Chapter 231: The Girl's Heartbreak
Under the guidance of Venerable One Miaofa, Qiao Wan naturally avoided any conflicts with the members of the Xiao family. Instead, it was the young men and women from the Xiao family who noticed the presence of the venerable one from afar and hurriedly approached to show their respect.
"Venerable One Miaofa."
"Venerable One."
"We respectfully greet Venerable One."
"Is Venerable One in good health?"
The usually arrogant and cold Xiao family members quickly restrained their haughty attitudes and politely paid their respects.
Qiao Wan found herself a bit distracted as she looked at the enchanting profile of the venerable one before her.
"Senior... Your position in the cultivation world is truly esteemed."
Venerable One Miaofa furrowed his brows and nodded. "I heard that the head of the Xiao family personally came to Kunshan to convey his greetings on my behalf."
"That is indeed true."
The young man who seemed to be in charge among the group of Xiao family members quickly and politely replied, his gaze briefly falling upon Qiao Wan. He unexpectedly greeted her as well.
"Taoist Friend Qiao."
Qiao Wan lowered her head and humbly responded, "Taoist Friend Xiao."
Since the leader of the family just said that they don't care about what Xiao Zongyuan did, the young members of the Xiao family, who are all clever and adaptable, looked at Qiao Wan's face and became less proud and cold, showing a bit of warmth.
This harmonious atmosphere made the other hidden disciples and welcoming disciples who were watching feel a bit frightened.
Didn't they say that the Xiao family would never let Qiao Wan go? What's going on with this harmonious and friendly atmosphere?!
Did Qiao Wan enhance her charm overnight or something?
The hidden disciples who completed the mission with Qiao Wan were even more shocked. They felt like the plain-looking girl from before suddenly transformed, and now she was casually chatting with these influential figures of the cultivation world whom they couldn't even catch a glimpse of in normal circumstances.
Suppressing their confusion, the welcoming disciple took a step forward and asked the young men and women of the Xiao family to first go rest in the guest rooms.
The welcoming disciple's heart skipped a beat when they saw how friendly the Xiao disciples were towards Qiao Wan.
Doesn't this mean that Taoist Friend Mu was talking nonsense before?
The rumors on the jade slip have been circulating for days. If it's really nonsense, then Mu Xiaoxiao might have had sinister intentions towards her younger martial sister.
...
After the group of young men and women from the Xiao family left, Venerable One Miaofa hardly even glanced at Qiao Wan. His face didn't show much emotion.
His visit to Kunshan this time wasn't for Qiao Wan.
The ghost market is strange, maybe it's related to the Xiao family or even Kunshan. He has been investigating various aspects during these days in Kunshan, even personally going to Youxian Town a few times. This time, he came back to the mountain gate to meet Xiao Jingzhou. Qiao Wan was just a side note.
And to deal with her grievances with the Xiao family in passing.
However, what surprised Venerable One Miaofa was that Qiao Wan seemed to have already reconciled with the Xiao family without needing his intervention.
A Buddhist remains calm and composed and feels a slight sense of satisfaction in their heart.
This junior is even more intelligent than he had imagined.
Since Qiao Wan is already capable of handling this matter, there is no need for him to worry about it anymore.
Watching the Xiao family leave, Venerable One Miaofa glanced over and sternly said, "Now that they're gone, why are you still staring?"
Well, being serious has become a habit ingrained in them, after all, they need to discipline the disciples of the Great Hall of Light, and authority is essential.
But everyone knows, Venerable One Miaofa is actually a kind-hearted person despite his sharp tongue, especially towards the juniors who he admires.
Qiao Wan tightly gripped the sword, her face turning slightly red.
Too close.
Being too close to the senior.
Although Miaofa's muscular chest has always been a subject of fantasy for many, wrapped in a loose, green kasaya, the Buddha's figure looks slender, almost thin, especially with a delicate face. His eyebrows are curved like flying swallows, his phoenix-like eyes are sparkling, and his thin lips are beautiful and radiant. His eyes are enchanting, yet when he speaks, there is a cool and deep Buddhist voice.
Even though she knew it was not the right time, Qiao Wan couldn't help but feel a little distracted.
Whether it was this time visiting Kunshan or that one word "断" (cut off).
Silently clutching the handle of her sword, she... she was very grateful to the senior... These past few days, due to inexplicable fear, she hadn't dared to express her gratitude.
The girl's absentmindedness didn't escape the keen observation of the wise monk beside her.
Her usual composure and calmness seemed to disappear all at once. Although her eyes remained clear, her slightly flushed face revealed Qiao Wan's rare discomfort and embarrassment.
This was obviously a young girl's nervousness and anxiety in the face of her beloved.
Venerable One Miaofa was taken aback, unable to help but furrow his brows slowly.
Apart from the reincarnated Living Buddha on the snowy plateau, not everyone is born as a Venerable One of the Great Hall of Light. Miaofa had also spent a considerable amount of time in the temple before becoming the esteemed Venerable One Miaofa. He had offered guidance to many men and women, helping them overcome the sufferings of the five aggregates.
He had witnessed more of the seven emotions and six desires of humans than most people in this world.
He had never noticed before, but with just a glance, he immediately sensed the admiration this younger person had for him.
He knew he was attractive to others, and Miaofa was aware of it too. There had even been cases where girls he had counseled had unexpectedly fallen in love with him.
But Qiao Wan, he never expected to discover this unexpected fascination while visiting Kunshan.
He treated her with sincerity, though secretly he admired her. Therefore, his attitude towards her was even stricter than towards others.
This younger person was smart and resilient, well-mannered and understanding, and had potential. If she could persevere, she might achieve great things in the future.
Having seen such situations many times, Miaofa wasn't surprised or troubled. He only sighed softly in his heart.
Being attractive can cause worry and distress when it comes to love, bringing tears, sorrow, worry, and frustration.
He only hoped that she would only get lost in this attractiveness for a short while, trapped in the complexities of love and hate. Her future should be a free and open path.
After a moment of thought, Venerable One Miaofa said calmly, "Qiao Wan, come with me."
Qiao Wan was surprised and asked, "Senior?"
Although she didn't understand why, she obediently followed.
They passed through the mountain gate and arrived at a secluded hall in Kunshan.
Venerable One seemed to be acting a bit strange.
Qiao Wan felt slightly uneasy.
Unlike the stern and awkward attitude before, this calm and dignified expression made it clear that she could not be teased.
Anyway, she should start by saying thank you, right? Qiao Wan thought uncertainly for a moment and then spoke up.
"For the matter of the Taiji Immortal Palace, thank you for helping me out, and also for pointing out that word."
But the Venerable One ignored her and looked at her face for a moment.
The eyes were a beautiful shade of dark blue, but when they landed on Qiao Wan's face, they felt like tiny needles, making her throat dry and her back start to feel warm.
Venerable One's attitude made her unsure if something was wrong.
Could it be...
Qiao Wan's heart skipped a beat, feeling a sense of confusion.
Did that word "断" really have no other meaning, or did she and Li Pan imagine too much?
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, Miaofa finally spoke, saying, "I have another important matter to attend to on this mountain, helping you is just a simple task."
"Qiao Wan, we have known each other in dreams for over ten years."
"Yes," Qiao Wan quickly regained her composure, "I have always been grateful for your teachings over these years."
"We may not have a formal master-disciple relationship, but there is a bond between us."
These words left Qiao Wan feeling stunned, her heart sinking for no apparent reason. Unable to resist, she took a step forward and said, "Senior."
Venerable One Miaofa lowered his eyes and spoke in a deep voice. Her enchanting phoenix eyes were still half-closed, radiating a sense of solemnity and coolness.
"In my heart, I don't just see you as a disciple, but also as a good friend."
"In this world, craving leads to suffering, and love leads to fear."
Qiao Wan became even more nervous when she heard Miaofa say this.
The Venerable One looked at her and said, "Even between husband and wife, brothers, or father and son, they can still experience troubles caused by love. I remember you have practiced the teachings of Confucianism, right?"
Qiao Wan's heart skipped a beat, and her throat felt slightly dry. "Yes."
"There's a saying in Confucianism: The friendship between gentlemen is as gentle as water. Perhaps, only a friendship as calm as water can last in this world."
"Qiao Wan, would you be willing to disregard the difference in our ages and be my equal friend on this path of cultivation?"
"I am hundreds of years older than you, and I know it's not fair to you. If you don't want to, I won't force you."
This admiration, perhaps, arises from external appearance or the difference in age, like Buping and others have noticed.
Qiao Wan was only a hundred years old. She had experienced and understood less than the elder she looked up to, Venerable One Miaofa, who was much older. Although she seemed to have more life experiences than her peers, she was still a novice at heart.
Qiao Wan admired Venerable One Miaofa because of his advanced spiritual knowledge and wisdom, which she believed came with age. However, she realized it was not right for her to use this age difference to her advantage and to have an unequal admiration towards him.
From the moment Venerable One Miaofa spoke until now, Qiao Wan felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head. She finally understood.
The elder had seen through her feelings.
Because he had noticed, he tactfully rejected her.
Qiao Wan pressed her lips together and silently bowed, saying, "I understand, elder."
There was nothing left to discuss. It was clear.
These few simple words suddenly awakened her.
Although she realized her feelings were disrespectful towards the elder's practice and compassionate love, it also revealed her youthful naivety.
But the heart's desires are never under one's control, and she couldn't help but fall into this bittersweet dream.
After all, she... she was also a mature young woman. Qiao Wan chuckled bitterly. Before traversing, she was at least a pure college girl, so it was normal for her to feel attracted to such an excellent, patient, and selfless person who guided her without any expectation of return.
Venerable One Miaofa's rejection can be said to be very tactful and considerate of her feelings. It's precisely this tactfulness and gentle compassion that make her feel a burning sensation on her face.
Qiao Wan's third secret crush seems to have ended in failure as well.
Under the gaze of Venerable One Miaofa, Qiao Wan stiffened her body and gently suppressed the barely noticeable dampness in her eyes. She nodded slowly, "It is an honor for me to become friends with a senior."
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