Chapter 101: Disheartened (2 / 2)

Aside from being a bit old-fashioned, Old Man Yuan was actually a very warm-hearted person. He took great care of me—constantly making nourishing meals to help me regain my strength. During one of our chats, I asked him about the "past life entanglement" he had mentioned earlier. He chuckled and said, "Your cultivation is still shallow, so you can't see the marks left from reincarnation. But I can. You and that girl have matching signs—there's a tiny mole just below your left eye, and she has one under her right, a perfect mirror image. This is called a 'Tear Mark'—only men and women with deep karmic bonds share it."

I believed every word. Not just because I was a Taoist, but because I had literally walked the path to the Yellow Springs and almost never made it back. That kind of experience proves karma and reincarnation really exist. Unless someone bears deep hatred, I truly believe we should all strive to do good. The road to the underworld doesn't spare the young or old, and once you're before King Yama, your sins will be measured precisely. Better to avoid short-term pleasures that lead to lifelong suffering in the next world.

By the fourth day, I could barely get out of bed—but I insisted on going to see Jiang Shiyu. No one could stop me. Just as Yicheng had mentioned, I did feel discomfort from the Buddha-root—like an itch right at my chest. I even wondered if they had secretly injected me with something while I was unconscious!

When I left the mountain hut with Yuan Beitang and looked back at his little house, I finally understood. No wonder he brought me there—it was built atop a spiritual acupoint. Every populated city has one of these spots, where the life energy of people naturally gathers. Living in such a place promotes longevity and has excellent effects on restoring essence and blood.

After hours of driving, we arrived in Shenyang. When we got to Shisheng Temple, Yicheng was standing outside, just as he had last time, quietly waiting for us. Yuan Beitang and I exchanged glances—could this Miaoyin master really have the power to foresee the future?

Yicheng nodded and smiled at me. "Amitabha. How is your recovery, Benefactor?"

To be honest, aside from that time he slapped me, I actually thought Yicheng was a pretty decent guy. The way he looked out for Jiang Shiyu proved he was a real man. I didn't want to waste time chatting, so I blurted out, "Where is Shiyu?"

"She's resting in the monastic quarters," he replied.

That made me frown. A young woman resting in a monk's quarters didn't sound right at all. Still, I followed as he led us through the temple. Along the way, all the little monks bowed respectfully to Yicheng, suggesting he held a fairly high position here.

When we reached the simple, rustic monk's quarters, my heart was in my throat. I had a bad feeling—especially when I saw Yicheng's unreadable expression. He said Shiyu had given me the Buddha-root in a dream. That puzzled me—how could you pass something intangible like that in a dream?

Taking a deep breath, I made up my mind: I wouldn't miss her again. Forget two years—none of that mattered anymore. The Night-Walking Deity never said I had to search for the Nine Dragon Gate alone. I'd take her with me. After all, in China, there's no place a fortune-teller can't get by.

I lightly knocked on the door and straightened my clothes. After a long pause, the door slowly creaked open. Jiang Shiyu stood before me in a plain cloth robe, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. Though she wasn't wearing makeup, her natural beauty and grace were striking.

My chest was overflowing with words I didn't know how to say. Seeing her safe and sound nearly broke my composure. I stepped forward to hug her—but to my shock, she stepped back and slapped me hard across the face. Smack! The sound was crisp and loud—it stunned me.

She glared, humiliated. "What are you doing?! This is a temple! And I don't even know you. If you keep this up, I'll call the police!"

Call the police? She didn't know me?

My scalp went numb, and I nearly collapsed again. I looked at her in disbelief and told her my name—Zhang Dabao. But no matter how much I explained, she just shook her head and insisted she didn't know me. Her confused expression didn't seem like a lie.

Why?! Why was this happening? I turned to Yicheng. "What happened to her? Why doesn't she remember me?"

"Master Yicheng, who is he?" Jiang Shiyu asked.

I kept telling myself this had to be temporary. With modern medicine, memory loss can be treated. I pressed Yicheng for answers, and when he remained silent, I nearly lost it and raised my hand.

Just then, a calm voice came from inside the room:"Benefactor Zhang, since you're already here, why not come in and have a seat?"

"Miaoyin Master?" I turned around and saw a scholarly-looking monk in glasses smiling at me gently.

Perfect timing—I had a stomach full of questions. I stepped into the room. Yuan Beitang muttered that he didn't like this place and went off to take a walk. Yicheng led Jiang Shiyu away as well. When I entered the monk's quarters, I saw her parents were already there. Master Miaoyin pointed to a wooden chair and said:

"Sit, Benefactor. I once said you were destined to cross paths with Buddha. Now that I see you again, I find our karmic connection even deeper."