Incense was lit on the stove, with an array map overhead.

A faint fragrance lingered, and the array pattern glowed.

Without a second thought, he gulped down a bowl of medicine.

"Don’t think about anything, just have a good sleep first." Ku Jue, the old monk, spoke with rare gentleness, his voice calming and soothing.

This entire process was too comforting, and Jiang Wang’s consciousness began to blur.

But just before he fell asleep, he suddenly remembered something and barely lifted his left hand, showing Ku Jue the copper bell tied to his wrist: "Master..."

Ku Jue’s eyes lit up immediately, grabbing the copper bell in his hand, examining it from every angle, his smile reaching his ears: "You... You’re back, and even thought of bringing a gift for your master! How can I praise you enough for this!"

"As for this item..."

"I love it, love it, your master absolutely loves it!"

Jiang Wang struggled to say, "This item from Mount Sumeru has been sought after by generations of Zen Masters, risking their lives to return. It also saved my life... Please take it back to Mount Sumeru, so it can return to its rightful owner and bring peace to Master Xingnian’s spirit in heaven."

"What do you mean by an item from Mount Sumeru! What’s it got to do with Mount Sumeru!" Ku Jue was so anxious he jumped up: "In your hands, it’s your master’s! You silly—"

His loud voice suddenly dropped.

Because Jiang Wang, lying on the bed, had closed his eyes and fallen into an extremely deep sleep.

Having wandered the Demon Clan’s territory for nearly half a year, he didn’t dare close his eyes for even a moment!

The yellow-faced old monk by the bedside sighed: "Good child!"

Before sinking into sleep, Jiang Wang handed the Knowledge and Hearing Bell to Ku Jue, trusting the most precious item to the person he trusted most.

It also reminded Ku Jue of his repeated promise to take this unparalleled disciple to Mount Sumeru to show off.

With this bell, Ku Jue could send it back to Mount Sumeru, and no bald monk would dare treat him without utmost respect!

Previously, he could walk with pride in the Hanging Monastery, so why not roll around happily on Mount Sumeru?

Jiang Wang always said he had nothing to repay, yet he gave the world’s most cherished Buddha fate in return!

Good child, good child...

If not for bearing heavy burdens and deep blood stains, he could be the Glazed Buddha Son, with a pure heart!

"Great kindness seems like enmity; as the future abbot of the Hanging Monastery, how could I let Mount Sumeru monks owe me so much?" Ku Jue shook his head, tying the small copper bell back on Jiang Wang’s wrist, murmuring to himself: "Let them owe my disciple instead."

He gently arranged Jiang Wang’s hair, softly saying: "Later, master will make a list for you, telling you about the good things at Mount Sumeru, so you can choose without loss."

He began to smile gleefully: "Yongde, oh Yongde, lower your head when you see me next time! A good disciple means no worry about seniority!"

He sat silently by the bedside for a while, quietly watching Jiang Wang.

After some thought, he removed the Knowledge and Hearing Bell, took care to store it safely for his disciple before standing up and saying: "Come in."

A young female nun in green attire entered through the door at that moment.

The generous monk’s clothes couldn’t conceal her flawless appearance, her brows and eyes teeming with boundless charm.

With worry in her gaze, she entered the inner room, courteously greeting Ku Jue first: "Master."

Ku Jue’s old face unconsciously softened, smiled for a moment but soon regained gravitas, becoming solemn and dignified in a paternal manner: "You may sit for a while, but no touching."

Yu Zhen bowed her head obediently: "Master, I’m not that kind of person."

Ku Jue smoothly whisked his monk’s robe and stylishly exited the room, leaving behind an impressive silhouette.

How long he searched for disciples in the Monster Realm was as long as this little nun in Xi Yue An recited sutras in Wu An City.

Since ancient times, disciples follow their masters; worldly bonds are hard to sever, and their allure is immense.

Yet regardless of how fate unfolds, whether there is a future or not, they deserve a moment together.

For no other reason.

Only because in the Dao Calendar year 3922’s New Year, they’re both here, for the same person.

The beloved returns.

...

...

The snow ridge at the Sky Stele was buffeted by fierce winds.

Inside the cave, Zi Shu, with her large eyes blinking: "Senior sister, how come Brother Xu is always glowing?"

The advanced disciples of Qingya Academy, who were previously sent back by the Winter Emperor, were now lying on the ground, wrapped in blankets, with flashes of magnificent colors flowing all over them.

Zhao Wuyan was meditating nearby, glancing at him: "After ten years of studying, pressed with golden thread, woven into a splendid garment. This is the wish coming to fruition; he is having great fortune."

Zi Shu clicked her tongue: "What kind of wish could it be?"

Zhao Wuyan withdrew her gaze, resumed her own cultivation: "Who knows?"

...

...

Jiang Wang didn’t recall how long he had slept. He only knew it was a deep, deep sleep, a deeply relaxing dream. Upon waking, he felt completely at ease everywhere in his body.

As he slowly opened his eyes, he was greeted by a dense collection of faces. Eyes, noses, mouths of all sorts were crowding together.

"He’s awake!"

"He’s awake!"

"This guy!"

He shrank back in shock, reaching instinctively for his sword.

Then he suddenly realized which familiar faces these belonged to.

By then, the crowd had already piled onto him.

The intense human aura filled every breath he took.

Some strongly clasped his hand, some pinched his face, some pounded his chest, some smacked his thighs.

Zhongxuan Sheng, Li Fengyao, Li Longchuan, Jiang Wuyou, Yan Fu, Zhao Rucheng, Zuo Guangshu...

The room was packed to the brim.

In this moment, Jiang Wang truly felt what it meant to "be alive."

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