Start from Wusheng

Chapter 1134 Heavenly Palace
The Eastern Hall, also one of the five halls of the Buddhist religion, is not as famous as the Western Hall, and its master is known for his mystery.

Chaluozha was from the Eastern Palace, and his willingness to risk his life to save him must have been at the behest of the Eastern Palace Master.

Yes, Zhou You's visit was not only to return the body to its owner, but also to express his gratitude.

The religion of Buddhism has paid such a huge price, so it must have some needs, and negotiations are inevitable.

He was at the Prime Minister's residence just now and saw a famous painting hanging on the wall.

The famous painting depicts a bloodstained tiger embracing a protruding rock, its eyes lowered as it sniffs a wildflower emerging from the tangled grass, creating a scene full of artistic conception and charm.

In exchange for this painting, the prime minister promised to reduce taxes across the country for three years.

The lesson from this story is that everything gained in this world comes at a price; nothing is priceless.

The reason he took a few more glances was that the painting and the hungry tiger picture behind it were both by the same person, Han Yu Sou of the Four Families of the North.

This idea came to me very suddenly.

Zhou You's current situation is quite delicate. The fact that the Eastern Palace Master invited him inside to meet was not a big deal in itself.

However, "entering" does not literally mean stepping into the capital city where the Buddha religion is located, but rather entering the "Heavenly Palace".

He was an outsider and a non-believer, yet he was able to enter the most secret and core heavenly palace of the Buddhist sect.

The Shakyamuni religion is divided into five palaces, hence the title of the Five Heavenly Kings. However, there are only four palace masters, because the highest-ranking Heavenly Palace does not have a palace master, and the Shakyamuni religion does not have a religious leader. Instead, the four palace masters discuss and manage affairs.

The Eastern Palace Master invited him inside, and the other Palace Masters did not object, so the matter was settled.

As Zhou You entered the Heavenly Palace, a series of memories suddenly came to mind, including the wall paintings in the Prime Minister's residence, the Hungry Tiger painting, and the Old Man of Cold Remains.

It seemed to happen on a whim, and was impossible to fathom.

The Eastern Palace Master was a gaunt old man with very expressive eyebrows, long and flexible, which reminded Zhou You of a catfish's whiskers, which was somewhat offensive.

The other party's first words struck Zhou You like a thunderbolt, leaving him stunned in place.

"My old friend Gongliang, it's been many years since we last met. How are your parents doing?"

This statement contains a lot of information. He knew that Zhou You came from Gonggongliang City in the north, and that both his parents were still alive and that he had even met them.

The mysterious Lord of the Eastern Palace is surprisingly powerful, possessing complete knowledge of his origins.

"You know them?"

Zhou You asked tentatively.

"I've not only seen it, but I also traded a painting for some dry biscuits to fill your stomach."

"Old Man Han Yu!"

Zhou You blurted out, his heart filled with unbearable shock. The author of the Hungry Tiger Painting was right before his eyes. Suddenly, everything became clear to him. The truth behind the skinning incident in Putuo Prefecture had finally been revealed.

Why would Chaluozha risk his life to save someone, and why would he give away a scroll that looks like parchment...?

The various pieces of information were like pearls strung together by a thread; all the clues were connected, and he had figured out the whole story.

Decades of separation have led to this reunion: Zhou You, now Zhou Daqian; Han Yusou, now the Eastern Palace Master of the Shishen Sect, standing right before them...

A painting of a hungry tiger became the connection between two complete strangers.

The story begins in Beixuan, ends at Putuo, and then they reunite in the Heavenly Palace after many twists and turns, reminiscing about the past. This scene takes drama to a whole new level.

In the mortal world, this martial art was stimulated and rapidly improved, driving changes in its realm.

These changes flowed through Zhou You's heart. He sincerely presented the painting, saying, "Palace Master, Chaluozha died for me, and Zhou Daqian bears responsibility for this. I am willing to do something for the Shishen Sect."

"This item is too precious for me to accept. Please return it to its rightful owner!"

"Hehe, do you know the origin of this painting?"

Zhou You shook his head, "I don't know." "That's the skin of a Martial Saint. You just need to wear it to defend against all attacks from anyone below the Martial Saint level. If you had used this to defend yourself before, the assassins couldn't do anything to you and would have returned empty-handed!"

The voice of the Eastern Palace Master, also known as Han Yu Sou, carried a hint of weakness.

Zhou You's eyes flashed and he saw the blood-soaked back of the man, his skin torn open.

He had suffered the same injury when he was in Putuo Prefecture, and he knew all too well the immense pain the other person was currently enduring.

"I have devoted my life to studying the 'karma seal' and I know that everything in the world has a cause and an effect."

"In Putuo Prefecture, I caused you to suffer the calamity of being skinned alive in order to save Chaluozha's life. Now you are suffering the same calamity. This is the retribution of cause and effect, and it is simply paying off a debt!"

"And Chaluozha, he lent you his life, and today he has repaid it; it is all karma!"

Zhou You spoke up, "Palace Master, you flatter me. The Hungry Tiger Painting was originally yours, and I will have no complaints if you take it back."

“Chaluozha died at the hands of an assassin, and it is related to me. I, Zhou, will not shirk this responsibility.”

Zhou You didn't understand anything about cause and effect seals, but he knew the principle of repaying kindness.

Han Yusou nodded. "In that case, I'd like to ask you for a favor. Could you relax the restrictions on my Shishen Sect's missionary work in Qingchu Prefecture under your jurisdiction?"

"Sure, but I'll set the specific conditions!"

Since the purpose of the Buddhist sect is to spread its religion, it will definitely take this opportunity to put forward conditions. Zhou You had anticipated this, but he would not agree unconditionally and would definitely impose restrictions and regulations.

The introduction of the Buddhist religion was also intended to leverage its influence to eliminate the remnants of the royal family.

Han Yusou laughed, "The governor of Qingchu is indeed decisive in his actions."

"Consider this painting as compensation for your missing 'Hungry Tiger' painting. Please accept it, don't refuse!"

Zhou You didn't think so. Cha Luozha had already given up his right to preach in Qingchu Prefecture for taking a human life. If he were to accept the scroll with the skin of the Martial Saint, he didn't know what price he would have to pay.

He firmly declined, saying, "Sorry, I really don't need it!"

"Alright, put it down now!"

Han Yusou could tell that he had made up his mind, so he stopped urging him and instead pointed around, "Do you see these niches?"

Of course I've seen it. I saw it last time under the guise of Zhu Ruoxuan, but I can only think about it in my heart and can't say it out loud.

Zhou You nodded. "It's a secret of your religion, so it's not convenient for me to look at it too much."

"Your personal guard, Zhu Ruoxuan, is also a member of my sect. He once came here to receive his seal. This is not a secret to you!"

Zhou You chuckled, "He didn't tell me any inside information, you're overthinking it."

"That's not what I meant. The governor is destined to be a member of my sect. This is an inspiration I received from the cause and effect!"

"Stop, old man, don't say anymore, I won't join the religion!"

Han Yusou sighed, "No one can predict the future. Perhaps I am right, or perhaps the governor is right."

"But before that, please let the governor choose any niche you like."

Zhou You immediately became alert. "What are you doing?"

“The secret seal has a spirit that can choose its master. Your arrival is also due to fate. You cannot leave empty-handed, lest outsiders criticize our Shishen Sect for not treating guests well.”

Han Yusou smiled gently, "Pick any one you like, you can't go wrong."

"Do not make jokes!"

Zhou You firmly declined, saying, "Do you think I don't know that my personal guard has to join the sect and get your endorsement before he can enter the Heavenly Palace and obtain the secret seal in order to receive the secret seal?"

"I'm an outsider. I appreciate your kindness, but I really can't accept the gifts."

(End of this chapter)