Applaud for Happiness - Chapter 78

 

Chapter 78

Note: Hey guys, apologies for the delay. I've been focusing on Plug-in Delivery System (another world hopping/QT novel, if you're interested ^^), which finally ended a couple of weeks ago. Applaud for Happiness is next on my list. My goal is to get the last chapter out by the end of this month. Since we still have 34 unpublished chapters, I'll most likely be doing 1 to 2 chapter releases every day. Stay tuned! And thank you so much for waiting! 

If you want to make Shen Qi behave, one attempt won’t suffice. After all, he’s someone who has endured ten days and ten nights. The matter with Ru Deng is hardly worth considering.

However, inside the open-sided wilderness pavilion, with snow swirling outside, it’s rather interesting. Especially since Shen Qi must focus on playing chess. All in all, it’s been quite an experience.

Shen Qi secretly added another entry to the Longyang Anthology.

As their bodies moved rhythmically, piece after piece fell on the board. In their final release, Shen Qi trembled with excitement. Almost impulsively, he turned around and kissed Ru Deng.

Lost in emotion, they played their moves without regret.

Black wins.

A flash of light on the chessboard shot straight toward Ru Deng’s brow. He closed his eyes, accepting the transmission of divine knowledge. Countless symbols flickered through his mind. It felt like an eternity, or perhaps just a moment. When he opened his eyes, the chessboard began to slowly vanish, along with the entire pavilion, dissipating into the wind and snow.

His clothes were neatly arranged. Shen Qi was no longer in his embrace; instead, he leaned lazily against a pillar, gazing at the snowy scene outside.

As the pavilion disappeared, the wind and snow rushed in, causing the young man’s loose garments to flutter enchantingly. His long hair, tied at the back, danced in the air. With a crimson headband, he stood out in the white world like an otherworldly spirit.

The young man’s gaze held an unfamiliar melancholy expression, as if he longed for someone or something.

A hint of darkness flickered in Ru Deng’s eyes. He stepped forward, following the direction of the young man’s gaze. “What are you looking at?”

Shen Qi snapped out of his daze, realizing that the pavilion was fading away. He glanced at Ru Deng and smiled. “Congratulations, Master, on acquiring your first divine ability.”

Ru Deng locked eyes with him. “What were you thinking just now?” He gently brushed Shen Qi’s cheek with his hand, his touch light. His tone softened, “Hmm?

Shen Qi drew out his words, wearing an expression of uncertainty. But when he saw Ru Deng’s eyes darken, he suddenly grinned. “Naturally, I was thinking of you, Master!”

He extended his arm playfully, teasing, “Who did Master think I was thinking about? Is Master feeling jealous?” 

“Rest assured,” his gaze softened, yet carried an unwavering determination. His expression turned serious and resolute. “You are my first master, and you will be my last. There will be no one else — only you, forever.”

Ru Deng’s pupils contracted. The usual tenderness on his face receded like a retreating tide. He stared at Shen Qi without expression for a moment, then finally relaxed his brow, revealing a faint smile. “I’ll remember your words.”

With that, he stepped forward, embracing Shen Qi tightly. They continued their journey through wind and snow. But this time, the embrace wasn’t merely protective; it was an effort to draw Shen Qi close. The oversized sleeves covered his bare feet, shielding him from the cold, even though Shen Qi hardly felt it.

Divine abilities weren’t limited to just one. While more wasn’t necessarily better, having additional means could mean an extra chance at survival.

Having acquired the divine ability from the chessboard, Ru Deng and Shen Qi pressed deeper into the mysterious realm. Along the way, they encountered three smaller relics, all of which they added to their collection.

Within this realm, day and night didn’t exist. They moved intermittently, and approximately three days had passed when they stumbled upon a grand relic.

It resembled a floating island, detached from the land beneath their feet. The small island hovered in the air, covering an area of no more than two hundred square meters. On it stood an opulent palace, intricately adorned with carved beams and painted rafters. Unlike the previous relics they’d seen, this one bore no resemblance to any Buddhist architecture — except for the scriptures engraved on the crimson pillars.

A white jade bridge connected the land to the floating island. However, the bridge was broken in the middle, revealing a massive gap. For ordinary mortals, it would be an insurmountable obstacle. But Ru Deng, as a cultivator, easily leaped across the chasm and stepped onto the floating island.

The palace gates stood wide open, with no concealment or protective formations. The interior was visible — a grand hall resembling an imperial court. At its center sat a throne, flanked by three small arched bridges. Beneath these bridges flowed water, winding around the entire rectangular hall. Nine tall pillars adorned the hall, each inscribed with intricate scriptures.

The palace lacked a signboard, or perhaps it had been destroyed.

As Ru Deng entered, he realized the interior defied spatial boundaries. The outside view doubled in size upon entry. The throne seemed farther away, the nine pillars now requiring four people to encircle. The scriptures on the pillars enlarged, and the one-meter-wide channel expanded to two meters. The entire inner space had naturally grown. Looking left and right, they noticed separate rooms on either side of the grand hall, their doors tightly shut.

This relic didn’t match any recorded descriptions. Ru Deng observed cautiously, then gently set Shen Qi down. “Be careful.”

Shen Qi couldn’t stray too far from him for now. However, he could still circle the grand hall. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary inside. The room on the right appeared normal, but when Shen Qi reached the left side, he halted and floated back. “Someone’s here.”

Before Ru Deng could react, the door on the left swung open, revealing a towering Buddha statue. Seated before it was a middle-aged monk in brown robes. The monk turned to Ru Deng, not surprised by their presence but rather intrigued. “Visualization Realm, if I calculate correctly. You’re from the ‘Ru’ generation, aren’t you?” 

“Ru Deng has met the senior.” Ru Deng bowed respectfully.

The middle-aged monk scrutinized Ru Deng, clicking his tongue twice. “No need for excessive formalities. Monastics need not be so particular. You young monks are always so caught up in rituals. I am Ming Wu, from the Ming generation. You can address me as ‘Shishu’ — that’s sufficient. How many of you from the Ru generation have entered this time?”

Ru Deng replied, “I entered alone.”

“Ah.” Ming Wu raised an eyebrow, his expression rich. He didn’t resemble a solemn monk; there was no air of a grand master. “And who is your master?”

“My teacher is known as Pu Zhi.”

Ming Wu suddenly coughed, his face alternating between pale and bluish. He pursed his lips. “So, you’re Pu Zhi’s disciple. Very well. Feel free to explore here. Since you’re Pu Zhi’s disciple and you’ve called me ‘Shishu,’ I’ll reveal the key to this grand hall. Have you seen the rooms on both sides? Each side houses a Buddha statue, and the answer lies within these two statues. I’ve spent eight years studying every inch of this hall, yet I’ve been unable to crack its mystery.” (Note: 师叔 [Shī shū] = Uncle-Master, someone of your teacher's generation, but lower in ranking than your teacher)

He chuckled. “I should have left this realm long ago, but I swore to unravel this enigma in a fit of anger. Rarely do I find someone who has stumbled upon this place. I don’t care about the lineage; feel free to walk and observe. If you can solve this puzzle, tell me the truth afterward. I can offer you elixirs or talismans in exchange. How does that sound?”

To ensure Ru Deng didn’t doubt him, Ming Wu stepped out of the room, found an empty spot in the grand hall, and sat down. “The Buddha statues are yours to study. I swear by the Buddha’s heart that I harbor no ill intentions.”

Ru Deng smiled. “Shishu, there’s no need for such assurances. I trust you.” Seeing Ming Wu’s surprise, he added more tactfully, “I’ve heard of your name from fellow practitioners.”

This unconventional master, who saw things through to the end, even if it meant losing sleep and appetite, had become a legend among the Wanfo Sect disciples. Despite vanishing for ten years, stories of his exploits persisted. Now, Ru Deng discovered he’d been hidden away in this mysterious realm.

Ming Wu seemed aware of his public image. He chuckled twice and said no more.

Ru Deng led Shen Qi into the room, searching for a breakthrough.

The identical Buddha statues on both sides puzzled Shen Qi. Unfamiliar with Buddhism, he couldn’t discern which Buddhas they represented. Moreover, names varied across different worlds, even if appearances remained the same.

According to Ru Deng, these statues depicted Guan Wen Buddha, the founder of Buddhism in this world. His image adorned the Wanfo Sect’s grand hall.

Inside the room, aside from the Buddha statue, there was only a cushion.

Shen Qi circled both statues but found nothing amiss. He couldn’t sense any anomalies. He shrugged and gestured to Ru Deng. “Anything related to the Buddha should be your expertise.” Turning away, he observed the grand hall. The court-like decor intrigued him. Could there be monks aspiring to be emperors in this world? 

In the vast temple, where enlightenment eluded the eyes of both Ming Wu and Ru Deng, the latter floated toward the grand throne. Seating himself upon it, he surveyed the expanse before him. Yet, apart from the widened vista, he sensed no discernible difference.

Ming Wu had spent eight years grappling with the enigma, but Ru Deng, devoid of any protagonist’s halo, couldn’t expect a swift resolution. Like Ming Wu, he lingered within the temple’s confines.

For five consecutive days, Ru Deng meticulously studied the scriptures inscribed on the nine pillars. Although he hadn’t cracked the code, he gleaned valuable insights. On the fifth day, a revelation struck him, prompting a three-day seclusion.

Meanwhile, Shen Qi found himself bored and trapped within the grand hall. He surrendered to the temple’s illusory realm, shaping his surroundings as he pleased to pass the time.

Weeks passed, yet progress remained elusive.

One day, Ru Deng shifted from the left chamber to the right, closing the door behind him. There, he scrutinized the Buddha statue. Meanwhile, Ming Wu sat cross-legged in the central hall, his demeanor serene. Five days had elapsed since he last uttered a word.

Ru Deng retrieved a wooden fish from a hidden compartment, hoping for progress in his meditative recitations. Despite his impatience, the very challenge that defied easy solution underscored the extraordinary nature of this mystical power. He was determined to master it.

As he rhythmically tapped the wooden fish and twirled the prayer beads — both conjured by Shen Qi — he immersed himself in the sacred task.

Meanwhile, Shen Qi luxuriated in the illusory hot springs, attuned to any disturbance. Reacting swiftly, he donned his robe as his form materialized.

This was the first time Shen Qi witnessed Ru Deng’s solemn devotion. Clad in pristine white robes, his ethereal countenance exuded an indescribable sanctity. Unaware of Ru Deng’s true identity, anyone would marvel at this revered monk.

Narrowing his eyes, Shen Qi leaned down, embracing Ru Deng’s shoulder. With a swift nip on his lips, he whispered, “Master, your demeanor is truly tantalizing.”

As Ru Deng opened his eyes, he glanced toward the door, signaling someone’s presence. Suppressing the urge to resist, he shook his head and silently mouthed, “Don’t cause a disturbance.”

Shen Qi wriggled free from Ru Deng’s grasp, straddling him. His grin was mischievous as he whispered, “Fear not, Master. Focus solely on your scriptures. This time, allow me to serve you. If you worry about being discovered, just recite your prayers silently — no other sounds.” He playfully nipped at Ru Deng’s Adam’s apple, feeling the tension in the monk’s muscles. “Surely, this minor challenge won’t fluster you, Master?”

Ru Deng’s eyes remained dark and intense. His hands continued to tap the wooden fish, unwilling to pause. If he had to stop, he’d at least finish the current passage.

Shen Qi avoided Ru Deng’s lips, choosing other places to kiss. “I am a true spirit,” he murmured. “No one, except you, can see or hear me. Relax and enjoy, Master.” His hand slipped beneath the pristine white robe, a smile playing on his lips. “But remember, Master, don’t lose control until the scripture ends — don’t disrupt your breath.”

Ru Deng’s body tensed, but the pressure of the hand on Shen Qi's shoulder gradually eased. Eventually, he surrendered, shifting upward to his scalp. Ru Deng’s five fingers slid into the soft strands of hair, and with deliberate pressure, he pressed down.

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