Chapter 7: Reincarnation of the Tiankui Star, You've Found Yourself a Qilin Child
This was Chen Yuanchu's first time setting foot on high school grounds—and he was dressed in full Taoist robes.
He knew September first was typically the first day of school, but he had never expected that after so many years of secluded cultivation on Mount Cangwu, he would ever return to the life of a student.
Compared to the mountain village schoolhouse he'd attended for a few days as a child, Yunxi No. 1 Middle School was magnificent beyond comparison. The difference in their learning environments was like comparing heaven and earth.
From the moment he stepped through the school gates, the cacophony of cars and pedestrians on the outside streets began to fade gradually. The auditory contrast was striking.
Looking around, most of the campus was filled with students his own age, their expressions utterly unlike those of the hurrying commuters in the city outside.
It was as though this place was a special "barrier," nestled within a sprawling metropolis yet temporarily sealed off from the turmoil beyond.
While Chen Yuanchu observed these students, they were observing him too.
It was only natural that students would be curious about a young man in blue cloth Taoist robes appearing on campus. In the dreary monotony of academic life, anything beyond their studies could spark tremendous interest.
"Hey, hey, look! Is that a Taoist priest? Why is there a Taoist at school?"
"Could it be a student doing cosplay...?"
"Doesn't look like it... Oh my god, he went into the administrative building! Looks like he's heading to the third floor—Principal's office!"
"What's going on?!"
Some stole glances, others whispered among themselves. Before these bored students could dig up any more details, the security guard had already led the young Taoist master into the administrative building, making straight for the principal's office.
A few nosy students had followed along, crowding near the stairwell to peer about. It wasn't until the Dean of Academic Affairs passed by and scolded them that they scattered in all directions...
"Master Chen, here we are—this is Principal Zhou's office."
"Thank you for your trouble."
"It's no trouble at all."
Chen Yuanchu withdrew his gaze from the cluster of students. He straightened his Taoist robe, brushed off the faint dust, and stood at attention before the door, back perfectly straight.
The principal's door was slightly ajar. The cold air from the office's air conditioner flowed out through the gap like a gentle stream.
The security guard knocked.
"Principal Zhou, Master Chen has arrived."
"Good, come in."
The guard pushed open the cracked door, and Chen Yuanchu stepped inside.
At the same time, the middle-aged man seated behind the desk rose to greet him.
He was unremarkable in appearance, younger than his position suggested—only in his forties—with a lean frame and a pair of glasses. The hair at his temples was already streaked with gray. Though not broad-shouldered, his voice was loud and clear:
"Young Master Chen, welcome! Come in, come in, let's talk inside."
"The journey was a long one, and I was delayed on the way. I apologize for making you wait, Principal Zhou."
Chen Yuanchu bowed respectfully with clasped hands.
Principal Zhou returned the gesture with a bow of equal formality.
The principal's office was quite spacious. At first glance, its layout didn't differ much from any other office, but the refined touches were hidden in the details—the desks, chairs, doors, and cabinets were all made from materials of considerably higher quality than those in the other offices.
Even though Chen Yuanchu was about to become a student at Yunxi No. 1 Middle School, Principal Zhou did not treat him merely as a student. Once Chen was seated, the principal warmly poured him a cup of tea and handed it over.
"Your master and I first met over twenty years ago. I was about your age back then, Young Master Chen. How time flies—it's been so many years."
Principal Zhou sighed with emotion. "When your master called me, I was away on a business trip. I rushed back as fast as I could, but I still didn't make it in time to see him off on his final journey. I hope you'll forgive me, Young Master Chen..."
"Your kindness is deeply appreciated."
Chen Yuanchu accepted the tea. "My master often said, 'Life and death are no different from the coming and going of the seasons.' He always took life and death in stride. Principal Zhou, please don't blame yourself too much over this."
"Master Chen truly was extraordinary. Few possess such composure."
"..."
Whether his master had truly been at peace with life and death was something only Chen Yuanchu knew for certain. But in front of outsiders, he certainly couldn't tarnish his master's reputation.
Chen Yuanchu had gone through the ledgers his master had left behind. The name 'Zhou Ming' was an old debtor. All told, his master had borrowed 38,000 from the man, plus one school admission and two years' worth of tuition and fees.
Perhaps his master had long since repaid such "debts" with his unorthodox talents. But since his master had called it a "loan," Chen Yuanchu would naturally make his own stance clear.
"Principal Zhou, my master kept meticulous records of all the loans from the temple. Although my master is no longer with us, please rest assured—I will repay you every last cent on his behalf."
"Ah?"
Hearing Chen Yuanchu's words, Principal Zhou was momentarily confused. After a moment of realization, he laughed and waved his hand:
"Compared to what your master did for me, this bit of money is nothing at all. Your master was stubborn and refused to accept payment. Young Master Chen, there's no need to dwell on it—no need to repay anything."
"That simply won't do. Debts are debts, regardless of the personal ties involved. Since my master called it a loan, it is a loan. And given that most of it was spent on me, as his disciple I must repay it. It's just that..."
A hint of embarrassment crossed Chen Yuanchu's face, but his tone was firm: "It's just that I'm currently short on funds. It may be some time before I can settle your debt, Principal Zhou. I ask that you give me some extra time."
Well, a master teaches what he knows—and what a principled disciple he'd raised!
Having never really expected Chen Yuanchu to repay the debt anyway, Principal Zhou laughed:
"No problem, no problem at all. Young Master Chen, please don't put too much pressure on yourself. Take your time. Did you bring enough money for your journey here? If you're short, I can lend you some more. I certainly don't need it urgently—if you need it, just use it. Don't be shy!"
"Thank you for your concern, Principal Zhou. Although my master didn't leave me much, it will be sufficient for now."
"Very well, just let me know if you need anything."
"..."
Since when does a creditor go around trying to press money on people!
Chen Yuanchu didn't know exactly what favor Principal Zhou had owed his master. That was old history between Principal Zhou and his master, and since neither of them had brought it up voluntarily, as the junior in this situation, naturally he wasn't about to pry.
He imagined the other creditors were likely in similar situations.
"Here, Young Master Chen, drink some tea."
"Thank you, Principal Zhou. This is excellent tea."
"It seems Young Master Chen knows his tea as well!"
"I only know that the tea is good, but I certainly don't possess your expertise, Principal Zhou."
One sip of tea washed down his throat, leaving a sweet aftertaste on the tongue.
Chen Yuanchu praised the tea, and Principal Zhou praised him.
Someone who comes knocking to collect favors is a bother. But someone who comes knocking to repay a debt on behalf of their master—it earns nothing but goodwill.
There are many ungrateful people in this world, but there are also many who cherish loyalty and righteousness. Principal Zhou was one of the latter. Even though Master Chen was gone, the favors he hadn't repaid over the years—passing them on to his disciple was hardly a burden.
It stood to reason that most creditors wouldn't mind repaying their debts to Master Chen by honoring his disciple instead. And these debts and favors—perhaps they were the most quietly.