Tian Yuan

Chapter 2558 No Choice

Upon hearing this, the abbot's gaze deepened, his lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Knowing you are safe and sound puts my mind at ease.

Chen Qingyuan seemed to be recalling some amusing incidents from the past, and his smile was radiant.

Before the abbot could reply, he said again, "I'm leaving."

After saying this, he took An Xiruo's soft hand and turned to leave.

As he watched his old friend's figure recede into the distance, the abbot, his face etched with wrinkles, couldn't help but recall that era from ten thousand years ago. His eyes glazed over, as if he were young again.

Time!

Time flies!

The abbot gazed into the distance, overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

When I was young, I longed to grow up and become stronger.

As I've grown older, I've come to realize how precious those days of my youth were; time is merciless and can never be turned back.

Brother Chen, what will it be like when we meet again next time?

In the abbot's heart, Chen Qingyuan was never an outsider or a benefactor, but a close brother to whom he could entrust his life!

That's why, in a moment of near despair, the abbot handed his own daughter over to Chen Qingyuan, begging him to take good care of her.

As it turned out, Chen Qingyuan did not disappoint the abbot's expectations, taking meticulous care of the baby girl as if she were his own.

I can never repay what I owe you in this lifetime.

Sorry, bro.

The abbot kept staring in the direction Chen Qingyuan had left, his body motionless, like a clay sculpture, and did not look away for a long time.

He is the hope and pillar of Buddhism.

He must shoulder the corresponding responsibilities in order to suppress the villains and protect the peace of the region.

He had no choice.

......

Chen Qingyuan and An Xiruo went to a nearby bustling city to change their appearance and avoid being noticed by others.

Enjoy delicious food and sightseeing.

The two enjoyed this warmth, without any immediate goals, content as long as they were together, they didn't care where they went.

Because of the company, the scenery along the way was especially beautiful.

Good times always pass quickly; five years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Chen Qingyuan deduced that Liu Nansheng's lifespan had reached its end and that he needed to rush to Shijiang Town to see him off.

They traveled at full speed and arrived in just a few days.

Returning to this remote and peaceful town, a desolate and sorrowful atmosphere permeated the air.

A misty rain fell, and a cold wind blew.

Liu Nansheng's time has come; he is about to pass away.

Inside the bamboo house, she was dressed in very simple clothes, sitting on a stool, doing her hair and makeup, wanting to leave this world with dignity.

The old monk bought this dress for her, and she regarded it as a priceless treasure.

The wooden hairpin in her hair was also a gift from the old monk.

Ta-da!

Chen Qingyuan and An Xiruo arrived, gently pushed open the courtyard gate, and walked to Liu Nansheng, standing about two zhang apart.

Liu Nansheng was about to get up and bow, but Chen Qingyuan stopped her with a gentle force: "Palace Master, are you really sure? If you want to stay in this world a little longer, it's not too late."

In fact, Chen Qingyuan could tell that Liu Nansheng had lost the will to live, but he still decided to ask her one more question.

“I have lived nearly 10,000 years longer than him. The years have been unbearable, but today I can finally be free.”

Liu Nansheng was determined and unwilling to continue living alone.

Since that was the case, Chen Qingyuan shut his lips and said no more.

The two stood quietly to one side, watching Liu Nansheng's elegant movements as she did her makeup in front of the mirror.

Half an hour later, Liu Nansheng finished dressing, her beauty breathtaking, like a fairy from a painting. She stood up, never forgetting her status, and bowed slightly to the two people in front of her before walking towards the old monk's grave.

Beside the old monk's grave, there is already a deep pit.

This burial site was made by Liu Nansheng. After her death, she wanted to be buried next to the old monk, accompanying him until the world changed and the realm collapsed.

She walked to the old monk's tombstone, her red lips and white teeth gleaming in a smile: "Little monk, I've come to keep you company."

She took out a pot of wine and a cup of tea.

He drank a cup himself and poured a cup for the old monk.

After drinking all the tea and wine, Liu Nansheng's life force was almost gone.

Even at the end of her life, she maintained an elegant and composed demeanor, her eyes calm and without a trace of fear.

As she faced death, she looked at Chen Qingyuan and pleaded, "I'm troubling you, Your Excellency."

"Of course."

Chen Qingyuan concealed his reluctance and nodded gently, his face expressionless.

Perhaps worried that Liu Nansheng might not leave peacefully, Chen Qingyuan added, "The alliance between Qingzong and Lihua Palace will remain unchanged for eternity."

This was a promise made by Chen Qingyuan: from now on, as long as Pear Blossom Palace acts dutifully and does not do anything that would anger heaven and man, it will surely prosper for a long time.

As long as the Qingzong prospers, the Pear Blossom Palace will remain peaceful.

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

Liu Nansheng was extremely grateful.

After thanking her, she felt extremely heavy, exhausted, and drowsy.

She faced death with equanimity, without fear or anxiety.

She stood before the old monk's tombstone and slowly closed her eyes.

After about ten breaths, her life was completely cut off.

Even as life faded, she maintained her dignified and upright posture.

With mixed feelings, Chen Qingyuan took care of Liu Nansheng's funeral arrangements.

A new grave appeared next to the tomb of Zhou Anzhi.

The story of Miss Liu and the young monk has come to a final end today. Their past may be mentioned in some corner of the world, with some expressing admiration, some puzzlement, and some indifference.

Only those with deep life experience can understand the poignant beauty of this story.

However, the version of the story that has been passed down in the world only goes up to the time when the old monk passed away in the Buddhist temple, and there is no subsequent encounter in the small town.

Chen Qingyuan couldn't possibly publicize what was happening in the small town.

This concerns the old monk's posthumous reputation, so we should be cautious.

"Fortunately, they have been together for a while, so their lives can be considered complete."

Gazing at the two graves before her, An Xiruo couldn't help but imagine her own and Chen Qingyuan's fate.

Chen Qingyuan set up a barrier here to prevent others from entering.

In accordance with Liu Nansheng's wishes before her death, no one will come to disturb her.

"Xi Ruo, let's go!"

After doing all this, Chen Qingyuan held An Xiruo's soft, delicate hand, turned his head to look at her, and spoke gently.

Regardless of what the future holds, An Xiruo is now content and feels incredibly happy: "Mmm."

After they left, the green hill disappeared from Shijiang Town.

The residents of the town were not surprised; their memories of this green mountain had been silently erased.

In a corner of the green mountains, two newly hatched birds, riding the gentle breeze, roam among the mountains and fields, chirping sweetly as they play and frolick, carefree and joyful.

Having settled this matter, the two planned to slowly make their way towards the Azure Sect.

There are still many old friends in the northern wilderness whom I have not yet seen; I should meet them.

The two of them took their time, enjoying the scenery along the way, their affection for each other evident, inseparable.

In the past, An Xiruo never imagined that she could be so close to Chen Qingyuan. If this was a dream, she hoped she would never wake up.