He bowed deeply, expressing his sincerity, "Gao Chang, I entrust Chen Jieyuan to you!"
Chen Shi hurriedly returned the gesture, saying, "Please rise, Lord Gao, you flatter too much!"
Both n stood up.
Chen Shi smiled and said, "Lord Gao knows well, I am a simple man, a child from the village, and I do not love to stir trouble. It is always others who provoke first, and only then do I retaliate. The world often misunderstands ."
The muscles on the faces of the two officials behind Gao Chang twitched.
Gao Chang turned to glance at them and then earnestly said, "I especially understand Chen Jieyuan, both of us are students of the Master, naturally, we are both learned and courteous n, how could we stir up trouble?"
Chen Shi felt a deep sense of comradery, praising, "I had no idea that Lord Gao also practiced the Master’s teachings, we truly share a similar heart! I had no intention of harming anyone, but the Banshan Sect forced my hand, leaving no choice but to retaliate. Today’s incident is a re case of ’learning in the morning and facing death in the evening.’"
Gao Chang was sowhat puzzled and lost.
Seeing this, Chen Shi sighed inwardly, "Although Lord Gao has so learning, it is not extensive, and he has not grasped the deeper anings of the Master’s words."
However, Gao Chang understood Chen Shi’s intention to avoid trouble and smiled, saying, "Rest assured, Chen Jieyuan, I have already instructed the Banshan Sect and the Hundred Refinent Hall that within a hundred miles of the capital, they shall not lay a hand on you. Any grievances can be settled outside the capital. What do you think, Jieyuan?"
Chen Shi gladly responded, "How could I not follow Lord Gao’s directive?"
Gao Chang laughed heartily, "Chen Jieyuan’s scholarship is profound, you will surely be the top scorer, and when we serve as officials together, do not forget about Gao Chang!"
Chen Shi answered with apprehension, "I dare not claim to be the top scorer yet! The examination has not even been held."
"It is inevitable!"
They talked and laughed together, both very satisfied.
When Gao Chang saw Saintess Xuan approaching, he smiled and said, "This is Ji Xuanxuan from the Bodhi Dojo, known as Saintess Xuan. The Bodhi Dojo is one of the three great Holy Lands of the Buddhist tradition, and Saintess Xuan is a disciple of Master Miao Yin, hailing from a distinguished family."
Saintess Xuan approached and respectfully greeted Gao Chang and Chen Shi.
Gao Chang returned her greeting and said, "Jieyuan, I have so minor matters to attend to, I must take my leave now."
"Lord, fare thee well."
Chen Shi’s gaze fell on Saintess Xuan, who was dressed elegantly, with a well-proportioned figure, a slender waist, and fair skin.
Most striking was the small black mole at the corner of her upper right lip, which drew one’s gaze to her lips, arousing unwarranted desires.
However, her deanor carried a serene and cold detachnt typical of a Buddhist, devoid of any worldly taint.
Saintess Xuan had a tall and graceful figure, and as she approached, a subtle fragrance wafted from her, not overbearing but rather refined, and she softly said, "Xuanxuan has t Young Master Chen."
Chen Shi’s expression changed slightly, and he stepped aside.
Saintess Xuan looked puzzled, watching him.
Chen Shi shook his head, "I am quite uncomfortable with being addressed as ’Young Master,’ it always feels like an insult to ."
Her eyes curved into a smile, "Then how shall I address you, Little Ten? Or simply as Chen Shi?"
Chen Shi replied, "We are not so acquainted for such familiarity. You may call Chen Jieyuan, or perhaps Lord Jieyuan."
Saintess Xuan laughed lightly, her manner full of charm, "Very well, Lord Jieyuan."
She attempted to forge a closer relationship with Chen Shi, choosing not to use the formal address but instead humbly used the jesting title of Lord Jieyuan.
Undeniably, she was a woman difficult to dislike, with a beautiful face, a rare beauty with a lithe figure. Especially being from a Buddhist background, she evoked a respectful yet sacrilegious desire.
Chen Shi was quite curious about her and asked, "The Bodhi Dojo is one of the three great Buddhist Holy Lands, is it a nunnery?"
Saintess Xuan shook her head, "The Bodhi Dojo contains a nunnery, but it is not solely a nunnery. The place where my master, Master Miao Yin resides is called Zhishui Temple. If Senior Brother Chen is interested, you could stay at the Bodhi Dojo for a while."
Chen Shi shook his head, "Not interested. Are you a nun? Why do you still have hair?"
Saintess Xuan slightly frowned.
This question was sowhat offensive to her.
"I am not yet sixteen, my worldly ties are not yet severed; currently, I am only a novice. When the ti cos to end these ties, I shall shave my head and begin my religious cultivation. Then, these ties of dust will be gone," she explained.
"I see."
Chen Shi lost interest in her and eagerly went to examine the items in the street shops, looking for sothing suitable for his wooden cart.
Saintess Xuan followed him, her voice soft, "Senior Brother Chen is exceptionally talented..."
"I never attended school," Chen Shi said.
He entered a shop that sold canopies for carts to provide shade and shelter from rain.
However, canopies were not for everyone; they were ant for nobility when traveling, and for commoners to use them was presumptuous and could lead to imprisonnt.
But in West Bull New Continent, where decorum had long collapsed, who cared about such things?
As long as one had the money, a canopy was usable.
Following him, her voice gentle, Saintess Xuan said, "Despite not having attended school, Senior Brother Chen’s scholarship is evident, showing extraordinary intelligence. Xuanxuan would like to diate, inviting senior Brother Chen and the Sect Master of the Hundred Miles to sit down, share a drink, and turn conflict into peace."
Chen Shi looked at the canopies hung on the walls and ceiling, so exquisitely crafted with dragons and phoenixes, others with landscapes embroidered and made of luxurious materials adorned with tassels, agates, and pearls. So were focused on defense, covered with various protective talismans, each with hundreds of runes providing remarkable protection.
"Thank you for your kindness," Chen Shi said, his gaze fixed, "The Sect Master of the Hundred Miles is the leader of the Banshan Sect, a group involved in tomb raiding, and by the laws of Great Ming, their whole clan should be executed. Such lawless individuals, how can I share a drink and be rry with them? Do not bring this up again... Shopkeeper, take down that canopy!"
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