Chapter 462: Return to Tushan

Lin Chuan on the flying boat also gazed at the towering peak.

There lies Tushan's heirloom treasure, an especially unique treasure called the Affection Tree.

He had seen it in his original ancient first life.

He had also, beneath that tree, gently made a promise to Tu Shan Jiao Jiao.

However, in that original life he had no memory; the path was full of setbacks and hardships, and only after many trials did he attain the proper result.

He still cannot set foot there now.

He lacks that status.

He can only wait silently aboard the flying boat.

All around the heavens and earth, squads of various Demon Tribe lineages continuously arrived, and many eyes converged on his flying boat.

Mostly they were hostile, provocative, or contemptuous.

Many of the Demon Tribe are naturally warlike, without concealment.

Yet the most belligerent was the one beside him, a Monkey from the Battle Saint Ape Clan, who, faced with the Demon Tribe's provocation, felt not fear but exhilaration.

He longed to rush up and fight at once.

During the long wait.

The Tushan elders, as hosts, finally stepped forward.

The ones responsible for presiding over this genius competition were not Bai Wanqing, but several Vice Mountain Masters, whose strength was impressive, all at the peak of the True God Realm.

Bai Wanqing also appeared, bringing Tu Shan Jiao Jiao.

On another peak, they gazed at Lin Chuan from afar.

"Monkey, in the upcoming match you go up on your own, no need to hold back; I have some matters to attend to as your Shifu," Lin Chuan instructed.

"Alright, Shifu."

The Monkey rolled up his fists, ready.

The Shifu's absence was better for him; this way he could unleash himself and fight with unbridled vigor.

Lin Chuan arrived at that peak.

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao seemed not yet prepared; the moment her gaze met Lin Chuan's, she instinctively dodged away,

as if recalling something, she puffed out her chest and stared straight at Lin Chuan.

What is there to fear!

It's just a stinky man, after all.

I, of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan, am still afraid of this?

She wildly cheered herself in her heart.

Bai Wanqing stood, smiled gently, "You youngsters chat, I'll go watch the genius contest."

Having said that, she turned into a wisp of breeze and left.

Lin Chuan and Tu Shan Jiao Jiao locked eyes, and the atmosphere heated rapidly.

Oh, right.

From the sky, Bai Wanqing's voice rang again, "The ancestral mountain's restriction elders have temporarily lifted the seal; if you wish to wander, now is the time."

Having spoken, the intention was already clear.

"Jiao Jiao, long time no see."

Lin Chuan smiled in greeting, came to the grass beside Tu Shan Jiao Jiao and sat down.

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao tried to act angry, though she had no reason; after all, when she left, the two were merely friends.

Her thoughts were just a solo performance of herself.

Lin Chuan still didn't know.

Long time no see.

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao responded stiffly, "I didn't expect you to come to Tushan in person."

"I came especially to see you."

"In Jin Tian Zhou we met once; you helped me so much in Myriad Symbol Pavilion, so of course I cannot forget you."

"Is that all?" Tu Shan Jiao Jiao asked.

She always felt there was some lingering tie between herself and Lin Chuan; these days, the occasional soul‑rending feeling must be linked to him.

She just couldn't voice it.

She wanted to test Lin Chuan's attitude first.

"And also."

Lin Chuan smiled.

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao stared into his eyes, "What else?"

"I won't say."

Lin Chuan deftly changed the subject, "As the host, won't you take me around Tushan to see the scenery?"

"What do you want to see?" Tu Shan Jiao Jiao asked.

"Anything."

Lin Chuan clasped his hands behind his head, looking content, "Worldly scenery is all much the same; the important thing isn't the view, but the person who watches it with you."

"What about Sister Sangyu?"

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao also shifted the topic, posing a soul‑level question.

"She said she needed to temper her mind, that staying in Myriad Symbol Pavilion was unsuitable, so she left."

"Will she ever return?" Tu Shan Jiao Jiao pressed.

"Hmm."

Lin Chuan nodded confidently, "I'll be back."

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao asked in surprise, "Why are you so sure? Sister Sangyu's temper isn't a temperament you can just manipulate."

"Perhaps it's destiny's arrangement."

Lin Chuan pretended to be mysterious, speaking ambiguously, "Seeing you, I sense the Karma of destiny intertwined."

"That feeling is indescribable."

"Perhaps time will tell me what it actually is."

Saying it was as good as not saying.

But sometimes, girls just fall for that line.

Not to mention Tu Shan Jiao Jiao was already confused, gave no rebuttal to those words, just nodded, "Maybe."

She asked again, "What about your fiancée?"

Lin Chuan replied, "I went back to see her."

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao pursed her lips, "She hasn't heard about your affairs? You always have two great beauties by your side, and you have a connection with Ye Xue, yet she didn't scold you?"

"She is very sensible."

Lin Chuan replied.

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao felt a lump in her heart.

"Stinky man! What do you mean? Saying I'm not sensible?"

"But..."

In fact, she really wasn't sensible.

Even in a world where three wives and four concubines are common, a newcomer must have the predecessor's consent to be properly recognized.

Otherwise, it's destined to cause a fight.

It's destined to have no outcome yet they force it, making everything unpleasant? Tu Shan Jiao Jiao wouldn't be that kind of woman.

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao stopped asking, quickened her pace, and walked forward.

Lin Chuan followed behind her.

The atmosphere changed again.

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao's steps were steady, but her heart was uneasy.

"Should I take him to the back mountain?"

The back mountain is the ancestral mountain, where the love‑destiny tree grows.

With just one flower, perhaps she could verify all the answers she seeks, yet she fears it will end in a bitter split.

Her mother told her, the more one cares, the more one fears loss.

In matters of love, one must be a bit braver.

If Lin Chuan is willing to take the love‑destiny flower for her, all problems will be solved.

"Jiao Jiao."

While Tu Shan Jiao Jiao's heart was a tangle of heaven and man, Lin Chuan suddenly shouted, startling her slender body into a shiver.

Lin Chuan teased, "Why are you so jumpy?"

"Hm."

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao let out a low hum, "Say whatever you want."

Lin Chuan said directly, "I heard that Tushan has a beautiful, unique tree that never withers, like an everlasting love across lifetimes."

"It can witness the sincerity of living beings, grant the most beautiful blessings to lovers, and protect every pair of truly loving beings."

"Is that so?"

"Hmm." Tu Shan Jiao Jiao nodded; she hadn't expected Lin Chuan to bring it up, and her heart raced even faster.

"Can you take me to see it?" Lin Chuan pressed his attack.

"You... do you want to see?"

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao stammered.

"Hmm."

"Then... let's go."

Tu Shan Jiao Jiao's steps quickened.

Lin Chuan's laughter chased from behind, "Jiao Jiao, why are your fox ears red?"