Chapter 137: Everyone harbors ulterior motives, only Lin Meng solely wishes to become stronger

On the seats, everyone harbored their own thoughts.

Fang Siyao cursed Lin Meng viciously, hoping she would embarrass herself publicly at the blessing ceremony tonight.

That way, without her having to act herself, Ye Chenjing would see clearly that such a woman, unfit for the table, does not deserve his love.

Fang Fang was wondering what special quality Lin Meng had that she hadn't discovered.

Otherwise, given Ye Chenjing's usual aloof nature, it would be impossible for him to care about her so much.

If it were merely a childhood engagement, that would make even less sense.

The Ye Family has advocated free love since several generations ago; they ought to oppose marriages arranged for profit like this.

Fang Fang couldn't figure it out, feeling increasingly that this matter couldn't be concluded prematurely and needed further investigation.

Before that, she needed to instruct her granddaughter not to act recklessly.

On the other side, Dong Jiaxu discovered that the person sitting next to him was Ye Chenjing, whose aura as a Buddhist scion was overwhelming; though they were peers, the gap was truly huge.

But he now had no time to worry about the gap between people; his mind was full of wicked ideas, wondering how to sneak past Ye Chenjing without anyone noticing and obtain Lin Meng's contact information.

Ye Chenjing was not at ease either; though he appeared to sit upright with solemn dignity, his mind was in turmoil.

How did Lin Meng meet this Dong family youngster? What is their relationship?

Could he ask her directly? Would she get angry if he did? If he didn't ask, he'd still be thinking about it.

What about secretly investigating?

No, investigating Lin Meng before was bad enough, but now he absolutely cannot do such a thing again; it would be disrespect to Lin Meng.

After going back and forth in his worries, Ye Chenjing, who appeared calm and restrained on the surface, had already had his mind tangled in knots, unknown to anyone.

Meanwhile, Lin Meng, the focus of the discussion, was only thinking about cultivating that matter.

She only wanted to become stronger.

Ye Fan said that there were few techniques for Qi Refining First Layer cultivators; mastering the guidance of qi into the body at that level was already good.

Only upon reaching Qi Refining Second Layer could one slowly begin to study and learn spells.

Even a minor spell held a deadly attraction for Lin Meng.

Just then, the temple master of the Daoist temple arrived with a group of Daoist priests, and the venue gradually grew quiet.

Lin Meng quickly looked up and saw that the leader was likewise an elderly man with beard and hair, possessing an immortal aura.

The other Daoist priests, though not appearing as profound as the temple master, each had some skill; at least they were not mere drunkards and gluttons.

This somewhat differed from what Lin Meng had imagined.

I had thought that a Daoist temple supported by the offerings of various aristocratic families would be full of showy decorations, merely deceiving people.

I hadn't expected it to be otherwise.

"The current temple master is that person, whom everyone respectfully calls Bai Zhenren; his senior brother is the one we just saw, who is already a Heavenly Master, and they are brothers, both surnamed Bai."

Ye Chenjing dutifully introduced Lin Meng, his conduct appearing especially intimate to outsiders.

When the temple master arrived, most people rose to greet him, Fang Fang included.

Lin Meng did not move, observing silently.

The aristocratic families present were already immensely wealthy, usually looking down on others, already standing above the masses.

Before Master Bai, they all adopted humble attitudes, even willing to lower their heads.

"With Master Bai's status so high, they seem to have great faith in him."

Lin Meng murmured, and Ye Chenjing responded:

"Indeed, in the capital, the two Daoist priests from Xiao Nantian are highly respected masters; my grandfather, after repeatedly losing his wife and children, once had thoughts of withdrawing from the world, and it was seeking Master Bai that made him awaken and regain his spirit."

Lin Meng hadn't expected Ye's old gentleman to have such a past story.

It seems Daoist priests can truly save people.

After a round of acclaim, the Daoist priests, under Master Bai's lead, began the blessing ceremony.

Although Lin Meng was not a follower of Xiao Nantian, she did not space out; she watched the whole thing attentively.

Most of those who came to pray for blessings were likewise attentive, except Fang Siyao, whose mind was nowhere near this.

She occasionally glanced furtively at Lin Meng and Ye Chenjing's direction; seeing that they showed no overly intimate behavior, her mind eased a little.

She had a chance; later she would have to find a way to make Lin Meng embarrass herself……

Finally, after the blessing ceremony ended, there was a segment for giving out blessing tokens and granting talismans to selected individuals.

Each guest received a small wooden-carved blessing token, exquisitely crafted and emitting a faint fragrance.

Lin Meng sniffed it carefully, feeling her mental energy relax somewhat; this token must have been soaked in calming herbs, which shows the temple's thoughtfulness.

When it came to the segment everyone had been looking forward to, everyone seemed to grow tense.

Lin Meng didn't know the reason, but she saw everyone rise and look toward the outer door.

Not long after, Heavenly Master Bai appeared.

He held a whisk, his eyes tightly closed, yet his steps were light and at ease, each stride bringing a gentle wind, immortal energy drifting forth.

He also wore a white long robe, adding to his immortal bearing.

Lin Meng was stunned; this old Heavenly Master, in the unseen contest of showing off, was simply out of this world.

Earlier by the lake, he sat still and went unnoticed, but now he looks incredibly handsome.

Lin Meng's eyes lit up as she imagined whether she too could one day be surrounded by immortal energy like him.

But upon reflection, her demeanor had changed greatly compared to before, something she could sense herself.

However, if she didn't deliberately pretend, she truly lacked the nonchalance of this Heavenly Master Bai.

Lin Meng quickly noticed that Heavenly Master Bai's steps were extraordinarily light, truly astonishing for his age.

She wondered whether, if she later privately sought his advice, she might offend him.

"Here he comes, Heavenly Master Bai truly becomes more and more immortal in bearing!"

Bai Tian Shi, are you also handing out peace talismans this year?

Heavenly spirit, earthly spirit, may the Primordial Heavenly Venerable bless us; I'm definitely the one who will get the talisman this time!

It turns out the final step is for Bai Tian Shi to personally hand out a talisman.

Ye Chenjing also explained softly:

It is said that Bai Tian Shi possesses a pair of insight far beyond ordinary people, and he will give the talisman to those with fate.

Lin Meng's eyes flashed, and after thinking she said: "In previous years, which family got the talisman? Do you really think this old heavenly master truly has such insight?"

Ye Chenjing shook his head; he had never paid attention to these before, but it's said that the peace talisman is very efficacious and can truly help people ward off disaster.

Bai Tian Shi nodded at this moment, pulled out a triangular talisman from his wide sleeve—a peace talisman he personally made.

Seeing this, everyone's eyes lit up, and even Fang Fang became excited.

Those who usually claim to believe in science and consider themselves superior now stared longingly at the peace talisman in Bai Tian Shi's hand like clueless youths.

Just then, Bai Tian Shi threw the talisman in his hand high into the sky, while everyone at that moment clasped their hands together, faces full of prayer.

Lin Meng stared curiously; suddenly, the peace talisman unexpectedly flew toward her.

Lin Meng's heart stirred, and after thinking she opened her palm.

With a soft "pat", the peace talisman landed steadily in her palm.

Lin Meng was stunned; it's truly miraculous.

Am I the one with affinity?