Chapter 421 - 171: An Old Acquaintance in the Celestial Palace

Xu Lei and the Fat Buddha continued walking deeper inside.

’This Celestial Palace really is huge.’

"I haven’t had the chance to ask for your name yet, Senior?"

Of course, Xu Lei took the opportunity to ask, "How should I address you?"

"My Buddhist name is Yuan Kong."

The Fat Buddha smiled, patting Xu Lei’s shoulder. "You can just call me Senior Brother Yuan Kong," he said. "There’s no need to be so formal. We all Ascended to get here. From now on, we’re all part of the Celestial Palace, all disciples of the Saint Master."

He seemed quite enthusiastic, with the air of a senior looking after a much younger brother.

’If this guy hadn’t already killed me twice, I might actually be starting to like him.’

’Of course, people are complex.’

’Maybe this Yuan Kong isn’t normally a bad person. Or rather, it’s too soon to tell if he’s bad or not. All I can say is, on the surface, his manners are decent enough.’

’But since this guy killed me twice, there’s no way I’m letting him go.’

’Still, now isn’t the time to foolishly reveal my intentions.’

"Junior Brother Liao Chen greets Senior Brother Yuan Kong," Xu Lei said very respectfully.

"You mentioned the Saint Master... and that we are all his disciples?" Xu Lei continued. "Senior Brother, are you saying that the master of this Sun Palace is the Saint Master? And that all the other Ascenders are his disciples?"

"More or less."

Yuan Kong nodded. "Currently, in the Celestial Palace, most Ascenders haven’t passed the Saint Master’s trials. I’m the exception.

That’s why I can come and go from the Celestial Palace as I please, while the others can’t. Of course, I’m not the only one with this freedom. There’s also Venerable Guan Yun. But strictly speaking, the Venerable isn’t simply a disciple of the Saint Master."

"Thank you for the clarification, Senior Brother."

Xu Lei was taken aback, then continued, "So many Ascenders, and none have passed the Saint Master’s trials? They must be incredibly difficult! The fact that you passed, Senior Brother, is truly incredible! Amazing! A master was standing right before me, and I was too blind to see it. Please forgive my ignorance, Senior Brother."

"There’s no need for flattery."

Yuan Kong waved his hand dismissively. "I can’t help you. Once you enter the Nine Heavens, whether you pass the Saint Master’s trials will be entirely up to you."

As they spoke, the two walked a little further, passing through a white archway. Before them was another vast, white plaza shrouded in mist.

"The Nine Heavens... what’s that?"

Xu Lei asked again, "Are there really nine heavens? How powerful is the Saint Master? And Senior Brother, what happens if you fail the trials?"

However, before Yuan Kong could answer Xu Lei,

three figures approached from ahead.

The one in the center was none other than Bodhisattva Guan Yun, a vermilion mark adorning her brow.

To her left was a figure Xu Lei recognized: a white-haired young woman. It was Bai Ling.

Just as he’d seen before, Bai Ling wore a collar and remained silent.

To Bodhisattva Guan Yun’s right was a bald youth, also wearing a collar, who was just as docile and silent.

"Greetings, Venerable!" Yuan Kong said with utmost respect, placing his palms together and bowing.

"Greetings, Bodhisattva—no, Venerable!" Xu Lei followed suit, bowing while feigning confusion and panic.

At that moment, Xu Lei noticed that Bai Ling was, in fact, observing him.

’After all, I was reincarnated into the body of one of my own descendants. Of course my facial features would still bear some resemblance to my old self.’

’She probably suspects even more strongly now that I’m the reincarnation of Hui Chi.’

’But if Bai Ling were going to expose my secret, Bodhisattva Guan Yun would have found out long ago.’

’The fact that Bodhisattva Guan Yun doesn’t know yet means Bai Ling hasn’t talked. So I’m not worried at all.’

As for the collared youth on Bodhisattva Guan Yun’s other side, he seemed numb. His eyes were devoid of emotion as he followed along obediently.

"Liao Chen, you’ve done well. I knew from the start that you would be able to Ascend."

Bodhisattva Guan Yun smiled. "And now, you’ve truly done it—even faster than I imagined. Very good. I hope you can pass the Saint Master’s trials of the Nine Heavens. That’s enough, Yuan Kong. No more talk. Take him to the Nine Heavens."

"Yes, Venerable. This disciple will take his leave."

Yuan Kong added respectfully, "Junior Brother Liao Chen, please continue this way."

Xu Lei also gave a slight bow to Bodhisattva Guan Yun, then turned and followed Yuan Kong away.

As they left, Xu Lei’s eyes met Bai Ling’s for a moment, but neither showed any flicker of emotion.

’Acknowledging Bai Ling now would be incredibly unwise. I still have no idea what kind of person Bodhisattva Guan Yun really is.’

’Still, at least Bai Ling looks alright for now. Her life isn’t in danger, and she hasn’t aged.’

’Besides, Bodhisattva Guan Yun is a woman, so she’s unlikely to do anything perverted to Bai Ling.’

’So there’s no need to rush to save her.’

’Showing my emotions rashly right now would only risk exposing myself.’

Xu Lei quickened his pace and caught up to Yuan Kong.

"By the way, Senior Brother, why did you refer to yourself as ’disciple’ when facing Bodhisattva Guan Yun?"

Xu Lei asked, "Didn’t you say we’re all disciples of the Saint Master? Isn’t Bodhisattva Guan Yun his disciple as well?"

"I’m not entirely sure about the specific relationship between the Venerable and the Saint Master."

Yuan Kong explained, "The Saint Master has been slumbering, and the Venerable has never explained their relationship to me. Frankly, I don’t dare ask. However, I have received guidance from the Venerable in the past. She is my benefactor and teacher, so I must address her as a disciple would.

Six others from the Buddhist Sect received the Venerable’s guidance along with me. We Seven Buddhas all honor the Venerable as our teacher. They have already passed through many of the Heavens. If you can pass the Saint Master’s trials in the future, you should be able to meet them as well."