private matter?

Du Yuan was a little taken aback.

But since everyone was looking over, Du Yuan had no choice but to speak softly to maintain her air of superiority:
"You are you, don't ask me!"

Both women were taken aback by these words.

The bride felt as if she had been struck by lightning, her whole body trembling violently. Yes, this is my own business; why should I ask others?
Tao Hongzhi's pupils constricted, and a tidal wave surged in her heart! These six simple words had actually reached the very core of this method!

Aside from a very rare few exceptional individuals, the rest of the younger generation can only survive the great calamity by undergoing reincarnation and retrieving so-called past memories.

However, many people also believe that this so-called "surviving the great calamity" is utterly absurd.

Because this is merely a remnant of the true spirit after the calamity, relying on the old affection that the teachers and elders were unwilling to sever, it is able to glimpse a fragment of a different memory—like watching the moon across water or flowers through fog, observing a strange play about a "past life" from the sidelines. This kind of method is worlds apart from the Buddhist lineage's path of reincarnation and rebirth, where the true spirit is not obscured and the fruits of the Tao are continuously attained.

But humans are not plants or trees; how can they be without feelings?

Even among those who can survive great calamities, there will always be those who cannot let go, yet are destined not to live to see today.

Therefore, this expedient measure was less for them and more for those who couldn't let go of the 'living', so that they could find a 'similar' flower.

Of course, some people think that this is just a case of people being foolish and creating their own troubles.

It's just that the past is gone, and it's not that the soul has suddenly changed, so how could it not be?

Even the forgotten past has been rediscovered.

So, how can this be considered an absurd method?
As for how this method works, its essence lies in the six simple words that this senior has just uttered: "You are you, don't ask me!"

If you think it is, then it is!

What others think is irrelevant!
Ah, yes, it's that simple. How come it took me so long to realize this?

The bride was afraid, and so was Tao Hongzhi; she was also afraid and thinking about it.

It's just that it's not obvious on her face.

Now, thanks to Du Yuan's guidance...

She felt as if she had broken through the clouds and could see the world.

His whole body trembled, and then he felt greatly relieved.

In an instant, even the old man far away in the great tomb was surprised to see that his little apprentice's eternal lamp was suddenly engulfed in flames and its light was shining brightly!
This clearly shows that she has broken through her inner demons and rid herself of her inner turmoil!

Even though he hadn't personally seen his disciple's current aptitude, he could confidently say that the disciple would definitely reach the same level as him!

I just don't know if that scoundrel who messes around with couples will hinder my precious disciple's path to enlightenment!

If we really encounter him, even if we are no match for him, we should rush up and spit in his face to disgust him for the rest of his life!

The hatred of having one's daughter stolen is irreconcilable!
At the Li family's gate, both women bowed to Du Yuan in unison:

"Thank you, Taoist Priest, for the tip!"

Ok?
I can understand the bride, but what's wrong with you?

Looking at Tao Hongzhi, who was also bowing respectfully, Du Yuan was completely baffled.

But due to his status, he could only nod and smile.

"Just understand!"

The bride relaxed completely and said to the peach blossom branch:
"Fairy, I am not your senior sister, and I will not wear these bracelets. So please leave!"

"Sister?"

The groom's expression was incredibly complex, a mixture of endless regret and overwhelming relief.

The bride looked at him and said softly:
"Sanlang, I am none other than your wife, nothing more!"

"Sister!"

The two embraced tightly once again.

Tao Hongzhi silently put away the jade bracelet and instead took out a stick of incense:
"Senior Sister, you may not acknowledge me, but I have already decided on you. Of course, I won't force you. However, after today, there may be more trouble here. Please keep this incense safe. If you encounter any danger, just think of it and it will ignite on its own. My master and I will definitely come then!"

It's okay if you don't consider yourself my senior sister. I respect your opinion, but I will still support you as my senior sister!

With Du Yuan's guidance, Tao Hongzhi felt enlightened and no longer felt any hesitation.

Looking at the single stick of incense, and then at the bride of his relative, he carefully accepted it.

Seeing this, Du Yuan, knowing that the matter was settled, nodded and left quietly.

To accomplish one's task and then leave without a trace, concealing one's identity and fame, is the mark of a truly accomplished person, inspiring endless imagination and profound respect.

When everyone remembered to look for her, they were shocked to find that Du Yuan had already left.

As Tao Hongzhi gazed at the empty spot where Du Yuan had stood, her heart surged with emotion, just as she had predicted.
'Truly a divine being of the three religions! His protection was so long-lasting, and his contributions so substantial, yet he refused even a simple thank you. Once the matter was settled, he vanished like a solitary cloud or a wild crane.'

At that moment, I was extremely excited.

Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she borrowed a quiet room from the Li family.

He then lit another incense stick.

Surrounded by smoke.

A blurry, illusory figure of an old man appeared.

"My disciple, has something happened? I see that your inner knot has been cleared and your inner demons have gone!"

Tao Hongzhi said earnestly and respectfully:
“Master, I recently encountered a true Taoist master who enlightened me, and I have gained some insights!”

"Oh? Taoist? Did they mention which lineage you belong to?"

The old man's voice sounded somewhat dangerous.

If nothing unexpected happens, it should be this Taoist priest who mismatched his apprentice with another man!
Peach Blossom Branch also asked curiously:

"Master, I don't remember much, so I'd like to ask you, where is the Tushita Palace in the Lihentian?"

Upon hearing this, the old man in the tomb was startled and nearly knocked over the ancient bronze lamp of his ancestor.

But he, who had previously been so careful to protect the lamplight, now shouted out without regard for anything else:
"A separate palace?!?!"

(End of this chapter)