Despite being the Abbot of Yan'an Temple, De Hou was the lowest in both status and seniority compared to the three monks within the Glazed Tower.

He didn't count the person he had mentally erased. It was as if that person had never existed. One Holy Child was more than enough.

But just as he was about to explain, De Yu cut him off before he could finish.

"Since there's only one, you can take him to the Ten Thousand Buddha State yourself. There's no need to report this to Zen Master Qing Nan."

'Are you kidding me? Making such a fuss over a single person, and even disturbing Zen Master Qing Nan?'

'Why not just let De Hou take him to the Great Virtue Temple in the Ten Thousand Buddha State by himself? Then we can all pretend to know nothing about it. Any loss of face would be De Hou's alone. It would be seen as Yan'an Temple bypassing the Glazed Tower—an internal matter for Yan'an Temple, and none of our concern.'

"This…"

De Hou hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. He understood De Yu's implication and could tell from the displeased looks on their faces exactly what they were thinking.

It wasn't that he couldn't personally take Yang An to the Great Virtue Temple, but the matter was far too important. It had to be reported to Zen Master Qing Nan.

If he had that authority, he would already be on his way to the Ten Thousand Buddha State with the boy. For him, this was a chance at great merit.

But if the Holy Child's identity were to be announced later and Zen Master Qing Nan knew nothing of it, De Hou's actions would be seen as overstepping his authority. His motives themselves would be considered worthy of punishment.

Not only would Zen Master Qing Nan reprimand him, but he feared the merit he had earned would be revoked. The great achievement would instead become a grave error.

Therefore, De Hou's line of thinking was very clear: this matter had to be reported to Zen Master Qing Nan.

If he followed procedure strictly, not a single bit of the merit that was rightfully his would be taken away.

He took a long look at De Yu and the other two monks before lowering his head again, a flicker of contempt flashing through his eyes.

"Amitabha. It is not that I am unwilling to do as you suggest, Senior Brothers. However, tradition dictates that any fated individual from the Buddhist Assembly who passes the three trials of the heart must be reported by the temple to the Glazed Tower. The Zen Master then arranges for them to be sent to the Ten Thousand Buddha State. This has always been the rule.

I am merely acting according to the rules and cannot overstep my authority. I trust you three can understand my predicament."

Hearing De Hou's words, De Yu and the other two exchanged glances. They all smiled and shook their heads, wondering why De Hou was so uncharacteristically defiant today. He was usually so submissive.

"If that's the case, then follow us."

'It seems he has to learn the hard way,' they thought. 'When Zen Master Qing Nan's reprimand comes, it will be none of our business. We tried to warn him.'

With that said, the three of them turned and walked deeper into the Glazed Tower.

Seeing this, De Hou glanced back at Yang An and instructed him with great solemnity:

"Do not say much once we are inside."

"Yes!"

Yang An replied obediently, but inwardly, he scoffed at the political maneuvering between the monks.

'Still, it's not something I can control. For now, we're just following procedure. As long as I can successfully enter the Great Virtue Temple, the rest is none of my concern.'

Following behind De Hou, the two of them entered the tall Glazed Tower. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

As they passed before the Glazed Tower, a cyan light, like a sheer veil, seemed to descend from its peak. A profound sense of tranquility filled his heart, calming his mind. It was a wondrous feeling.

Upon entering the Glazed Tower, he was surrounded by green lanterns and ancient Buddhas. The thick scent of incense once again filled the air, forcing Yang An to knit his brows. He really couldn't get used to the smell.

The interior of the tower was incredibly spacious. Soaring stone pillars held up the vaulted ceiling, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

The vast hall was artfully arranged, adorned with countless Golden Buddha Statues. Some were stern and solemn, others had kind and compassionate faces, and still others possessed a natural, imposing authority. Bathed in the flickering candlelight, they appeared both majestic and mysterious.

Following De Yu and the other two, the group quickly passed through a landing on one of the middle floors and a long corridor on the second, arriving outside a Quiet Chamber.

Here, all four monks assumed solemn expressions and performed a Buddhist salute, requesting an audience with Zen Master Qing Nan, the most exalted figure in the Glazed Tower.

Soon, a very gentle voice drifted from the Quiet Chamber. The large character for 'Quiet' inscribed on the door split in two as the doors slowly swung open from within.

The group slowly stepped into the Quiet Chamber.

The Quiet Chamber was sparsely furnished. A Golden Buddha Statue was enshrined against the far wall, with lit incense and candles before it. Several plates of vegetarian food were laid out as offerings, and thin wisps of blue smoke drifted upward.

Their attention was immediately captured by a monk seated on a prayer mat.

He was a man dressed in a black Monk's Robe and a red Kasaya, holding a string of golden Prayer Beads. His face was full of compassion; at first glance, one might think they were looking upon a True Buddha.

This was the renowned Zen Master Qing Nan!

Zen Master Qing Nan had mastered the art of preserving his youth. While De Yu and the others looked to be in their sixties or seventies, the Zen Master appeared to be a middle-aged man. He was clean-shaven, with a dignified and proper bearing.

De Yu and the other monks simultaneously pressed their palms together, uttered a Buddhist phrase, and bowed to the Zen Master. Yang An followed their lead.

"The Buddhist Assembly has concluded, then? What were the results this time?"

Zen Master Qing Nan asked, his voice unhurried and his expression serene.

De Hou was about to step forward and answer, but De Yu, who stood at the front, spoke first.

"Reporting to the Zen Master, the results this time were less than ideal. Only one fated person passed the three trials of the heart—a first in the last nine years."

Despite his words, De Yu couldn't help but let out a faint sigh, his gaze flickering over to De Hou.