The path leading to the temple was lined with plum trees, all in full bloom, the fallen petals scattered across the ground, turning the entire road into a soft pink carpet.while a fresh, delicate fragrance floated through the air.
By the time the Chen family's womenfolk arrived at the ancestral temple, it was already midday.
The scorching sun seemed gentler near the temple,perhaps because it was surrounded by lush greenery that kept the air cool and calm.
Liu Yiran's eyes landed on the majestic Bodhi tree rooted at the heart of the temple. its ancient trunk thick and gnarled, Its wide, heart-shaped leaves shimmered in the sunlight, a vibrant green by day and a soft golden glow when kissed by the sunlight light.
"I'm always amazed by this place," Grandma Chen said, smiling softly, "It's the same wonder I felt the very first time I set foot here."
"Indeed, Mother… I've never felt such life and spiritual presence anywhere else," Tang Jingyi said softly.
Being a private property belonging to the Chen family, there aren't many people there, giving calm and peaceful atmosphere.
"Come, let's head to the shrine." Grandma Chen and walked foreword by holding Tang Jingyi's hand.
"Grandma, can I look around?" Soft voice of Liu Yiran echoed faintly. "I've never been here before, this seanory here really fantasies me"
Grandma Chen gazed at the dark eyes brimming with curiosity and anticipation, she couldn't bring herself to say no.
"The head monk will be giving the blessings shortly; wandering around now isn't proper," Tang Jingyi remarked, her tone tinged with disapproval.
Liu Yiran bit the inside of her cheek.
'Oh no… what should she do? If she goes along with them, what if she misses that person?.'
"Mother, I'll come back soon. It won't take long," Yiran said softly, trying to persuade her.
Tang Jingyi's brows tightened, irritation flickering in her eyes, 'her daughter-in-law still hadn't changed her reckless ways.' She was just about to refuse again, Grandma Chen cut in.
"Jingyi, don't be so harsh," Grandma Chen said gently. "It's Xiao Ran's first time here—of course she'd be drawn to the beauty of this place, naturally she'd want to explore and admire the surroundings. The blessing ceremony isn't starting for a while. Besides, Yu'er hasn't come back from the company, and Yan'er, your sister-in-law, and Ah Ling are still on their way."
Tang Jingyi become speechless wanted to say more, she chose to remain silent, dont want to become unreasonable. After all, her mother-in-law had already spoken, and she didn't want to make things awkward.
Seeing her daughter-in-law finally fall silent, Grandma Chen noded in her mind. She then turned to Yiran and said, "Go ahead and look around, dear. Just don't wander too far, and make sure you're back before the blessings begin, alright?"
With Grandma's approval and Tang Jingyi's reluctant silence, a wave of happiness washed over to Yiran.
"Yes, Grandma, I won't wander around. I'm just going to take a closer look around Bodhi tree and come back quickly," Yiran said excitedly, her sincerity brimming.
Grandma Chen watched the little girl's radiant, ear-to-ear smile and boundless energy. She let out a soft sigh and thought. 'Ah… it's wonderful to be young.'
Liu Yiran hopped toward the Bodhi tree, when she turned around and saw Grandma and Tang Jingyi already walking toward the prayer chamber, she changed direction and briskly walked toward the backyard of the temple—absolutely not sneaking. Not at all...
The backyard of the temple was bordered by rows of ginkgo trees.It's not autumn at, When autumn arrived, their leaves turned a brilliant shade of gold. And whenever the wind passed through the branches, the falling leaves danced through the air like a cascade of golden rain.
Even though the leaves hadn't turned golden yet, the tree's beauty wasn't reduced in the slightest. In fact, its deep green glow made it look less like an ordinary trees and more like a divine jade sculpture full of life and mystery.
She continued walking forward, trying to recall the exact spot. If her memory was right, it should be here. After a few steps, she finally found the small pond she had been searching for.
Hidden between the majestic ginkgo trees, the pond sat partially veiled in soft shade, The water shimmered in a soft sparkling blue hue, sunlight slipping through the leaves above and casting a magical glow across the pond, the water was crystal clear enough for her to see koi fish drifting lazily beneath it. Across the pond, there stood a small curved bridge.
Yiran slowly walked toward the bridge, looking around as she went. The entire area was silent. The place was completely deserted—there wasn't a single person besides her.
"Master Baiyun!" Liu Yiran shouted, her voice echoing across the quiet garden. She had no intention of giving up—she must meet that person, no matter what.
After shouting for quite some time, she still couldn't find anyone. 'Where did he go? she wondered. She clearly remembered that in her past life, she had met him in this very spot when she got lost in the woods—on the exact same day and time. By her calculations, he should be here, sitting on the bridge with his fishing rod.'
He was the one who had warned her—her life was destined for death, and only reincarnation could break that fate. Back then, she laughed it off, convinced the man who called himself master Baiyun, was nothing more than a strange old man speaking nonsense.
But in the final moments before she died, his words echoed in her mind like a curse.
And now, there she is reborn with memories, she had countless questions and needed answers… yet he was nowhere to be found.
After searching for a while with no results, she checked the time. 'Oh no—it's almost time. She needed to return quickly. With a disappointed sigh, she turned around.'
Not far behind her, hidden in the shade, stood an old man with a long white beard. His straw cap obscured most of his face, yet his eyes gleamed with a knowing light. This was none other than the person Liu Yiran had been searching for desperately—Master Baiyun. A small, unsettling smile curved on his lips.
"So... the destined one has finally appeared," he murmured.
Liu Yiran reached the praying chamber in a breathless rush, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. Just as she feared she might have missed the cereremony, Luckily, all the remaining family members had just returned—she wasn't late after all.
Seeing everyone kneeling there for worship Yiran quietly kneel beside Tang Jingyi. Tang Jingyi glanced at her from the corner of her eye sternly,then ignored her completely.
Liu Yiran shrugged. She arrived perfectly on time, but her mother-in-law gazed at her with the same enthusiasm one reserves for a mosquito buzzing near their ear.
She still couldn't spot Chen Zeyan or the Old Master—perhaps they were still with the senior monk.
She still couldn't find Master Baiyun today. Maybe she should ask the monk here, Master Baiyun probably from here.
Just as that thought drifted through her mind, a soft sound echoed in the chamber. Lifting her head, she saw the senior monk enter alongside Chen Zeyan and the Old Master.
Everyone greeted him respectfully.
The senior monk walked to the altar and began chanting, with a gentle, rhythmic tone.
Then he dipped a small willow brush into a bowl of blessed water and lightly sprinkled it over the gathered crowd.
One by one, people stepped forward to receive blessing. The monk touched each persons heads with a calm, steady hand, murmuring a quiet prayer.