Chapter 401 - 205: Li Zhi, I...
Chapter 401: Chapter 205: Li Zhi, I...
Shen Yuan acted as if he hadn’t heard her threat, or perhaps he selectively ignored her declaration to "settle the score."
He took a step forward, drawing closer to Li Zhi.
The start of the stone steps was just steps away.
With a hint of apprehension, Shen Yuan reached out and grabbed Li Zhi’s hand, which was hanging at her side.
"Let’s go."
Shen Yuan’s voice held a trace of nervousness, and his grip on her fingers tightened subconsciously. The moment he took her hand, he had already enveloped her cool fingers completely within his palm.
Li Zhi felt the strength in Shen Yuan’s palm. The sudden warmth and the feeling of being enveloped made her want to pull her hand back as if she’d been shocked, but his grip was stubborn.
"You...!"
The young woman shot Shen Yuan a resigned glance but didn’t pull her hand away.
Li Zhi’s hand rested quietly and docilely in Shen Yuan’s palm.
She turned her face away, refusing to look at his annoying profile.
Shen Yuan felt the docile stillness in his palm, and the taut string in his heart suddenly loosened. A hint of triumph mixed with an indescribable joy quietly crept into the corners of his eyes.
He didn’t dare turn his head to look at Li Zhi’s expression. He just tightened his grip on her hand, his steps becoming light and firm as he led her steadily forward.
Treading on the stone steps swept clean by the mountain wind, they ascended toward the ancient temple nestled amongst the lush, old trees.
The quiet stone path soon came to an end. The simple and solemn mountain gate was in sight, and the words "Faxi Temple" on the lintel above looked tranquil and majestic in the early morning light.
Walking through the mountain gate, the clamor of the outside world seemed to be shut out.
The crisp scent of sandalwood in the air grew stronger, mingling with the unique smoky aroma of incense to create a distinct atmosphere that calmed the mind.
The rustling whisper of wind through the treetops filled their ears. From a distance, the faint chanting of monks could be heard, melodious and lingering, intertwining with the reverberations from the bell and drum towers, striking a chord in their hearts.
The temple courtyard was wide and open, paved with bluestone slabs so clean they almost reflected one’s image.
Tall, ancient trees with gnarled, twisting branches provided a thick canopy of shade, filtering down specks of dancing light.
It was still early, so there weren’t many people. A few scattered worshippers dotted the area, their steps slow and their expressions peaceful. It was just as Shen Yuan had said—exceptionally quiet.
Shen Yuan subconsciously slowed his pace, and his grip on Li Zhi’s hand loosened, becoming a more natural hold.
And so, they walked in silence toward the Mahavira Hall ahead.
Massive pillars supported the entire space, exuding a serene, woody fragrance.
Inside the hall, candlelight brightly illuminated the stately and magnificent statues of the Three-Life Buddhas, their eyes downcast as if compassionately observing the joys and sorrows of the mortal world.
Shen Yuan subconsciously started to walk forward.
The crisp scent of sandalwood and the low chanting made the secret expectation in his heart grow ever clearer.
’This famously effective temple, our hands intertwined... Perhaps...’
He had just taken half a step forward when his wrist was suddenly gripped tightly.
It was Li Zhi.
At some point, she had let go of his hand and had instead seized his wrist.
Her grip was urgent and forceful.
Caught off guard, Shen Yuan turned to look at the young woman beside him with a hint of confusion and surprise.
Li Zhi didn’t look at him at all. Her gaze swept quickly past the majestic Buddha statues.
It skimmed over the two or three worshippers kneeling in prayer beside them, finally settling on the lush shadows of the trees outside the hall’s entrance and the bright daylight spilling in through the main temple gate.
Her cheeks seemed a few shades redder than when they had first entered. Her brow was furrowed, and her lips were pressed into a thin line.
"We’re leaving."
Li Zhi’s tone was short and clipped, filled with an unquestionable resolve and even a barely perceptible hint of panic.
Before her words had even faded, the hand gripping Shen Yuan’s wrist tightened, and she pulled him around, striding toward the exit of the hall.
Her steps were hurried and forceful, completely lacking the slightly hesitant docility she had when Shen Yuan had led her into the hall. It was more like she was fleeing from some terrifying beast or a suffocating space.
Shen Yuan was pulled into a stumble, and all the plans and mental drafts in his head instantly shattered into dust.
Dazed and confused, he was forced to keep up with her pace, unable to stop himself from glancing back at the receding depths of the Buddha hall.
’What happened?’
’Why aren’t we praying anymore?’
’Weren’t things fine just a moment ago?’
’Is... is she shy?’
’Or is it...’
A series of questions flooded Shen Yuan’s mind.
The young woman’s grip was irresistible, and Shen Yuan could only let himself be dragged out of the main hall.
Sunlight rushed to meet them, carrying the unique morning chill of the mountains and the fresh scent of grass and trees. It instantly washed away the smell of incense and the heavy, religious atmosphere that had surrounded them.
Almost at the same instant they stepped out of the hall, the grip on his wrist loosened. Its owner snatched her hand back as if she’d been burned.
Li Zhi didn’t stop. With a hint of vented frustration, she walked even faster down the mountain, leaving the temple hall—rumored to be exceptionally potent—far behind.
Shen Yuan rubbed the red marks on his wrist where she had gripped him, jogging a few steps to catch up.
He fell half a step behind Li Zhi, looking at the tense lines of her side profile. He held back, then held back again, but finally couldn’t resist. His voice was thick with confusion:
"Hey... Li Bao, we’re not going to pray?"
Li Zhi stopped in her tracks and whipped her head around.
Shen Yuan braked to an instant halt, almost crashing into her.
The young woman’s bright eyes stared daggers at him. The blush on her cheeks hadn’t faded, and her expression was a mixture of frosty anger and flustered embarrassment that screamed, ’Say one more stupid word and see what happens.’
"Pray for what! You think your IQ is a lost cause and you need the Buddha to consecrate it for you or something, you moron?!"
Her voice was sharp and crisp, cracking like a whip on the stone path down the mountain.