Chapter 7: The Star of Literary Talent Descends to the Mortal World, You’ve Found a Treasure (Thanks to Lord Mizhi Ji)
This was Chen Shi’an’s first step into a high school campus, and he did so as a Daoist priest.
He knew that September first was the usual start of the school year, but had never imagined that after so many years as a Daoist on the mountain, he would one day return to school. Compared to the rural elementary school he attended as a child, Yunqi First High was vast, and the teaching environment was worlds apart.
From the moment he walked through the school gates, the cacophony of traffic outside began to fade—a change in sound that was strikingly apparent. Looking around, the campus was filled with students about his age. The expressions on their faces were quite different from the hurried passersby in the city.
This place seemed like a special “barrier,” situated in the heart of the metropolis yet temporarily sealed against the chaos of the outside world.
As Chen Shi’an watched the students, they watched him in turn.
Seeing a Daoist robe appear on campus inevitably sparked curiosity. In the monotony of academic life, anything outside of study could ignite keen interest.
“Hey, look! Is that a Daoist priest? Why is there a Daoist in school?”
“Maybe it’s just a student cosplaying…”
“It doesn’t look like it… Whoa! He’s gone into the Administration Building! Looks like he’s heading to the principal’s office on the third floor!”
“What’s going on?!”
Some students eyed him quietly, others whispered, but before they could dig up more gossip, the guard led the young Daoist straight into the Administration Building, heading toward the principal’s office. A few curious students followed, peering from the stairs until the dean passed by and scolded them, sending them scattering.
“Little Master Chen, we’ve arrived—this is Principal Lin’s office.”
“Thank you for your trouble.”
“No trouble at all.”
Chen Shi’an withdrew his gaze from the students, straightened his robe, brushed off the dust, and stood upright before the door.
The office door was ajar, and cold air flowed from within like water through the crack.
The guard knocked.
“Principal Lin, Little Master Chen has arrived.”
“Good, come in.”
The guard pushed open the door. Chen Shi’an entered.
At the same time, the middle-aged man at the desk stood to greet him.
His appearance was ordinary, younger than his position would suggest—just over forty, thin, wearing glasses, with a hint of gray at his temples. Though not robust, his voice was deep and resonant:
“Little Master Chen, you’re here. Please, come in.”
“The journey was long, so I was delayed. Sorry to keep you waiting, Principal Lin.”
Chen Shi’an bowed politely.
Principal Lin returned the gesture, his movements precise and formal.
---
The principal’s office was spacious. At first glance, its layout differed little from other offices, but the grandeur was hidden in the details—the materials of the furniture far outclassed those in other rooms.
Though Chen Shi’an was about to become a Yunqi First High student, Principal Lin didn’t simply treat him as one. Once Chen Shi’an was seated, he warmly brewed tea and handed it over.
“I met your master more than twenty years ago. Back then, I was about your age. Time flies—so many years have passed.”
Principal Lin sighed. “When your master called me, I was away on business and rushed back, but still missed seeing him off. I hope you won’t hold it against me, Little Master Chen…”
“You’re very considerate, Principal Lin.” Chen Shi’an accepted the tea. “My master often said, ‘Life and death are as the alternation of day and night.’ He always took such matters lightly. You needn’t blame yourself.”
“Master Chen was indeed remarkable, not many could match his state of mind.”
…
Whether his master truly took life and death lightly, only Chen Shi’an knew. But before others, he wouldn’t tarnish his master’s reputation.
Chen Shi’an had already reviewed the account book his master left behind. The name “Lin Ming” was one of the oldest creditors—his master had borrowed thirty-eight thousand, plus a school place and two years’ tuition.
Perhaps his master had already repaid such “loans” in his own way, but since he called it a loan, Chen Shi’an felt obliged to make his attitude clear.
“Principal Lin, all the accounts you lent to the temple are recorded. Though my master is gone, rest assured, I’ll repay you every cent.”
“Ah?”
Principal Lin was briefly puzzled, then waved his hand and laughed:
“What my master did for me far outweighs these little sums. He was stubborn and refused to accept payment. You don’t need to concern yourself, Little Master Chen. There's no need to repay.”
“That won’t do. Personal favors are one thing; since my master called it a loan, a loan it is. Besides, most of it was for me, and as his disciple, it’s my duty to repay. Only…”
Chen Shi’an looked embarrassed, but his tone was firm. “Only, my finances are tight at the moment. It may be some time before I can settle your debt. I ask for your patience.”
Truly, like master, like disciple.
So principled!
Principal Lin had never expected Chen Shi’an to repay the debt, and laughed again:
“No matter, no matter. Don’t let it weigh on you, Little Master Chen. Take it easy. Do you have enough money for this trip? If not, I can lend you more. I’m in no rush—use what you need, don’t be shy!”
“Thank you for your concern, Principal Lin. Though my master left me little, I have enough for now.”
“Good. If you need anything, just tell me.”
…
Where else would a creditor rush to lend more money?
Chen Shi’an didn’t know what favor Principal Lin owed his master. It was their business, and as the younger generation, he wouldn’t pry.
He supposed other creditors must be much the same.
“Here, Little Master Chen, have some tea.”
“Thank you, Principal Lin. This is excellent tea.”
---
“Looks like you know your tea, Little Master Chen!”
“I only know it’s good, not as well as you, Principal Lin.”
A cup of tea went down, leaving his mouth refreshed and sweet.
Chen Shi’an praised the tea, Principal Lin praised him.
Those who come asking for favors are tiresome; those who come to repay a debt for their master make an excellent impression.
There are many in the world who forget kindness, but plenty with loyalty too—like Principal Lin. Even though Master Chen is gone, settling old debts for his disciple is no trouble.
He imagined most creditors wouldn’t mind returning their owed favors to his master’s disciple. These favors were perhaps the most secret inheritance his master left him.
In truth, Chen Shi’an didn’t care whether the creditors would repay his master’s favors. He only wanted, once he’d saved enough, to clear his own debts, so his heart could be freer.
If the creditors still felt indebted to his master, lighting a few more sticks of incense for him would be gratitude enough.
Once his school affairs were settled, Chen Shi’an planned to visit each creditor listed in his master’s account book.
He couldn’t pay back the money yet, but at least his attitude would be clear.
And since the creditors were scattered all over the country, visiting them would give his travels a purpose.
After reminiscing for a while, Principal Lin began discussing Chen Shi’an’s schooling.
“I’ve heard about the association’s requirements for inheriting the temple. I trust Master Chen’s disciple—diploma or not, you’ll surely have ability.”
“You flatter me, Principal Lin. I’m not a tenth of my master.”
“You’re modest. I know your master well—if he wasn’t confident in you, even if you were his own son, he wouldn’t have handed the temple over.”
Principal Lin sighed, “But, Little Master Chen, the world is different now. Everything must go by the rules. We’ve run this school for so many years so students can have a piece of paper as a door opener.”
“That’s true. My master was the most rule-abiding, which is why he sent me to earn a diploma.”
“Exactly.”
Principal Lin smiled, “When your master contacted me, he said you were the god of literary talent incarnate—said I’d found a treasure!”
Chen Shi’an: …
Master, how many people did you tell I’m the god of literary talent incarnate?
Am I a literary star or an unlucky fish—you really haven’t got a clue, have you?
Seeing Principal Lin’s sincere belief, the young Daoist felt oddly guilty…
.
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(Thanks to Lord Ji for becoming a sponsor! Nothing more to say—half my daily word count is yours! My words are your words!)