Chapter 11

As the cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

Xiaoming stood at the classroom door, took a deep breath, and firmly gripped the secret letter from his mother.

Zhan Yi watched Xianyun, deeply sensing his nostalgia for the past. However, when he saw the戒疤 (jiesha, a burn mark from a monk's ordination) on Xianyun's forehead, his eyes brightened. The戒疤 was not perfectly round and had the marks of a knife, just like the one he had seen in his mind when he first met Xianyun.

Seeing this and hearing Xianyun's words, Zhan Yi was almost certain of his guess. It seemed that Xianyun truly had a master-disciple relationship with him in a past life. However, since he was now reborn, he did not want Xianyun to keep dwelling on the past, especially given their significant age difference. After Xianyun finished speaking, Zhan Yi said calmly, "Xianyun, your feelings are understandable, but as a Buddhist, you should be detached from all worldly matters. Remember, the cycle of cause and effect is a continuous process. No matter what happened in your past life, what has passed should be let go. Even if we had a master-disciple relationship in the past, it should be put aside now."

Hearing Zhan Yi's words and seeing his calm expression, Xianyun became agitated. He said sorrowfully, "Master... Xianyun has been guided by you to follow the path of Buddhism. Your teachings have been like a rebirth to me, and I cannot forget them. Please, Master, do not abandon your disciple." With that, he fell to his knees.

Zhan Yi did not expect his words to have such an effect on Xianyun. He felt a bit panicked and quickly helped Xianyun up, then involuntarily touched his bald forehead. "Xianyun, don't be so emotional. I'm not abandoning you, but I truly cannot remember anything from my past life. How about this: once I can truly understand the cycle of cause and effect, I will be your master again."

Xianyun did not feel uncomfortable with Zhan Yi touching his forehead; instead, he seemed to enjoy it. However, he realized he had been too emotional and quickly bowed his head. "Yes, Master. Your disciple will wait for that day at Jin Guang Temple."

"Ha ha, alright, wait then, Xianyun. But since there's nothing else, I'll be on my way." Zhan Yi felt a bit uneasy, as Xianyun was holding his hand tightly, as if listening to his last words. Although he had guessed their connection, it was not from this life, and being called "Master" by an old monk was too awkward.

"Master, don't go yet. Your disciple has one more thing to tell you." Xianyun did not let go of Zhan Yi but held on even tighter.

"One more thing? Well, alright." Zhan Yi did not know what Xianyun wanted to say but managed to pull his hand back as he sat down.

After they were seated again, Xianyun refilled Zhan Yi's teacup and said, "Master, your journey to the Mori tribe to obtain the Five Elements Grass will be dangerous. Moreover, you are not familiar with their customs and language. I would like to send a disciple with you."

"That... could work, but Xianyun, please don't keep calling me 'Master.' I really can't get used to it." Zhan Yi thought it made sense, as he was not an ordinary person anymore, and having someone to help him in a foreign place would be beneficial. So, he agreed.

"Master, when you first entered, your disciple wanted to call you that, but as you said, this life is different from the past. I could not reveal the connection. But now that you have remembered, it must be fate that we continue our master-disciple relationship. How can I change my words?" Xianyun shook his head, as if afraid Zhan Yi would no longer recognize him.

"Xianyun, I've told you, I can't remember anything from my past life. I only recall a fragment of my ordination. So, in front of others, please call me 'Layman Zhan' when we are alone." Zhan Yi said helplessly.

"As you wish, Master." Xianyun seemed to sense Zhan Yi's distress and quickly bowed in agreement.

"Alright, you mentioned sending a disciple with me. Who is it? Let him come and meet me." Zhan Yi felt relieved that Xianyun had agreed and was now looking forward to meeting the disciple.

"Master, the one I want to send is the one who greeted you at the beginning. Shall I call him in now?" Xianyun quickly stood up and walked towards the door.

"Wait, what do you mean? You want me to take that swindler? Xianyun, I don't have much money. If I take him, I'll probably be penniless by the end of the journey. It will be a journey of poverty, not danger." Zhan Yi's anticipation turned to despair, and he quickly pulled Xianyun back, looking distressed.

"Ha ha, Master, don't be misled by his greed. My disciple has a connection with you. Taking him along will be very beneficial." Xianyun seemed to know the young man's character but smiled nonchalantly.

"What, he has a connection with me? You're not saying he was my disciple in a past life, are you?" Zhan Yi was puzzled.

"Master, you're thinking too much. Even if you had a connection in your past life, I wouldn't know. The connection I'm referring to is that he is your university classmate." Xianyun shook his head.

"Classmate? No way, isn't he your disciple?" Zhan Yi was surprised; he never expected such a coincidence.

"How could Xianyun deceive Master? My disciple's name is Dong Dabao. He studies finance at NL University in N City. Aren't you classmates? Besides, although he is my disciple, he is a lay disciple and not bound by Buddhist rules." Xianyun knew Zhan Yi might find it hard to believe, so he quickly explained.

"Really? No wonder he's so greedy. He's in the finance department. But Xianyun, are you sure he won't cheat me again?" Zhan Yi was still a bit hesitant, even after learning about the young man's identity.

"Master, rest assured. I will make sure he behaves. Moreover, he will not only accompany you to obtain the Five Elements Grass but also help you at school after you start." Xianyun nodded sincerely.

"Alright, but Xianyun, how will you introduce me to them? Please don't say I'm your master, or they'll think I'm a monster." Zhan Yi, seeing Xianyun's confident expression, did not object but gave a final reminder.

"Master, don't worry. I'll handle it. I promise the young man will be obedient and won't reveal your identity." Xianyun, as if he had planned it all, patted his chest.

"Alright, then call them in now." Zhan Yi, seeing Xianyun's mischievous smile, was a bit worried for Dong Dabao, as he felt Xianyun no longer seemed like a wise monk but more like a cunning old fox.

"Master, don't be in a hurry. Today, your disciple has a gift for you." Xianyun took out a beautifully crafted silk box from his robe and handed it to Zhan Yi.

"What are you doing, Xianyun? I can't accept your gift." Zhan Yi, seeing the box, quickly declined, as he was afraid of owing Xianyun too much.

"Master, you must accept it. Inside is a pill I spent ten years refining, called the 'Transcendence Pill.' Since your disciple knows that your Bhikshu body has been activated, wandering in the world will attract many evil spirits and cultivators. But if you take this pill, you can hide your Bhikshu aura, making you undetectable. This will save you a lot of trouble, won't it?" Xianyun, as he spoke, forcefully placed the box in Zhan Yi's hand.

"Alright, I didn't expect you to be so kind, Xianyun. I promise that if I ever succeed, I will help you achieve enlightenment." Zhan Yi, moved by Xianyun's words, finally accepted the box.

He never imagined Xianyun would spend ten years refining a pill for him. He thought he had just picked up a disciple, but now it seemed Xianyun truly cared for him. However, he also understood the importance of the pill, as he had been worried about encountering evil spirits and cultivators.

After Zhan Yi opened the box and took the pill, Xianyun sat with him for another ten minutes until his Bhikshu aura truly disappeared. Only then did Xianyun feel at ease and called the two people waiting outside.

When Dong Dabao and the young monk entered, they saw Zhan Yi drinking tea while Xianyun served him, looking happy. They were astonished, as they never expected Xianyun, who was rarely seen by ordinary people, to be serving Zhan Yi like a servant.

"Come here, both of you. I have something important to tell you." Xianyun, noticing their expressions, wanted this effect and glared at them, pretending to be displeased.

"Yes, Master. What are your instructions?" The two quickly approached and bowed respectfully.