Old Master Sun's Inquiry

With this thought in mind, Fang Yi once again settled into a cross-legged position, setting aside the well-worn, discolored string of Vajra beads. He picked up the newly acquired star and moon Bodhi seeds, for only such fresh beads could reveal significant changes. 

This time, Fang Yi simply manipulated the beads with his hands, refraining from channeling energy or reciting scriptures. While his gaze remained fixed on the Bodhi seeds, his thoughts wandered far beyond, completely detached from the beads in his hands. 

"Ah, it seems to have some effect, but it is far slower than the transformations that occur during recitation and meditation..." After approximately half an hour, Fang Yi ceased his movements and scrutinized the string of star and moon Bodhi seeds before him. 

Through this half-hour of manipulation, he observed that the luster of the beads had increased slightly; however, there was no patina or color change—overall, the transformation was minimal and did not compare to the results achieved when he meditated and recited while rubbing the beads. 

"What if I recite the scriptures without circulating my energy?" An idea sparked in Fang Yi's mind, prompting him to recite the verses aloud. His thoughts began to emanate toward the Bodhi seeds in his hands, yet he remained anchored in his lower dantian, not allowing even a trace of true energy to escape. 

"There is indeed an effect; merely reciting the scriptures can induce changes in the beads..." 

Fang Yi's eyes widened in realization as he observed the Bodhi seeds intently. Within merely five or six minutes, the color of the beads shifted subtly from white to a faint yellow, and their previously coarse surface had become smooth and rounded. 

"Fang Yi, where are you? I've bought half a duck; let's enjoy it with some drinks tonight..." Just as Fang Yi was engrossed in his experiment, the sound of the door opening reached his ears, followed by Man Jun's familiar voice. 

Reluctantly, Fang Yi halted his actions, though he felt somewhat relieved that Man Jun had returned. Otherwise, he would have found it difficult to explain how he had transformed the string of star and moon Bodhi seeds into antiques. 

"I need to purchase a few more strings of beads for experimentation; besides beads, I could also try other objects..." 

After placing the well-worn Vajra beads and the star and moon Bodhi seeds into a box, Fang Yi draped the slightly discolored Bodhi seeds around his neck and made his way downstairs. 

"Man Ge, I felt a bit fatigued earlier and took a nap; I'm about to prepare dinner..." Upon reaching the first floor, Fang Yi realized it was already five-thirty in the evening. He had returned home at three, and he had lost track of time for over two hours. 

"Fang Yi, are you alright? Is your injury still not healed?" Man Jun regarded Fang Yi with concern, recalling that just a few days prior, Fang Yi had been hospitalized. The moment the car collided with him had indeed frightened Man Jun considerably. 

"Man Ge, I'm fine. Please wait for the teacher to come and chat with him; I'll be ready shortly..." Fang Yi replied with a smile, accepting the duck from Man Jun and bustling into the kitchen. 

After about twenty minutes, just as Fang Yi finished arranging four cold dishes and two hot ones on the table, Man Jun ushered Sun Lianda into the house. However, behind Old Master Sun was another figure, carrying a box of liquor—none other than the elder's eldest son, Sun Chao. 

"Fang Yi, it appears we are now family..." Upon seeing Fang Yi in an apron, Sun Chao couldn't help but chuckle, remarking, "I must say, we share the same passion; I also enjoy experimenting with culinary delights in my spare time..." 

"Yours is merely indulgence..." 

Old Master Sun playfully chided his son before taking a seat at the dining table, stating, "Xiao Man, from now on when I dine here, the cost of the meals is yours, but the liquor shall be mine; you are not allowed to dispute this..." 

Sun Lianda was not one to take advantage of others or owe favors, so after some contemplation, he decided that he would cover the cost of all the alcohol consumed at Man Jun's place. It must be said that liquor is far more expensive than food; even a bottle of Maotai every two days would amount to several hundred yuan a day. 

"Alright, Old Sun, whatever you say goes..." 

Casting a glance at the box of Maotai that Sun Chao was holding, Man Jun nodded. He had heard of Old Master Sun's temperament—he was known for his decisiveness, and if Man Jun were to disagree, Old Sun would likely leave without a second thought, let alone share a meal in his home. 

"Chao Ge, please take a seat and sample my culinary skills..." 

Fang Yi smiled as he distributed the chopsticks to everyone. Before Sun Chao could take action, Fang Yi opened a bottle of liquor and filled the cups before them, then spoke, "Perhaps the teacher could share a few words with us..." 

"Dining is simply dining; there's no need for excessive conversation..." 

Hearing this, Sun Lianda chuckled and waved his hand, saying, "As the ancients said, 'Food should not be discussed; sleep should not be spoken of.' There is indeed wisdom in this. Speaking while eating can lead to digestive discomfort; those who conduct business over drinks often suffer from poor digestion..." 

"Indeed, what the teacher says is true; it does have an impact..." Fang Yi nodded in agreement, as he was already familiar with some medical knowledge and understood the detrimental effects of speaking while eating. 

"Then... how do we drink this liquor?" With both Fang Yi and Old Master Sun silent, Man Jun looked somewhat perplexed. If they were to drink without speaking, wouldn't that be drinking in silence? 

"Old Man, let's drink together..." Sun Chao raised his cup and said, "My father is quite open-minded; his silence during meals won't apply to us. Come, let's share a toast..." 

Sun Chao had studied in Russia, which had honed his drinking capacity. He and Man Jun exchanged cups with ease, their camaraderie blossoming as they drank. By the time Fang Yi and Old Master Sun had each consumed a couple of cups and finished their meal, the two brothers were thoroughly enjoying their revelry. 

"Fang Yi, shall we take our leave and let them drink at their leisure..." Sun Lianda beckoned to Fang Yi, and as they reached the door, he turned back to say, "Sun Chao, make sure to rest well tonight; don't go to the studio after drinking. Never drive under the influence..." 

"Father, I understand. I'll be staying at Old Man Man's place tonight..." 

Sun Chao waved dismissively at his father. It must be said that alcohol is indeed a wonderful catalyst for camaraderie. After a few rounds, Sun Chao and Man Jun, who had previously been mere acquaintances, now felt as if they were old friends. This was certainly aided by Man Jun's subtle flattery, which put Sun Chao in high spirits. 

...

In the past, while working at the museum, Sun Lianda had been allocated a three-bedroom apartment in Chaotian Palace. A few years ago, during the housing reform, he spent some money to convert the public housing into private property. However, after retiring, Sun Lianda rarely stayed there. 

Earlier that day, Sun Chao arranged for the apartment to be thoroughly cleaned, had the air conditioning recharged, and made several trips to the supermarket to replace the bedding. The entire place had been revitalized. 

Old Master Sun's residence was quite close to Man Jun's home, just a five to six-minute walk. However, since his apartment was on the second floor and Old Master Sun had recently injured his leg, climbing the stairs proved somewhat inconvenient; Fang Yi assisted him up. 

"Old man, climbing the stairs is quite taxing..." After opening the door, Sun Lianda chuckled self-deprecatingly. 

"Teacher, thank you..." 

After helping Old Master Sun settle into the sofa, Fang Yi's face displayed a hint of gratitude. He understood that Old Master Sun had originally lived in his son's villa and did not need to climb stairs; his decision to move here was motivated by the desire to guide Fang Yi. 

"There are many old colleagues here; during the day, I can still visit them for a game of chess or cards. It's not solely for you..." 

Sun Lianda waved his hand with a smile. He had previously enjoyed living here, but his son insisted he move to the villa. However, after relocating, he found himself isolated without anyone to converse with; even if it were not for Fang Yi, he would have considered moving back. 

"Teacher, let me brew you a pot of tea..." Upon noticing the tea leaves and utensils on the coffee table, Fang Yi stood up to head to the kitchen to boil water. 

"Fang Yi, that's a water dispenser; just use the water from that..." Sun Lianda pointed to a half-height appliance behind the door, aware that Fang Yi, having recently come down the mountain, was still unfamiliar with everyday conveniences. 

"This device is quite convenient; Man Ge doesn't have one of these..." The operation of the water dispenser was simple, and after a brief attempt, Fang Yi quickly figured it out. After inquiring about the teacher's preferred tea, he brewed a cup and placed it before him. 

"Fang Yi, sit down; there's no need to fuss..." 

Sun Lianda waved his hand, inviting Fang Yi to sit in front of him. He began, "Fang Yi, I sent someone to the Daoist Association to check your records; they contain your training history. Furthermore, there is also a registration at the Daoist Association stating that you are the current abbot of the Shangqing Palace..." 

Sun Lianda, being well-educated, understood that the term "abbot" originally came from Daoism before being adopted by Buddhism. However, he was puzzled as to how Fang Yi, at less than twenty years of age, could possibly hold such a prestigious position in a Daoist temple.