Chapter 486 – Extra 7

“Master,” the young monk called out to his master as he watched a young man hurriedly pass by on the forest path outside the small village.

Master Fuyi emerged from the grove. Before entering the village, he had already inquired about Wei and Lan. Both were born and raised in this village. Lan left the village at the age of five to train in martial arts with a master. Wei’s parents died when he was two, and he was raised by his grandparents until they too unfortunately passed away when he was seven. Fortunately, the villagers, being kind-hearted, collectively raised Wei. Lan, who had gained quite a reputation in the martial world at a young age, had even been offered the hand of his master’s only daughter in marriage. However, after saving enough money to ensure a worry-free life for him and Wei, Lan resolutely returned to the village to live with Wei, and no longer concerned himself with the affairs of the martial world.

Master Fuyi looked back at the small village. It was harvest season, and the ripe rice fields indicated a bountiful season. He smiled and nodded slightly. While many cultivators believed that mortals were tainted with impure energy, Master Fuyi loved the sights and sounds of human life. Compared to the solitude of the mountains, the vastness of the wilderness and the silent rivers, the bounty of human life, the wafting smoke from kitchens, the sounds of dogs and livestock, and the twinkling lights of human dwellings were the most beautiful scenery in the world.

“Master,” the young monk asked, “did you see the three lives you wanted to see?”

“Let’s go,” Master Fuyi said as he led his young disciple deeper into the forest.

“Master, did you not see them?”

“I did,” replied Master Fuyi. “They are all doing well. Though some fates are unavoidable, they will have a good life in this incarnation.”

“Oh,” the young monk said, skipping ahead, “Master, are they your old acquaintances?”

Master Fuyi only smiled and did not answer.

“What do you mean by some fates are unavoidable?” the young monk asked again.

“For instance, a shallow bond with one’s parents,” Master Fuyi explained.

The young monk nodded, understanding somewhat. Master Fuyi walked slowly, deep in thought. Even if he hadn’t come today, Wei and Lan would have adopted Qing. Even if Wei did not like children, he would have relented as long as Lan wanted to keep the child. Moreover, in this life, this young man might still have a ruthless heart and deep cunning, but he no longer carried the viciousness from his past life. This young man would spend his entire life peacefully with his beloved in the countryside, without ever having the chance to kill mercilessly nor stain these lands with bloodshed again.

How wonderful, thought Master Fuyi as he looked up at the sky and let out a long breath.

“Master, please hurry,” urged the young monk from ahead.

“Alright,” Master Fuyi replied with a smile.

The young monk casually plucked a green leaf from the nearby bushes.

Master Fuyi felt a sudden stirring in his heart and said to his young disciple, “Jindu, remember this: people say that fate can be determined for three lifetimes, but achieving this fate is not as simple as wishing for it. The karmic consequences of this life will bear fruit in the next. In every lifetime, karma cannot be ignored.”

“Master,” the young monk asked, “In the next life, will Jindu cross over with a leaf or a red lotus?”

“A red lotus?” Master Fuyi quickly inquired. “Why did you mention a red lotus?”

“Last night, your disciple dreamed of a pond full of red lotuses in bloom. Someone entered the pond and never came out again,” the young monk explained.

Master Fuyi was silent for a long time. That night, when he observed the stars, he noticed that the Emperor Star was dim and faint.

“Amitabha,” Master Fuyi said to his disciple, “Jindu, we must return to the capital.”