Chapter Six: The Taoist Invited by the School (Thanks to the Alliance Leader, Silent Departure from the World)

Chen Shian had grown up on the mountain since childhood, long accustomed to a life that was natural, tranquil, and simple. Now, the hem of his azure Taoist robe brushed over the sun-baked pavement as he paused and lifted his head. Before him rose towering buildings, so foreign and imposing that he felt for a moment as though he had crossed into another world.

The mountain streams had transformed into bustling rivers of traffic;
The chirping of insects and birds had become the clamor of human voices;
The fresh scent of grass and trees had been replaced by the city’s more complex and indistinguishable aromas...

“Fat Ink, look there. See that building? It’s almost as tall as my cultivation,” he remarked.

“Meow,” came the reply.

The black cat rolled its eyes, conceding only halfway to his jest.

Though he was a country boy entering the city, Chen Shian was unlike other rural youths—his heart was steadfast, his worldview and cultivation well-established; he would not be easily unsettled by the unfamiliar, nor would he appear uneasy or self-conscious.

Confronted with the stark contrast between the metropolis and his mountain home, he observed with a calm, inquisitive curiosity, more interested in experiencing than in judging.

The reflection of his blue robe shimmered in the glass facade of a shopping mall, standing side by side with a mannequin in a suit. Now and then, hurried passersby brushed past him. Chen Shian gazed upward at the sky, sliced into rectangles by the buildings above, wondering what it was that all these people were chasing.

They seemed like dandelions scattered by the wind—lively, yet somehow lacking the peace of roots in the earth.

“Hello! Our new store is opening today, everything is 20% off!” A young woman pulled a flyer from her bag and handed it to the little Taoist.

Chen Shian accepted the flyer, stopping with genuine interest to study its contents.

The colorful leaflet was filled with bold headlines and emphatic exclamations, as if missing out would mean a lifetime of regret.

His attire was at odds with the city, and his calm, unhurried demeanor set him apart from the rest. Though he was clearly on his way somewhere, he stopped to carefully read the flyer.

It was the girl who grew restless; with her workload, she couldn’t linger. Seeing he was absorbed in the flyer and saying nothing, she turned to distribute the rest to other passersby, but with little success—most people hurried by, unwilling to spare a moment.

After some time, Chen Shian finished reading, politely returned the flyer, and said, “Thank you, but I don’t need it for now.”

His courtesy and gentle tone startled the girl, sweat still beading her brow. In that sweltering city, it was as if a mountain breeze had swept in, refreshing and soothing her restless heart.

“It’s… it’s no problem at all…”

The girl stared blankly as she took back the flyer from his hand, and before she could suggest he keep it, the little Taoist had already resumed his unhurried walk.

…

As he made his way onward, Chen Shian began to form his own impressions of the city. He did not pass judgment—he was here to observe, to experience, to feel. Suddenly, he understood what his master meant by “tempering the heart amidst the world.” After all, what one reads in books or sees online is quite different from what one experiences firsthand.

Chen Shian found himself looking forward to school life. How would the school differ from the world outside?

Just then, his phone rang in his pocket.

Perhaps because he was rarely contacted, it took him a moment to realize it was his own phone. He checked the screen—a number he didn’t recognize.

He answered, and a hearty middle-aged man’s voice came through:

“Hello? Is this Little Master Chen Shian?”

“Yes, this is he. May I ask who’s calling?”

With a familiar, friendly laugh, the man replied, “I’m Lin Ming, principal of Yunxi First High School. A while ago, at the request of Elder Chen, I sent your admission notice to your association. Did you receive it? These are the registration days. I asked Teacher Liang, and she said you haven’t checked in yet, so I got your number from the association to check on you.”

Realizing the man’s intent, Chen Shian replied, “Sorry to trouble you, Principal Lin. I’m on my way to the school right now. I should arrive in about twenty minutes.”

“Good, good,” Principal Lin said warmly. “Your master told me you haven’t been down the mountain before, and asked me to look after you. If you have any questions, just let me know. Would you like me to send someone to pick you up?”

“Thank you for your kindness, Principal Lin. I’m almost there.”

“Alright, we’ll talk when you arrive. I’ve informed the gatekeeper. When you get here, just let them know and come straight to my office.”

“Thank you, Principal Lin.”

Chen Shian hadn’t expected the principal to call in person. His master’s influence must be considerable—not only had he borrowed a significant sum and secured a place for Chen Shian, even after he was gone, others took his requests to heart.

Of course, that was his master’s favor, not his own. Chen Shian was well aware of the distinction.

After hanging up, he continued on his way.

Soon, a vast campus came into view. As the best high school in Yunxi City, Yunxi First High’s facilities were second to none. Every year, it boasted the highest rates of college admissions and top university placements in the city. Its teaching staff and student body were the best, and securing a place was fiercely competitive—the entrance exam scores alone eliminated countless hopefuls.

Chen Shian had never attended school, so these things meant little to him; he was simply amazed by the sheer size of the campus—enough, he thought, to hold dozens of Pure Dust Temples.

He did not realize that students transferring into Yunxi First High midway through were either exceptionally talented, from wealthy families, or had strong connections.

It was the last day of autumn registration. The school gate bustled with students and parents, most of them incoming freshmen carrying luggage. Sophomores and seniors had already started classes, though a few could be seen in their blue-and-white uniforms, returning early from a short post-exam break.

Chen Shian paused, recognizing the familiar blue-and-white uniform—could that talkative girl from the bus also be a Yunxi First High student? What a coincidence.

Had he known, he would have invited her to walk with him—fifty minutes alone had been rather dull.

He glanced around but didn’t see the talkative girl. He didn’t search further; if they were fated to meet, he would see her again at school.

Among the parents and fashionably dressed freshmen at the gate, Chen Shian in his azure Taoist robe stood out. As he approached, curious glances followed him.

“Huh, why is there a Taoist priest here?”

“Is he here to ask for alms?”

“Monks ask for alms, not Taoists…”

“Maybe he was invited by the school?”

“Could be. Maybe the school brought a priest to bless the students.”

“Maybe they’re building a new building and want a priest to check the feng shui. I heard Yunxi First High has made a lot of money in recent years…”

“The school leaders still believe in that stuff?”

“That Taoist looks awfully young. Is he even twenty?”

“Dad, you really don’t get it. He’s cosplaying! He can’t be a real Taoist!”

As the crowd speculated about his purpose, Chen Shian stepped forward and spoke with the gatekeeper, who, after a few words, respectfully led him inside, straight toward the principal’s office.

“So he really was invited by the school!!”