“Song Ge, I heard there’s a place in Chongxu Temple called the Fate-Changing Bell?” Chu Feng asked curiously.
He wondered if Tang Old Monster chose the Fate-Changing Bell to meet Song Ge randomly or if it held special significance.
“Yes, there is. How did you know?” Song Ge asked.
“I heard it mentioned in passing, so I got curious,” Chu Feng replied.
“Speaking of the Fate-Changing Bell, it’s a place with a story,” Song Ge began. “You know, while Chongxu Temple isn’t huge, it has a history spanning over thirty thousand years, with eleven generations of leaders. The third-generation leader is our legend, as she was the only female leader.”
“Really, the only one?” Chu Feng showed growing interest.
“Yes, the only one. She was incredibly hardworking,” Song Ge continued. “But as you know, a martial cultivator’s progress relies heavily on talent. Hard work alone rarely changes that. Because of her mediocre talent, the third-generation leader was often bullied in her youth. Despite her diligence and never fighting back, people’s views of her didn’t change. Once, she was falsely accused and faced execution. Back then, the Fate-Changing Bell was called the Life-Taking Bell, a place for executing criminals. When the bell rang, heads would roll.”
“But when the bell tolled, she didn’t die, because someone appeared,” Song Ge said. “That person wasn’t from Chongxu Temple but was a peak Venerable, stronger than any of our past leaders. Even our second-generation leader greeted him personally. To everyone’s shock, this peak Venerable was her father. She had an extraordinary father but never told him about the bullying or her false accusation. If he hadn’t learned of her impending execution and arrived in time, she would’ve died.”
“So, her father cleared her name and killed those who framed her?” Chu Feng asked.
“Not only that,” Song Ge replied. “Her father publicly declared that his daughter wasn’t talentless but a martial genius, as their family members all blossomed later in life. Sure enough, years later, she transformed, mastering everything swiftly and advancing rapidly in cultivation, eventually becoming our third-generation leader. Because of this story, the Life-Taking Bell stopped being a place of punishment and became a scenic spot, renamed the Fate-Changing Bell.” Song Ge’s face was full of envy.
Chu Feng understood her envy. Having grown up without her father, Song Ge longed for him deeply.
Chu Feng empathised, recalling his own yearning for his unseen father and his ongoing longing for his unknown mother.
Song Ge envied the third-generation leader for having a protective father.
Chu Feng now realised why Tang Old Monster chose the Fate-Changing Bell for their meeting two days later.
It seemed Tang had decided to acknowledge Song Ge and, like the third-generation leader’s father, change her fate.
“Young Master Luo, these two are chatting so eagerly, like a couple, completely ignoring us,” one of the men said, glaring at Chu Feng and Song Ge.
To them, Song Ge was their target of affection.
Seeing her engage so warmly with someone else left them jealous and irritated.
“No rush. Dealing with this guy requires some preparation. He’ll soon regret coming here,” Luo Zhi said venomously.
They spoke via secret transmission.
But, as expected, Chu Feng overheard their conversation.
They were too weak. Though seen as geniuses by many, to Chu Feng, they were mere ants.
He was merely toying with them for amusement while keeping Song Ge company.
Toying with the trash around her was a pleasant side activity, like cleaning up garbage in a unique way.
Soon, someone brought in a pot of tea.
The person glanced subtly at Luo Zhi, who directed his gaze at Chu Feng.
Chu Feng knew this tea was Luo Zhi’s special “gift” for him.
As expected, under Luo Zhi’s signal, the person approached Chu Feng.
“Young Master, this is our Qingzhu Teahouse’s finest tea. Please try it,” the server said, pouring tea into Chu Feng’s cup.
“Wait,” Song Ge suddenly interjected as the tea was poured.
“Why does this tea smell odd?” she asked.
“Odd? No way,” the server denied, shaking his head.
“Your teas here are always fragrant, but this one’s scent is so faint, almost like water. Is this really your best tea?” Song Ge questioned suspiciously.
Song Ge wasn’t naive. She distrusted these people and feared they’d target Chu Feng, staying vigilant.
This tea, and the server’s nervous expression, raised her suspicions.
“I…” The server faltered, panic creeping onto his face, aware he was doing something shady.
Seeing the situation unravel, Luo Zhi stood quickly.
“Elder Song Ge, you may not know, but this tea’s uniqueness is what makes it special,” he said. “Simply put, it’s a treasure of Qingzhu Teahouse. Not everyone can enjoy this rare tea, but I thought Brother Shura, with his distinguished air, is surely worthy. I had it specially prepared for him. Brother Shura, you wouldn’t dare refuse, would you?” Luo Zhi taunted, using provocation.
Before Chu Feng could respond, Song Ge waved at the server.
“Shura doesn’t need to try this tea. Take it back,” she said.
“No way, such fine tea can’t go to waste,” Chu Feng said with a smile.
As he spoke, he picked up the teacup.
“Shura, don’t drink it,” Song Ge urged, sensing Luo Zhi’s scheme.
Chu Feng grinned, “It’s rare fine tea. I must drink it.”
With that, he downed the tea in one gulp.
