Years ago, a financial conglomerate funded the renovation of an old temple. During the process, they negotiated with the temple and local authorities, offering huge compensation to relocate the temple to the New Star region. Ultimately, all parties compromised and agreed, resulting in the entire complex being moved—brick by brick, from the roots of the Bodhi tree to the Buddha statues.
In its place, a more magnificent temple arose, grander than before, with an abundant incense offering. From a distance, it appeared solemn and sacred. Wang Xuan reflected that this situation couldn't simply be resolved with money; the conglomerate's foundation and power were astonishing.
"No wonder I can't find the Immortal Stone here or any remarkable artifact…" he sighed, fully understanding the implications—because the true ancient temple had already been relocated. This meant that the Bodhisattvas and others had also been moved to deep space?!
Soon, Wang Xuan thought about the situation back home, particularly the Daoist temple in the Black Mountain… not only were the tiles missing, but even the foundation was gone. It was likely also the work of the New Star side. They had not only excavated items from beneath the old soil but also relocated the temples and Daoist sites, rich in mythological significance.
Wang Xuan felt speechless; the Old Earth was indeed empty. The things he sought were nearly extinct, meaning he needed to seriously consider heading to New Star. From the Qin bamboo slips to millennium-old temples, to the ancestral sites of various teachings, and various relics related to ascension—all had been moved, nearly disappearing in the Old Earth. The things Wang Xuan longed for were all in New Star!
"I need to prepare well," he murmured to himself. With no other choice, he had to set out.
Wang Xuan turned and left the temple. As he glanced back, the grand temple, although bathed in the morning glow, seemed to lose that layer of sacred radiance. He felt a bit nostalgic, realizing how preconceived notions severely affected normal judgment.
As he walked away, he recalled the old monk with bleeding eyes, starting to understand his motives. "Was he seeking to follow the temple that was moved, hoping to join the wonders of ascension?"
However, the vague images the old monk demonstrated in the dead of night clearly showed Bodhisattvas ascending, Arhats rising, and the Bodhi tree taking flight, all heading to deep space. Why was he left behind? Was it because he had made a mistake and was locked in the stone wall, or was it that the remaining spiritual energy of former ascension-level masters of Buddhism scattered everywhere, with the old monk being just a part of it, now revived and wanting to go to New Star's temple?
Whatever the case, it was all related to New Star.
"Old Chen, sleep well; you've had it tough lately. You're a capable person," Wang Xuan said to himself, smiling. He thought that since he had to consider going to New Star, he needed to have a good chat with Qingmu. However, he had to find a way to keep Old Chen occupied or send him away, as Old Chen's mind was too unpredictable and difficult to manage.
"Old Chen, this time you weren't very considerate; you actually plotted against me!" Wang Xuan felt that Old Chen would use various tactics if he couldn't gain anything from the female practitioner. If it hadn't been for the unexpected encounter and Qingmu's "assistance," he would have had no defenses at all.
"But I'm quite considerate; aren't you tough enough to hold on? Since you love to ponder and calculate ascension techniques, I'll give you another chance this time!" Wang Xuan chuckled as he walked back.
It was Sunday, and he didn't have to work. After returning to An City, he had time to spare and began to stroll around. Having lived in this city for over four years, he had developed some feelings for it and took the opportunity to revisit familiar spots.
Unknowingly, he found himself at Cloud Lake, a well-known scenic spot in An City. The lake's surface was crystal clear, with a few ancient buildings dotting the shore. Water birds circled low, and amidst the bustling and restless city, the serene view of the lake was indeed refreshing.
Every day, many people jogged or rowed boats along the lake, and there were quite a few people around.
"What's going on? Is someone filming?" The crowd ahead was packed, and complaints arose.
The bluestone path along the lake was blocked, and the leisurely walkers were frustrated. "It's not a film crew, but something similar. Seems like a famous star is in front," someone mentioned, naming a celebrity.
A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd as they recognized a popular star from New Star, known to many here.
"Make way!" someone shouted, raising their voice as they pushed against the bystanders, demanding that they clear a path.
Instantly, dissatisfaction spread among the crowd. "Why should we make way? It's not your road!" someone retorted.
"Don't shove; I'm going to fall into the lake!" another person screamed.
A group of bodyguards moved through the crowd with roughness, blocking the way for the bystanders, shoving them aside with excessive force. A woman wearing sunglasses followed behind them. Although her face was mostly obscured, she seemed quite beautiful, but her mode of travel drew ire from the crowd.
"Why should we make way? This is everyone's road! Why must we clear the path just for you?" someone protested.
Though many fans called out the star's name, numerous others were outraged, deeming the behavior excessive.
"What era is this? Is being a star that important? Acting so high-profile will lead to a downfall!" someone yelled.
Yet the bodyguards remained unmoved, continuing to energetically separate the crowd and clear a path.
Wang Xuan happened upon the scene, surprised to see a familiar figure standing by the lake. It was Wu Yin, her long dress billowing in the breeze, accentuating her tall figure and stunning curves. With her hair blowing in the wind and a fair, beautiful face against the backdrop of Cloud Lake, she exuded charm.
It was indeed Wu Yin; Wang Xuan's most profound impression of her was her fiery temper. Last time, she had nearly torn her evening gown in anger. Now, seeing her again on old soil was unexpected.
Wang Xuan soon realized why she was here—the star from New Star seemed to be headed toward her, as if they knew each other and had an appointment.
Wu Yin frowned, clearly not wanting the attention and waved her hand at the star, indicating she didn't wish to meet and become a spectacle. She turned to walk away.
Objectively speaking, her grace surpassed that of the star.
Wang Xuan contemplated leaving but then heard a commotion—someone nearly fell into the lake, causing him to frown.
Especially concerning was that a little girl had been pushed backward by a tall bodyguard, about to fall. Unable to tolerate it, Wang Xuan squeezed through several bodyguards, pulling the girl back up. In a crowd this dense, a stampede could easily happen.
Clearly, Wang Xuan's actions annoyed the bodyguards, who approached, thinking he was causing trouble.
Wang Xuan backed away with the little girl, wanting to escort her out of the throng to avoid further risk.
"Keep your distance from me!" he said calmly.
But the bodyguards interpreted his retreat as provocation, shoving forward again, closing in on him.
Wang Xuan hadn't intended to make trouble, but he couldn't ignore their actions. However, if he were to confront these bodyguards directly, it would likely lead to chaos. Considering it best to educate from the source, he began retreating toward Wu Yin at the lake's edge.
"Don't go overboard! What century is this? Do you think this is the days of nobles going out? The Qing Dynasty has long fallen!" Wang Xuan yelled.
His intention was to prompt Wu Yin, who obviously knew the star, to address the situation, as she seemed keen to keep a low profile and had already gestured for the star to leave.
However, as he squeezed through, although Wu Yin was dissatisfied with the star, seeing Wang Xuan approach made her even less pleased. Upon noticing him, she crossed her arms, adopting a defensive and wary posture.
Wang Xuan was speechless. Was it really necessary? He guessed she was still holding a grudge, considering how he had offended her last time while analyzing her pathology.
Wu Yin shot him a cold glance, arms crossed, turning away—clearly distancing herself, not wanting to greet him or have any contact.
"Damn... Wu Yin!" Wang Xuan nearly blurted out her full name. To him, aside from her temper, his most direct impression of her was her "open-mindedness," almost slipping up just now.
Wu Yin, perceptive as she was, deduced his intent from the first word he uttered and immediately glared at him, eyes ablaze.
"Don't get me wrong! I saw you subtly greeting that star over there. You must know her. Hurry up and talk to her; don't be so ostentatious; they almost pushed me into the lake!"
Wu Yin had initially intended to greet the star to ask her to leave but felt Wang Xuan was deliberately encroaching on her space, and she was increasingly displeased, not wanting to acknowledge him, again turning her back on him.
The bodyguards approached, their expressions threatening, thinking Wang Xuan was causing trouble.
"Don't touch me!" Wu Yin warned.
Wang Xuan didn't back down anymore; they were already at the lake's edge. With the intention of "treating and saving," he decided to give everyone a lesson, kicking the black-clad men one by one into the lake.
This action immediately stirred up a hornet's nest, and a group of black-clad men rushed over.
Holding the little girl, Wang Xuan glanced at Wu Yin, implying, "If you don't step up, we're all going to get pushed into the lake!"
Wu Yin ignored him, trying to move aside and shot him a glare.
Seeing her still with her arms crossed like she was guarding against thieves, Wang Xuan thought it was time for a collective education. As the black-clad men charged forward, he dodged while pulling the little girl out of the way. Although he didn't touch Wu Yin, he gave her a swift kick to her backside, sending her into the lake.
Then, anyone who approached him received a kick, and soon the area was cleared, with onlookers cheering, having long found the bodyguards insufferable.
In the end, even the star was swept in by the crowd, and Wang Xuan was puzzled about how it happened.
"I don't think it was my kick that sent her in," Wang Xuan remarked to the crowd.
"Uncle, it seems like it was you," the little girl beside him replied honestly in a low voice.
Laughter erupted around them.
Wang Xuan sighed and immediately contacted Old Chen, saying, "Old Chen, I've agreed; I'll send you a big opportunity, but first, you need to come and help solve some problems."