My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion
Chapter 176 - 155: Discussing the Matter_2

Chapter 176: Chapter 155: Discussing the Matter_2

It is precisely because of this that the Daoist of Penglai is trapped on Penglai Island, while the Medicine Bodhisattva sends his dharma body across to Mount Ling, leaving only his incarnations to wander the mortal realm. Among them, Master Zhihui, who traveled the Western Regions to preach, is believed to be one of the incarnations of the Medicine Bodhisattva.

However, an incarnation is the Medicine Bodhisattva, yet the Bodhisattva is not merely an incarnation.

The Buddha appears before sentient beings in myriad forms, whether human, celestial, dragon, or ghost, adopting the forms of the world but without resembling the Buddha’s own form. The incarnations of immortals and Buddhas may be living entities, yet they lack a soul or spirit, resembling lifeless things; when such an incarnation dies, it does not enter reincarnation but instead enters extinction.

After listening to Zhou Yitang’s narration, Chen Yi lowered his gaze in thought.

The conflict between Buddhist and Daoist philosophies, the Medicine Bodhisattva, the demonic sect... fragments of information about Yin Tingxue intertwined in his mind, yet still failed to paint a cohesive answer.

Finally, Chen Yi shook his head and turned to the quiet little fox eating its meal.

"You need to start learning some magic techniques."

Yin Tingxue’s hand paused mid-motion as she looked at him with some surprise.

She had always thought that, in order to keep her captive, he would never allow her to cultivate.

"Don’t think learning it will help you escape."

Chen Yi sneered.

"I don’t plan to escape anymore and won’t try in the future."

She spoke softly, with a hint of joy stirring in her heart. In truth, ever since Yu Zhen had given her a mental method, she had longed to cultivate. But out of concern for Chen Yi’s reactions, she had refrained from starting.

.....................

"It’s a decent mental method."

Yin Tingxue took the initiative to hand the Qingyuan Scripture to Chen Yi.

Chen Yi didn’t even need to flip through it; he immediately discerned it was a superior cultivation technique.

"But don’t study it."

Chen Yi stated plainly.

Though unwilling, Yin Tingxue still gave a faint "mm" in response.

Chen Yi wasn’t opposing her studying a quality mental method; his hesitation lay in its origin—it had been gifted by Yu Zhen. That made him cautious.

Glancing at Yin Tingxue, Chen Yi pondered briefly before saying:

"I’ll talk with my master to have her teach you Yin Sword Mountain’s mental method."

Yin Tingxue’s ears perked at the mention, initially showing an expression of delight, then suddenly faltering in melancholy. Wouldn’t that make her Chen Yi’s junior sister? Despite already being his concubine, she still didn’t want their connection to deepen further. This felt to her like a form of subtle avoidance.

But ultimately, she could never truly escape.

Chen Yi gently pat her and motioned for her to go rest.

She quickly climbed to the inner side of the bed and turned to see Chen Yi extinguish the candle flame.

"Tonight, take a proper rest," Chen Yi said.

Yin Tingxue responded softly, then burrowed into the bedding, lifting the quilt for him as she waited for him to enter.

Chen Yi lay down and immediately pulled Yin Tingxue into his arms. She stiffened for a brief moment out of habit, before gradually relaxing, equally habitually.

"Winter is approaching."

Chen Yi said slowly,

"In just a couple of days, it will be here. I promised to bring you back home before winter, and the timing is falling perfectly into place."

Yin Tingxue showed little dissatisfaction, as the thought of returning home the following day consumed her mind. She murmured hesitantly:

"Will we be wrapping dumplings before leaving tomorrow?"

"Of course."

Yin Tingxue pondered momentarily and cautiously asked:

"Could we go back and wrap the dumplings there instead?"

Chen Yi lowered his gaze to look at her.

"I just... want to go back sooner..."

Yin Tingxue wasn’t lying. Whatever consequences lying might entail, when they weren’t necessary, she had no desire to test them.

"It’s not unreasonable to agree to that."

Chen Yi replied calmly, explaining that the dumpling skins had already been rolled out, and the filling prepared—it only remained to wrap them. Wrapping them earlier at their destination posed no real inconvenience.

Yin Tingxue hadn’t expected him to agree so readily, and her small face instinctively rubbed against his arm in an intimate motion.

Perhaps it was because she had agreed to try liking him. With a soft voice, Yin Tingxue began talking about the Prince Mansion,

"When we get to the Prince Mansion, I’ll first guide you around and show you the place. After the tour, we’ll visit Yintai Temple, where I’ll perform scripture recitation."

"Scripture recitation? Why recite scriptures?"

"To pray for blessings for you, and... for our family."

Yin Tingxue still wasn’t entirely accustomed to the phrase "our family." Family... could this courtyard truly be considered her home?

"Is that all?"

Chen Yi looked at her with an amused glint, recognizing her words for the disguise they were.

"...To make a wish to meet my mother again in my dreams."

Yin Tingxue spoke softly, cautiously lifting her gaze to observe him.

"Why only meet her in dreams?"

Under the tranquil night, Yin Tingxue lowered her eyes and replied:

"Once someone dies, you can never see them again, right?"

"...Doesn’t Buddhism speak of reincarnation and rebirth?"

Reincarnation—Yin Tingxue did believe in it. But so what? When a person enters reincarnation, losing all memories of their past life, do they remain the same person? Wouldn’t they merely shift, imperceptibly, becoming something new?

Her mother was gone—gone forever—she would never meet her again.

Chen Yi held her close as she writhed slightly, choosing not to answer his questions but instead continued,

"After showing you around the Prince Mansion, I’ll take you to Yintai Temple. When entering, remember to clean your shoes properly. I’ll introduce you to Sister Bodhisattva and Auntie Maple—they are wonderful. While there... could you perhaps..."

She trailed off, hesitant to finish her request.

"Don’t worry, I’ll be considerate around them," Chen Yi replied with a chuckle. "Now, tell me about Sister Bodhisattva and Auntie Maple."

He recalled her previous mentions of these strange allegories.

Yin Tingxue nodded and said:

"Sister Bodhisattva is the stone bodhisattva statue from the temple, and Auntie Maple is the maple tree there. They get along harmoniously most of the time, but occasionally quarrel bitterly. Sister Bodhisattva is gentle but never backs down during arguments, while Auntie Maple is the opposite, though she secretly drops leaves, betraying her feelings...

Since my mother passed away, I often visited Yintai Temple. Sister Bodhisattva always comforted me, and Auntie Maple kept urging me not to neglect my scripture recitation. She acted as if unaffected, yet quietly shed her leaves...

I once told these things to Hong Ling, but she would always laugh at me secretly."

"Who’s Hong Ling?"

It was the first time Chen Yi had heard of this name.

"My former personal maid. When my mother passed, she used her savings to free herself from the Prince Mansion. Honestly, it wasn’t so much redeeming herself as being driven away. After I was designated as the Saintess, my father forbade the servants from staying too close to me day and night."

Yin Tingxue seemed lost in memories. This was the first time she had opened up to Chen Yi about her childhood.

"I was very fond of Hong Ling. When I found out she was leaving, I cried for ages. She comforted me, told me not to cry, and said she had woven a little doll for me. She left it in a corner jar filled with years of saved monthly silver, saying it was all reserved for me, her little mistress.

She told me that if I ever had the chance, I should bring the doll to find her."

"So... what happened to that jar?"

"Afraid my father’s people might discover it, I only opened the jar to check its contents. There really was silver and a doll inside.

I didn’t take them out. As the Saintess, it was forbidden for me to touch worldly possessions."

Chen Yi softly stroked her waist and back, patiently listening as she recounted her story. He found no irritation in it.

She was unusually talkative tonight, sharing a stream of stories, occasionally breaking into a smile. Seeing her in his embrace, looking forward so earnestly, was a rare sight.

After leaving for so long, she was finally going home...