Lingzhen’s heart was shaken to its core.
He finally understood that there were distinctions between individuals.
Though he had only recently become acquainted with Nanli, Yuanfan had spoken highly of her, leading him to greatly admire and trust her.
"I shall bestow this talisman book upon you," Lingzhen said.
"How can I accept this? It is a treasured possession of the Wanfo Temple," Nanli quickly refused.
"Don’t worry. Although this book is precious, disciples of the Tianfo Temple, like myself, cannot comprehend the Daoist talisman and seals. It is better to give it to you, so that the book may fulfill its purpose," Lingzhen believed that Nanli would be able to learn from it and use it for the benefit of the people.
Nanli was straightforward and, upon hearing this, she no longer declined, expressing her gratitude sincerely.
Lu Zheng finally regained consciousness.
He only remembered his meridians being injured, causing excruciating pain, and then losing consciousness after a few words were exchanged.
He had thought he would end up in the underworld, meeting Mengpo(The Lady of Forgetfulness), but upon opening his eyes, he found himself in a simple and austere meditation room, which left him slightly bewildered.
Wasn’t the underworld supposed to be different?
The pain in his chest quickly made him realize that he hadn’t died; he was still alive. Even more confused, when he tried to sit up, he saw Nanli entering the room.
Nanli hurried over and helped him lie back down. "Your injuries have not yet healed. You mustn’t move too much."
"What... what is going on?" Lu Zheng was full of doubts. "How... how am I not dead?"
Nanli pursed her lips and briefly explained how Yun Zhi had saved him with a demonic pill.
Lu Zheng was stunned, as if he had lost his soul.
He lay there in a daze, unable to speak for a long time.
After a while, he closed his eyes and said, "What she did... even if she exchanged her life for mine, I have no memories of past lives and cannot remember her. She truly is a foolish romantic."
Nanli said, "You were saved by the demonic pill, and there is a certain demonic aura lingering within you. Keep this talisman with you to suppress that aura. If other Taoists were to see it, they might mistakenly harm you."
Lu Zheng felt a little downcast.
Instead of accepting the talisman, he asked, "Princess Jiuyi, I was on the brink of death, but I was saved. Does this mean Yun Zhi has defied the will of heaven? Will her soul be punished?"
"No, she won’t," Nanli replied.
"However, as a demon, Yun Zhi has slaughtered and harmed many innocent people. In the underworld, she will face her own punishment."
Judging by Lu Zheng’s current appearance, he already had the appearance of a long-lived individual.
Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng could only sigh.
Having read so many books of sages, he naturally understood this principle.
This life was given to him by Yun Zhi, and from now on, he must serve the court diligently, do more for the people, and bear the burden of Yun Zhi’s sins, hoping that she can repay her own guilt as soon as possible.
In the esteemed hierarchy of Wanfo Temple, Lingzhen holds a high position.
Even Yuanfan, upon encountering him, respectfully addresses him as "Shishu" (senior martial brother).
Finding it uninteresting, Lingzhen engaged in a game of chess with Ye Siheng, for the monks in Wanfo Temple not only lacked proficiency in Buddhist teachings but also in the art of chess.
Having lived for over a century, Lingzhen had lost count of the number of chess games he had played, yet this particular game was the most intriguing to him.
Truly, the renowned Ninth Prince lives up to his reputation!
On the chessboard, black and white pieces clashed, seemingly without either side gaining the upper hand.
However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that the white pieces were encircling, and if the black pieces failed to break through, they would be trapped.
Lingzhen stared at the chessboard, contemplating for a while before reluctantly admitting, "I have lost, venerable sir."
Ye Siheng remained composed, as if this were an ordinary occurrence, and replied, "I humbly accept your concession."
Lingzhen waved his hand dismissively, saying, "I did not concede to you. In these decades, you are the only person who has defeated me in chess."
Ye Siheng smirked, his handsome face exuding charm, and remarked, "Master Lingzhen, you flatter me."
Lingzhen earnestly scrutinized his appearance, his eyes, honed through years of cultivation, piercing through the dazzling brilliance.
Yet, he could not discern Ye Siheng’s past and present.
Lingzhen’s countenance paled slightly, prompting him to hastily close his inner eye.
Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he leaned against the table, breathing slightly heavily.
Ye Siheng found it strange that Lingzhen suddenly appeared so frail.
"I am fine," Lingzhen’s voice sounded hoarse.
"The Ninth Prince possesses an extraordinary aura, truly an exceptional individual."
Ye Siheng smiled, "These words have already been spoken by A’li."
However, he felt that his greatest fortune in this lifetime was encountering Nanli.
Lingzhen’s gaze deepened, "That is not what I meant... Let it be, there are some matters that I cannot see clearly. I believe everything has been arranged long ago."
The radiance of these two souls was so dazzling that they were either individuals with great merit or immortal beings reincarnated through tribulations.
Yet, Lingzhen was merely a mortal who had lived a bit longer, how could he have the qualifications to meddle in such matters?
Lingzhen was also tired and did not insist on playing another game with Ye Siheng.
Wanfo Temple had prepared meditation rooms for the two of them.
When Ye Siheng returned, he saw Nanli reading by the light of a flickering lamp.
The dim glow illuminated her delicate and beautiful face, creating a serene and enchanting scene.
He felt a sense of déjà vu, as if he had witnessed this scene before.
However, as soon as Nanli heard his voice, her gaze shifted from the talismanic book to Ye Siheng, and she smiled sweetly, "You’re back."
Ye Siheng nodded, "Reading in the dark strains your eyes. You shouldn’t read for a long time."
"I was waiting for you. Just passing the time with a few glances." Nanli put the talismanic book away and made room for him.
The bed in the meditation room was not large.
Ye Siheng took off his shoes and got onto the bed.
The two of them had been sleeping in separate beds at the Mansion, so suddenly having to sleep together on a small bed felt a bit awkward.
However, after a moment’s thought, Nanli realized that they were already married, and there was no need for so many taboos.
She covered herself with the blanket and said, "Let’s turn off the light."
Ye Siheng took off his outer garment and with a wave of his sleeve, the room plunged into darkness.
The two of them were in close proximity, able to hear each other’s breathing.
Ye Siheng had initially lain down properly, but with Nanli lying next to him, how could he remain unaffected?
Unable to resist, he reached out and gently held Nanli’s hand.
Her hand was small and soft.
It carried a faint fragrance that lingered around his nose.
Nanli chuckled and turned around, embracing him as if he were a pillow.
Ye Siheng’s body stiffened, his voice tense, "A’li..."
"Just a hug. This is a pure Buddhist place, I won’t do anything else."
"If you’re going to hug me , I’d rather you do something else," Ye Siheng couldn’t help but express his inner turmoil.
Nanli nuzzled against his chest and inexplicably felt at ease.
"Endure, tonight will pass quickly."
"..." Ye Siheng realized that this might be a sleepless night.
However, he was mistaken.
He did feel uncomfortable for a while, but with Nanli peacefully sleeping in his arms, listening to her steady breathing, his heart quickly calmed down.
Somehow, he felt that this was what he had been longing for.
Before long, he fell into a deep sleep, holding her tightly.