CHAPTER 556: 218 SETTLE ACCOUNTS WITH THE YU FAMILY

After being retorted by the old Taoist, Yu Ruohuan’s face turned slightly grim.

The old Taoist’s piercing gaze fell upon Yu Ruohuan’s face, inexplicably making her scalp tingle, as if all her thoughts had been laid bare to him.

Such uncontrollable situations and people left her feeling deeply displeased.

The old Taoist flicked his horsetail whisk, circled around Yu Ruohuan, and shook his head while muttering, "Karma clings ever tightly. If one does not hasten to perform acts of kindness and accumulate virtue, thereby securing blessings for future generations, then great calamity will be inevitable, and spilled water cannot be reclaimed."

Yu Ruohuan’s expression darkened, and she snapped sharply, "Foul Taoist! What nonsense are you spouting? Do you believe I won’t shred your mouth apart?"

The old Taoist chuckled amiably, saying, "Malicious speech diminishes one’s own blessings. The Heavenly Dao cycles; good and evil bear consequences. The consequences are carried across generations—sins committed by predecessors bring suffering to descendants. When the present generation embodies virtue, future descendants shall reap the rewards."

Yu Ruohuan’s complexion turned livid. What did this old Taoist mean? Was he accusing her ancestors of sinning?

Scoundrel.

Anger surged in Yu Ruohuan. "Shut your mouth! Spreading absurdities, deceiving the masses—Jiao Long, demolish this hall for me! Let’s see if he dares to continue spouting nonsense."

The old Taoist did not stop her but continued to gaze at her with a cheerful expression, causing unease in her heart.

Liu Runxi stepped forward, his demeanor cold. "Stop acting wantonly here."

"Liu Runxi." Yu Ruohuan glared at him with resentment.

"Did you not hear what this old Taoist just said? If it were you, could you endure it?"

The young man with a jade-like countenance responded indifferently, "The *Taiping Scripture* states: The bearers precede, and the burdened follows. It means that ancestors originally acted according to heavenly principles; minor faults, unnoticed, accumulate over time and gather into grave consequences. These sins then unjustly plague their innocent descendants through continued transmission of disasters. The burdened are those whose predecessors impose such burdens upon them."

His voice, distant yet sharp, carried an otherworldly quality, tinged with merciless ridicule and judgment.

Those clear eyes gazed at her without a trace of emotion.

They resembled the lofty gaze of a deity peering down from atop an altar, indifferent to the struggles of ants below.

"All matters urge men to abstain from deceit. Three feet above, divine spirits stand watch."

"This sacred Taoist ground does not permit your reckless defilement."

Yu Ruohuan was so enraged she was left speechless.

The old Taoist’s gaze upon Liu Runxi grew increasingly satisfied, stroking his beard while nodding incessantly.

"Liu Runxi."

Yu Ruohuan was furious for the first time at being insulted so bluntly. Her face distorted from rage.

"You’re intent on siding with this old Taoist to humiliate me, aren’t you?"

"Respect from others begins with respecting the beliefs of others, Miss Yu."

Yu Ruohuan turned and walked away.

The old Taoist grinned from behind, calling out, "Young lady, misfortune with bloodshed looms over you. Why not seek a talisman from my humble self to avert calamity...?"

"Scram."

The indignant voice of the young woman echoed from afar.

The old Taoist stroked his long beard and sighed, "Each person’s destiny is their own."

"Mr. Zhang." Liu Runxi’s demeanor was respectful.

"My companion lacks courtesy; I apologize on her behalf."

Mr. Zhang gestured dismissively, "Let it go. As the saying goes, those who bring ruin upon themselves cannot live. But you, young one—you are fated to be connected to the Dao. Why not join my sect, pursue eternal life, and attain transcendence? It would be far better than struggling endlessly in this mortal world."

Without hesitation, the young man shook his head. "Thank you for your kind offer, Daoist, but my aspirations lie elsewhere."

Mr. Zhang noticed his unwavering stance and inwardly felt a sense of regret.

Such an excellent candidate—how many more years would pass before finding someone similar?

"You and I share a bond of fate. Let me offer one piece of advice: when things ought to be let go, let them go; your life will then flow smoothly and beautifully. Otherwise..."

The old Taoist shook his head. "Troubles of the heart will be insurmountable; fate precariously hangs by a thread."

He retrieved an amulet from his sleeve. Embroidered with an Eight Diagram, its stitching lacked meticulous detail. A tassel hung below, carrying a faint scent of agarwood that soothed the senses.

"This amulet is for you—it wards off evil and deflects misfortune."

With both hands, Liu Runxi received it and tucked it close to his body. "Thank you, Daoist."

After leaving behind an offering, Liu Runxi departed the hall.

Standing beneath the corridor, the old Taoist gazed at the young man’s departing figure down the mountain, shaking his head with a sigh.

"Unpredictable, unpredictable indeed."

"Master, what are you mumbling about?"

The horsetail whisk struck the young disciple’s head. "Have you finished today’s lessons? What laziness are you up to?"

The young disciple clutched his head in grievance and ran off.

~

When Liu Runxi descended the mountain, Yu Ruohuan was already seated in the car, waiting for him.

She appeared composed, as though the confrontation atop the mountain had never occurred.

Liu Runxi got into the car and instructed the driver to set off.

There was silence throughout the drive.

The sky gradually darkened.

By the time they entered Qingzhou City, the city lights had already lit up.

Yu Ruohuan suddenly said, "I’m hungry, Liu Runxi. Treat me to dinner, won’t you?"

"Alright."

"Let’s go to Zirui Pavilion."

"I don’t wish to go to Zirui Pavilion. Where did you previously dine with Shen You’an? I want to go there instead."

Liu Runxi’s brows furrowed ever so slightly.