Chapter 124: Accept Us

Soon, Changsun Puyu and Xianchen arrived before a courtyard in the small mountain village. The small courtyard appeared remarkably tranquil, elegant, and possessed an extraordinary atmosphere. A plaque hung above the gate, inscribed with four characters: "The Unique Leisure Courtyard."

Upon seeing this, Xianchen could not help but take a deep breath. "These characters are truly profound. Even just by looking at them, one can sense boundless immortal resonance. The person who wrote them is surely no mere mortal; their temperament is far beyond anything you or I could compare to."

Changsun Puyu’s eyes blazed with excitement. He stood at the entrance, completely unwilling to leave. In his eyes, the characters on the gate were no longer mere calligraphy; they were swords. Every stroke and every dot contained a unique, peerless sword intent.

"I never imagined I would actually find the most terrifying and powerful sword intent in this world... I have finally encountered it..." Thinking this, Changsun Puyu trembled with agitation.

The two exchanged a glance, calmed themselves, and prepared to pay a visit. Mindful of the reclusive master residing within, Xianchen stepped forward. "Xianchen of the Kongling Temple, pays respects to the senior!"

"Changsun Puyu of the Changsun Clan, pays respects to the senior."

Inside the courtyard, Zhu Xiaoyuan had just instructed Ruofeng to take the math problems he had been working on outside to be burned. At that moment, the voices from outside reached his ears.

"Master, it is the two people from outside the village. These two are quite persistent. Everyone else has left, but they are still there," Ruofeng said, having recognized them.

Zhu Xiaoyuan was quite surprised. It was said that the Tianwu World had never been exposed to geometry or mathematical knowledge; if that were true, their persistence outside for so long showed considerable resolve.

Zhu Xiaoyuan nodded. "Ruofeng, since they have waited so long, go open the gate and let them come in."

Ruofeng immediately set aside her work and went to open the gate. She deeply admired Zhu Xiaoyuan; not only were his problems unsolvable, but he also used them as a test of one's perseverance.

As the gate swung open, the faces of Changsun Puyu and Xianchen appeared. Ruofeng clearly saw the pleasant surprise on their faces.

"My master has agreed to let you in," she said.

Upon hearing this, both Changsun Puyu and Xianchen were overjoyed. Did this mean they had a chance to meet the master and perhaps successfully become his disciples? Even if that failed, just meeting such a recluse and asking a few questions would be a gain!

They stepped into the courtyard, fearing that Ruofeng might close the gate if they hesitated.

"Master, I have brought them in," Ruofeng said, standing before Zhu Xiaoyuan.

Changsun Puyu and Xianchen stood respectfully behind her, their gazes fixed on Zhu Xiaoyuan. At a single glance, they were taken aback. They had expected such a terrifying existence to be an elderly man with white hair, yet he appeared to be nothing more than a refined and handsome young man. However, they did not find it too surprising; they knew that once one reached a certain level of power, one could maintain their youthful appearance. Thus, they assumed he was a senior who simply appeared young.

*It seems age means nothing to those with immense power,* Xianchen thought. With this in mind, they became even more respectful.

"Xianchen of the Kongling Temple greets the senior," Xianchen said. "This junior wishes to become your disciple and learn from you."

Since Xianchen had spoken, Changsun Puyu did not want to lag behind. "I am Changsun Puyu. I have long heard of your great name and admire you deeply. After seeing the four characters you wrote at the gate, I am filled with awe. Please, give me a chance to follow you!"

Zhu Xiaoyuan observed them both up and down. Their attitude was excellent, and their persistence in waiting outside showed firm determination. However, he was a bit confused as to what exactly they wanted to learn from him.

"You are Changsun Puyu, right? What is it you wish to learn? Calligraphy?"

Changsun Puyu was stunned by the question. Calligraphy? He wanted to learn swordsmanship! But then he reconsidered: the boundless sword intent he had felt earlier had come precisely from those characters. Perhaps the "calligraphy" the senior spoke of was, in fact, the sword itself?

Realizing this, Changsun Puyu nodded immediately. "Yes, this junior wishes to learn calligraphy!"

Zhu Xiaoyuan nodded; that was easy enough to teach. He then looked at Xianchen. "And you? You are a monk, always saying 'Amitabha,' but I do not believe in Buddha, nor do I believe in temples—I do not even enter them."

Xianchen’s heart was in turmoil. If anyone else had said they didn't believe in Buddha, it would be one thing, but for this person, it was different. He likely felt that Buddha was nothing to be feared, or perhaps even nothing at all. Furthermore, the master had casually uttered "Amitabha." That was the highest mantra of their faith; even in the entire Immortal Realm, no one dared to utter it so lightly. Yet, Zhu Xiaoyuan did so with such calm indifference.

Xianchen felt a wave of awe. He knew things others did not—the fact that this man could so easily speak the name of the Ancestor of All Buddhas meant he was no simple being. It was terrifying. He began to panic; if he had finally met such a master, would he be rejected? What should he do if that happened?

"Master, it is time to feed the fish. I am going to the pond now," Long Ruxuan said, emerging with a bowl of feed.

"Go ahead," Zhu Xiaoyuan said with a smile, waving his hand.

Xianchen, still caught in his own trepidation, subconsciously glanced at Long Ruxuan. At that moment, his attention was completely captured by the bowl in her hands.

That was... the roaring sound of the Great Dao.