Unconventional [Rebirth] - Chapter 69

There was no sound from outside. Jiang Rui waited a while, and when no one knocked, he sighed, threw back the covers, and got out of bed.

The sound of his slippers dragging across the floor seemed exceptionally loud in the quiet room. For some reason, Jiang Rui looked up at the brilliant, intense sunlight streaming through the window. The warmth made him feel refreshed, as if the last remnants of his ordeal were being washed away.

He pushed the door open, only to come face-to-face with someone about to enter.

Rong Jingtang was wearing black—a rare choice for him, almost as if he were intentionally clashing with the sterile white of the hospital. He lowered his hand and looked at Jiang Rui with his usual stoic gaze.

Rong stepped aside to let Jiang Rui pass, glancing briefly at the thin curtain shielding the cot where Jiang Rui’s parents slept. Jiang Rui gave a small smile and stepped out. Though his body was actually stronger than ever after his breakthrough, he obviously couldn’t explain that to Rong Jingtang.

The two walked down to the hospital’s artificial garden. Near the fountain, elderly patients and their families were soaking in the sun, chatting while watching children play nearby.

“You’ve certainly gained some skill—sleeping through a fever for two whole days,” Rong Jingtang said with a hint of dry sarcasm. He looked straight at the back of Jiang Rui’s head, but his eyes held a tenderness that could have drowned him.

Jiang Rui couldn’t see it, so he didn’t realize Rong was actually speaking with a hidden smile. He didn’t want to explain the concept of a “hollow shell” projection; Rong had only just learned of his profession, and more details would only lead to more complicated explanations.

So, Jiang Rui just squinted into the sun and said softly, “Yes, my health is a bit poor.”

Rong Jingtang didn’t press him. “Are you better now?”

Jiang Rui nodded, leaning back against a railing. “Look. This world is actually quite beautiful.”

Rong didn’t answer. He leaned lazily against the rail, half-closing his eyes against the afternoon light.

To deal with the Buddhist artifact on Rong Anchen, Jiang Rui knew he needed someone from the Buddhist school.

In his past life, Jiang Rui had believed in Buddha for one reason: fear. He feared that his own “karma” and sins would fall upon his family and friends. It turned out he had overthought it; the two people he thought would be most burdened by his sins became the ultimate winners, while his family—whom he thought he was protecting—suffered anyway.

Putuo Temple. The name had come up repeatedly during his conversation with the Peach Tree. Specifically, the tree remembered a young monk named Yuanjue. Based on the tree’s memory, the monk had been fourteen or fifteen back then; now, he would be in his early thirties.

Since his leave from university hadn’t expired yet, Jiang Rui decided to head to Mount Putuo. He was already facing the prospect of having to retake several classes because of his absence, which made him sigh. They say university is easy… why is it so exhausting for me?

Mount Putuo was protected by a strange barrier. Despite being in the mid-Foundation stage, Jiang Rui was gently repelled when he tried to fly in. It felt like bumping into a layer of soft cotton candy—a sign that the barrier meant no malice.

Miao Xuan’s warning echoed in his mind, and Jiang Rui immediately returned to the ground. Looking up, the stairs to the temple seemed to stretch into infinity.

“Benefactor, please turn back.” A clear, bright voice resonated from all directions. Jiang Rui couldn’t pinpoint the source, but the meaning was clear.

The master of the temple had sensed his intent. But Jiang Rui wouldn’t turn back. He bit his lip, circulated his Qi, and activated a Fortune Seal. The stairs before him became even more blurred, shrouded in white mist. He felt a surge of frustration—if he couldn’t even walk a path, how could he hope to protect Rong Jingtang for a lifetime?

Why did I pursue immortality if I can’t protect the people I care about?

As he calmed his mind, a realization hit him. Usually, Miao Xuan would be shouting warnings in his sea of consciousness, but right now, Miao Xuan was gone. His link to his natal artifact couldn’t be broken… unless he was caught in an illusion!

Jiang Rui immediately abandoned all supernatural means. He let go of his Qi and began to climb the stairs like an ordinary mortal. Strangely, as soon as he stopped trying to take a “shortcut,” the obstacles vanished.

Soon, he reached a small forest path leading to a side courtyard. The plaque above the door read: Zhengyuan (True Affinity).

Jiang Rui stepped inside and saw a man with strikingly beautiful, almost “demonic” features. He wore monk’s robes, but his head lacked the traditional ritual burn marks. When the man turned, Jiang Rui felt as though he were staring into a silent, boundless void. Those eyes held nothing but emptiness.

Feeling uncharacteristically awkward, Jiang Rui pressed his palms together in a Buddhist salute.

“For what reason has the Benefactor come?” the monk asked. He held a sickle, appearing as though he were about to chop wood.

“Does the Master know a monk named Yuanjue?” Jiang Rui asked. According to the Peach Tree, Yuanjue’s Buddha-nature was so strong it had enlightened the tree when it was still a mere plant.

“I am he.” The monk’s lips moved, but Jiang Rui noticed no vibration in his throat. His skin was incredibly smooth and fine.

Jiang Rui sensed no filth or malice from him. “I mean no harm… but ten years ago, at the Rong estate in the Capital, I believe you left something behind.”

The sickle in Yuanjue’s hand paused, then continued its rhythmic work. Jiang Rui watched him. The monk used no strength; he simply let the blade rest on the wood, and it slid through like a hot knife through butter, leaving a surface as smooth as a work of art.

After a long silence, just as Jiang Rui thought he would be ignored, he heard a sigh so faint it was almost a breath. Simultaneously, Miao Xuan’s voice returned to his head: “This man has no seven emotions or six desires.”

“The karma I sowed has finally arrived,” Yuanjue said, turning with downcast eyes. “I ask the Benefactor to lead me back to that place of ‘destined affinity’ once more.”

Jiang Rui was stunned. He thought Yuanjue would be the “final boss” of this mystery, but he had agreed so easily. He felt a bit awkward—he hadn’t even begun to deal with the “easier” problem of Rong Anchen yet.

Jiang Rui brought Yuanjue back to the Rong residence.

Uncle Cheng and Rong Jingtang both wore incredibly complicated, subtle expressions. Jiang Rui decided it was best to keep his mouth shut.

“Uncle Cheng, prepare a room,” Rong Jingtang said, his eyes fixed on Yuanjue.

Uncle Cheng hesitated at the door, turning back as if to say something, but ultimately shook his head and left.

With fewer eyes on them, the atmosphere didn’t improve. Just as Jiang Rui was about to speak, Rong Jingtang stood up. A cold, mocking smile touched his lips as he looked at Yuanjue.

“Long time no see… Brother Gashi.”

Yuanjue pressed his palms together, his eyes lowered in a sigh. “A-Jing. It has been ten years. Have you been well?”