Chapter 804: What True Talent Looks Like

Chapter 804: Chapter 804: What True Talent Looks Like

Chu Xingchen noticed that Xie Lingyu’s expression had relaxed considerably — his little joke must have eased her unavoidable nervousness.

After all, standing before them was an entire gathering of Tribulation Transcendence cultivators, and the welcome they were given was enormous.

To say he was afraid would be underestimating Xie Lingyu, but no one wanted to lose face in a setting like this.

But truth be told, the one who should have been nervous was actually Runan.

The only people who had come this time were truly just Chu Xingchen and Xie Lingyu. Bai Xuanling had already departed with the Heavenly Dao Map to handle her own affairs.

Huang Miao could have come if he had the time, but Huang Miao was only at the pinnacle of Tribulation Transcendence. If the Buddhist sect truly decided to strike, Huang Miao would likely fall here as well.

Bringing him would have been pointless. So it was better, to show sincerity and good faith, to come alone with just Xie Lingyu.

Coming to the Buddhist sect alone — the advantages naturally outweighed the disadvantages.

Chu Xingchen ensured that during his time at the Buddhist sect, Runan’s gaze would be focused on him for the vast majority of the time.

If anything happened to him, the entire Buddhist establishment would likely become the target of universal condemnation.

Setting aside True Immortal Bai Xuanling for the moment, Tianyan Sect and Xuanqing Heavenly Sect united in righteous cause, and below them a host of sub-top-tier immortal sects hungry for spirit veins — the entire Buddhist sect would certainly be stripped of a layer of skin.

This grand formation was proof of that. First, it demonstrated the importance they placed. Second, it showed extreme respect.

No one liked trouble — unless solving that trouble could eliminate an even greater one.

For instance, his visit to Great Thunder Temple this time was not because he wanted to come, but because it was time to come.

The Small Vehicle Buddhist Teachings rollout that had been discussed previously had collapsed in Southern Zhanbu Continent. Anyone with eyes could see what had happened. This needed to be addressed.

Furthermore, only the Buddhist sect’s Western Niu Continent was stable, and the Buddhist sect possessed the most Tribulation Transcendence cultivators.

This force naturally needed to be mobilized as much as possible — ideally sent directly to cause trouble for Boluo. And the excuse was easy to find: Boluo had been hiding within the Buddhist sect for who knew how many years. When it came to knowing Boluo well, no one in the world could surpass the Buddhist establishment.

This was also the main reason why Buddhas had been invited to the previous meeting.

Chu Xingchen lifted his chest and quickened his pace toward Runan, his tone warm:

"Fellow Daoist Runan, it has been too long. I have missed you greatly."

Runan’s face was kind as he nodded slightly, and he offered a compliment without missing a beat:

"Fellow Daoist Chu’s bearing is as magnificent as ever. Your demon-slaying in the Eastern Sea is known throughout the world."

"A trifle," Chu Xingchen laughed lightly, his tone casual. "Today’s formation is quite grand. I am humbled."

Runan shifted his gaze calmly to Xie Lingyu for a moment, then chuckled and took the initiative:

"If Fellow Daoist wishes to take a recording, there is no harm. Great Thunder Temple’s respect for you may as well be known to all."

Xie Lingyu was about to politely decline when Chu Xingchen, at her side, spoke faster:

"Wonderful! Then I shall trouble you, Fellow Daoist."

Chu Xingchen agreed immediately, then produced an image-recording stone. He pulled Xie Lingyu around to face him, held the stone high, and captured Runan beside them along with the entire gathering of Tribulation Transcendence Buddhas behind.

Xie Lingyu felt a moment of confusion, and when she looked up again, the image-recording stone was already aimed.

Chu Xingchen’s voice was calm and clear: "Come on, Fellow Daoist Runan, give us a smile."

Runan cooperated perfectly, a warm smile appearing on his face.

Xie Lingyu had not yet adjusted her expression when the faint click of the image-recording stone sounded.

Such swift action, with no hesitation whatsoever.

But well...

Xie Lingyu did not know what she was feeling. After all, it was normal for Chu Xingchen to be occasionally absurd. And after the absurdity, it was time for serious matters.

But in the very next moment, Chu Xingchen produced a brand-new image-recording stone.

He moved with blazing speed, pulling Xie Lingyu for another photo. He took three consecutive recordings before his expression turned satisfied.

Without a word, Chu Xingchen handed one image-recording stone to Xie Lingyu to keep.

But to everyone’s surprise, he also handed one to Runan.

Chu Xingchen offered the stone: "I borrowed your light, Fellow Daoist Runan. I didn’t bring a gift when I came, so consider this one for now."

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist." Runan accepted it readily, then turned slightly, revealing the entrance to Great Hero Hall. His tone became somewhat solemn: "Fellow Daoist, please."

Chu Xingchen nodded lightly and followed Runan’s steady pace toward Great Hero Hall.

Runan spoke evenly: "This is Fellow Daoist’s first visit to our Great Thunder Temple. I should have shown you around our Buddhist scenery first, but having learned of your recent situation, I felt you might not have the time."

"A busybody’s fate..." Chu Xingchen sighed lightly, then seemed to suddenly remember something. "By the way, is the Small Vehicle Buddhist Teachings matter being personally supervised by a Buddha Son named Wu Wang?"

Runan replied: "He performed inadequately. He has returned to Great Thunder Temple from Southern Zhanbu Continent and is currently being punished."

"This matter cannot be entirely blamed on him. My useless disciples offered quite a few terrible ideas." Chu Xingchen’s expression was earnest. "Today, I hope the Honored Buddha can give me a little face and waive Wu Wang’s punishment."

Runan’s gaze deepened as he looked at Chu Xingchen. He felt that though Chu Xingchen sometimes acted dishonorably, when it truly mattered, he always had your back — he would never truly turn a blind eye.

"It is rare for Fellow Daoist to ask. Naturally, I will not refuse your meaning."

Runan nodded gently, then gestured for Chu Xingchen to take the seat that had been specially reserved for him in Great Hero Hall.

Great Hero Hall was not like the meeting halls of ordinary sects. Every seat within was reserved for specific Buddhas, and they were all suspended high along the walls of Great Hero Hall, like murals.

This corresponded to the world envisioned in the Buddhist heart — a distinctive feature.

Naturally, this feature had its drawbacks. When receiving actual guests in Great Hero Hall, figuring out the proper seating arrangement required some thought.

Runan’s Honored Buddha seat was positioned slightly behind center. According to precedent, the most important guests were seated beside the Honored Buddha’s seat, but at a slightly lower height, to distinguish host from guest.

Chu Xingchen looked over, and was somewhat speechless.

The seat arranged for him was not only at the same height as the Honored Buddha’s, but Xie Lingyu had also been given a seat of equal height — right beside his own.

Chu Xingchen’s steps faltered slightly.

Runan naturally reached out, took Chu Xingchen by the sleeve, and led him forward, his voice gentle:

"Do not be modest, Fellow Daoist. You bear the Mandate of Heaven. This is both karma and mutual respect. By rights, we should be at the same height — there is no breach of protocol. If anything, perhaps I should be sitting below you."

Runan paused, then chuckled and suddenly teased:

"If Fellow Daoist would like to take another recording, that is also fine."

As expected, a thousand-year-old monster’s sense of shame was quite flexible.

First, Bai Xuanling had bamboozled him into pretending to be Xie Lingyu’s elder sister.

Now, in under ten minutes, the Honored Buddha Runan had learned to be cheeky.

Chu Xingchen laughed freely. Since Runan wanted to test his shamelessness, he would demonstrate a small trick today — to let Runan understand what true talent really looked like.

"Since Fellow Daoist so warmly invites me, I won’t decline. We’ll take a few good ones in a moment."

Runan’s gaze grew curious as he studied Chu Xingchen once more.