Chapter 26: You’ll Be the Bodhisattva

Chapter 26 You, the Buddha-Son

Three days flew by, and it was time for class again.

On his way to the Daoist Hall, Chi Yu met Suo Luo and Qi Ye.

Qi Ye excitedly told Chi Yu, "I wanted to find you yesterday, but Suo Luo said you must be cultivating and told me not to disturb you. So, we decided to waylay you on the road today."

Suo Luo coughed; "waylay" sounded so unpleasant!

Unaware, Qi Ye pulled out two palm-sized jade tokens from his storage bag and, as they walked, said to Chi Yu, "Look, these are the two jade tokens we refined using your method. Your idea is truly remarkable—we never imagined it could be done this way. But there's a problem: the cost is quite high. Communication jade tokens require Adamantine, which must be activated with spiritual power to achieve simultaneous communication. Adamantine is expensive—one tael costs one mid-grade spirit stone, and refining a single jade token requires at least two taels. That means the Adamantine alone costs two mid-grade spirit stones. Even if we produce many, it would be hard to sell them at a low price."

Chi Yu asked, "Is there no substitute?"

Qi Ye sighed, "No, communication jade tokens must use Adamantine."

Chi Yu clapped his hands. "Think about it from another angle—this is actually a good thing."

Suo Luo and Qi Ye were puzzled. "How is this a good thing?"

Chi Yu smiled and said, "To be honest, you're in the early stages of starting a business, and setbacks are completely normal. Regarding the Adamantine issue you mentioned, I believe there must be a cheap substitute. You need to use reverse thinking. Since the cost is high, don't use it; use a substitute instead. This way, you'll have your own secret formula—after all, you're not the only artifact crafters in this world.

Moreover, ideas and concepts are extremely easy to imitate and plagiarize. Even if you succeed, can you prevent others from copying? Impossible. Just like alchemists who earn money and have social status—the number of cultivators applying to study alchemy only increases. Cultivators are human too, and humans have desires and tend to pursue profit. This is a natural law we can't stop. So, the only thing we can do is retain something others can't imitate."

"And what others can't imitate is deeper creativity—the product formula! If you have the confidence to achieve the seemingly elusive function of this jade token, you must be prepared to put in more effort.

Find a substitute that is cheaper but just as effective. The price of the communication jade token must be low—so low that Qi Refining cultivators can afford it by scrimping and saving for a month or half a year. With the price set this low, even if other artifact crafters copy the idea, their costs will force them to set a higher price, making it affordable only to wealthier cultivators. Of course, they'll still have customers, but you'll always be the winners because the customer base size determines a product's lifespan."

Suo Luo and Qi Ye listened, dazed. Qi Ye couldn't help exclaiming, "Heavens, how are you so smart?"

Though they didn't fully understand some parts, both felt profoundly shaken, clearly realizing that Chi Yu was talking about something incredibly profound and sharp.

Being cultivators, even if they didn't grasp everything, their memory was excellent. Qi Ye quickly took notes using a jade slip, recording every word Chi Yu said without missing a single detail.

Suo Luo said solemnly, "We'll look for a cheaper substitute and definitely control the price."

Chi Yu thought for a moment and said, "Considering refining and labor costs, keep the final cost under 100 low-grade spirit stones. The selling price should be 200 low-grade spirit stones. Qi Refining cultivators can afford it by gathering spiritual plants for a month or two."

"100 low-grade spirit stones?!" Qi Ye gasped. "That's too..."

Chi Yu said firmly, "This IS your advantage!"

"I understand! We'll keep it under 100 low-grade spirit stones," Suo Luo said.

"Wait." Chi Yu remembered something and took out five top-grade spirit stones from his spatial ring. He said to Suo Luo, "Aren't you short on funds? Consider this my investment. You need research and development funds, but even brothers should keep accounts clear. I want a stake in this business venture. If it fails, consider my investment lost. If it succeeds, I want one-third of the shares—meaning one-third of the profits you earn."

Seeing the top-grade spirit stones, Suo Luo and Qi Ye were stunned. Qi Ye grinned from ear to ear. "Of course, that's only natural. But one-third is too little; you should take half."

Chi Yu laughed. "Half is too much. One-third follows natural principles. After all, you two will be doing the research and putting in the effort. I'm just providing the funds and won't be doing anything else. If I take half, over time, someone might feel resentful—don't deny it; it's human nature."

Suo Luo and Qi Ye nodded with respect, accepted the spirit stones, and didn't dare raise any more objections.

Though they were quite talented, both came from humble backgrounds and took over one hundred eighty years to reach the Golden Core realm. Over a hundred years old, if someone had told them a year ago that they would bow to a teenager, they would never have believed it.

But this unbelievable thing had indeed happened.

Of course, the cultivation world had no concept of respecting the elderly or cherishing the young; seniority was always determined by cultivation realm. A sixteen- or seventeen-year-old Foundation Establishment cultivator couldn't be judged by age alone.

In any case, Chi Yu had risen to an unimaginable height in Suo Luo and Qi Ye's hearts.

After their conversation, Suo Luo and Qi Ye went their separate ways with Chi Yu—their Kǔdì Doctrine Hall was in a different direction from Chi Yu's Dàodì Doctrine Hall.

When Chi Yu arrived in class, unsurprisingly, he was the last one there again.

Chi Yu: "..."

He checked the time on his system panel. It was indeed 6:00 a.m. Do none of you sleep?!

...Oh, after reaching the Foundation Establishment realm, cultivators don't really need to sleep.

But Chi Yu still slept. Some habits shouldn't be easily abandoned. His roots were always in the present world, and eating and sleeping were what ordinary people did.

As for achieving immortality and indestructibility through cultivation, Chi Yu didn't take it too seriously.

The present world was his home, his everything. He always remembered: never forget your origins, and you'll know where to return.

No matter how "Long Aotian" he became, it was still the most exhilarating and vibrant dream of his youth.

As before, Chi Yu sat next to the crown prince and greeted him with a smile: "Good morning, senior brother. Have you eaten?"

Xie Xiyi glanced at him. "Foundation Establishment cultivators begin abstaining from food. Didn't you know?"

"Oh," Chi Yu said. "But the pleasure of eating brings pure joy. Senior brother, since you practice Buddhism, you should cultivate joy and actually eat some food."

Xie Xiyi: "You seem to enjoy showing off."

Chi Yu blinked and laughed naturally, his voice always lively and crisp. "Senior brother, this isn't showing off. Haven't you noticed? I'm trying to build rapport with you. Since we both practice Zen, this is a topic. If you have different thoughts, we can debate. Relationships between people often improve through debate."

"..." Xie Xiyi's golden eyes glinted, and the corners of his lips lifted slightly, carrying a hint of coolness. "You want to build a good relationship with me? Why?"

Chi Yu said, "Why does there need to be a reason? It's fate, it's Dharma, it's the natural connection from the heart."

The smile on Xie Xiyi's lips became more genuine. "Is that so?"

Chi Yu said, "Yes, and it's not just you I want to build a good relationship with. I hope to become friends with everyone here."

A sharp-eared cultivator in the front row turned around and said with a smile, "I'm willing."

Chi Yu reached out his hand. "Hello, hello. I forgot to ask for your Dharma name last time. May I know what it is?"

The cultivator looked puzzled at his outstretched hand. Chi Yu said, "Senior brother, extend your hand."

The cultivator extended his hand, and Chi Yu shook it, asking cheerfully, "Senior brother, what's your Dharma name?"

"Oh," the cultivator understood that this was Chi Yu's way of greeting and slowly replied, "My name is Lian Chi."

Chi Yu beamed and said sweetly, "Senior brother, that's a wonderful Dharma name. 'The lotus emerges unstained from mud, washed clean yet unadorned.' A lotus pond represents black and white, yin and yang, purity and turbidity, movement and stillness—embodying the natural Way. Senior brother, you really know how to choose a name."

Lian Chi said in surprise, "No, I just saw a lotus pond when choosing my Dharma name, so I picked it. But I never thought about what you said, junior brother. What about you? What's your Dharma name?"

Chi Yu: 0.0 (a facial expression indicating surprise or confusion)

This is what happens when you spend your whole life doing reading comprehension as a Chinese kid.

When Lian Chi asked about his Dharma name, Chi Yu puffed out his chest and said with great confidence, "My Dharma name is Long Aotian."

Lian Chi never expected this clear-eyed and handsome Foundation Establishment cultivator to have such a vulgar Dharma name. He couldn't help asking, "...Ah? What does this Dharma name mean?"

Xie Xiyi, who had been ignored nearby, also turned his attention back. He wanted to see what this dragon could come up with.

Chi Yu, who consistently excelled in his literature exams, found reading comprehension to come naturally. He effortlessly transformed the three seemingly ordinary characters into something extraordinary and unparalleled: "Of course it does. First, 'Long'—everyone should be familiar with the dragon. It is the most powerful spiritual beast in the cultivation world. But in the mortal realm, the dragon is a spiritual symbol for humanity. People draw various energies from it: bravery in battle, wisdom and intelligence, fearlessness in the face of power, and the courage to defy authority—even if failure means eternal downfall.

The dragon is a mythical creature that embodies all the highest aspirations of mortals. This being, born of collective belief and shaped by shared hopes and expectations, is itself an eternal and immortal existence. Thus, for me, 'Long' is a word filled with mystery and positive blessings. As cultivators, we are constantly struggling—against others, against heaven, against earth, and against ourselves. We must emulate this spiritual totem: ambitious, brave, fearless, unyielding to power, and living as though defying death itself!

As for 'Aotian,' it's even simpler: 'Head held high, I depart laughing—how could one of my status dwell among the common folk?' Cultivation is about seeking truth, immortality, and true liberation; it represents boundless ambition and vitality. Without such grandeur, how can one even speak of contending with heaven? Since I cultivate, it is only natural that I aim to surpass the heavenly way and become the eternal master of my own destiny!"

The entire meditation chamber fell silent. Lecturer Hong stood at the entrance without entering, and every pair of eyes was fixed on Chi Yu.

Chi Yu always possessed an undeniable charisma in both speech and manner, instantly drawing attention. His voice, clear and resonant like striking gold and jade, carried conviction and authority.

He was simply radiant.

Xie Xiyi’s golden eyes gleamed with surprise, never expecting these three simple characters to carry such profound emotional depth, condensing so much meaning into mere words.

He looked at Chi Yu anew—this person was exactly to his liking.

Everyone remained transfixed on Chi Yu, unaware that Lecturer Hong had arrived. Lian Chi stood utterly dumbfounded, murmuring, "So that's it. Your Dharma name is truly well-chosen, though it does carry a hint of arrogance—which might not be entirely appropriate."

Chi Yu replied, "If one isn't wild and bold in youth, one has wasted their youth!"

Then he flashed a bright smile: "If I were in my twenties or thirties, I probably wouldn’t dare to be so audacious. But I’m only in my teens—cut me some slack."

How strange—everyone present couldn’t help but feel that although he was already a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he radiated an inexhaustible energy none of them possessed.

So dazzling, it felt almost blinding.

Just then, Lecturer Hong softly cleared his throat, and only then did everyone notice his presence, hastily shifting their gaze away from Chi Yu.

Chi Yu also fell silent, afraid of being called on again.

Yet his earlier words had clearly left an impression. After a brief pause, Lecturer Hong couldn’t resist calling on Chi Yu once more, asking, "You see the leaves moving outside the hall. What do you think causes them to move?"

Chi Yu smiled and said, "Teacher, I didn’t move them."

Lecturer Hong asked again, as if seeking confirmation, "Would you like to answer again?"

Chi Yu replied, "Teacher, I truly didn’t move. The leaves are moving, the wind is moving, but I did not move. I am focused on listening to the lecture—how could I possibly notice the scenery outside the window? If the mind does not move, without the rise of thoughts or ideas, all things remain still."

Lecturer Hong smiled and said, "Take your seat."

His gaze toward Chi Yu was filled with pleasant surprise, though he concealed it well.

Chi Yu sat down, smirking inwardly. Under normal circumstances, he would have said the leaves were moving—but when a teacher poses such a question in class, the answer is never straightforward. Offering a third perspective, bypassing the two expected answers, never fails. Plus, it helped reinforce his image of being fully attentive this time.

Chi Yu noticed Xie Xiyi’s gaze and turned to meet his dazzling golden eyes, instinctively breaking into a smile.

Smiling before speaking is often viewed negatively in mortal physiognomy, but Xie Xiyi clearly understood that this was simply his genuine and natural nature.

The corner of Xie Xiyi’s lips lifted slightly—but soon fell again.

Wanting to be friends with him was one thing, but wanting to be friends with everyone?

That was simply too greedy.

After class, Chi Yu was once again surrounded by a group of cultivators, all eager to talk to him.

"Brother Long, you answered Lecturer Hong’s question without even thinking—you’re so sharp!"

"How did you come up with that answer? You’re only sixteen—I’m impressed!"

...

Xie Xiyi paid no attention, rising as usual to leave—

But just then, Chi Yu laughed apologetically and said, "Sorry, let’s talk another time. I have to go now. My apologies!"

With that, Chi Yu broke free from the crowd and called out to Xie Xiyi, "Senior Brother Xuan Ji, wait for me!"

Xie Xiyi paused mid-step and casually slowed his pace.

Chi Yu caught up to him and said calmly, "Senior Brother, let’s walk back together."

Xie Xiyi replied indifferently, "Won’t you spend more time with your friends?"

Chi Yu said, "Normally, I would, but it’s time for lunch. I need to hurry back to cook. It’s fine if I go hungry, but I can’t let our Xiao Qiu starve."

"..." Xie Xiyi said, "If he’s hungry, he can take a fasting pill."

"Only dogs eat fasting pills. Our Xiao Qiu deserves fresh, delicious meals." Chi Yu paused, realizing something, "Ah, Senior Brother, I didn’t mean to call you a dog."

Xie Xiyi: "."

The corner of Xie Xiyi’s lips lifted slightly as he said, "My servant boy can’t get enough of the meals you make. I must admit, I’m curious."

Chi Yu readily responded, "In that case, why not join us for a taste, Senior Brother?"

Xie Xiyi said, "Very well."

Chi Yu soon returned to the dormitory.

Xiao Qiu was already sitting on the doorstep waiting for him. Upon seeing Chi Yu, he was about to call out—but quickly noticed Xie Xiyi behind him. His tone shifted awkwardly as he exclaimed, "...Your Highness!"

Xie Xiyi looked at him expressionlessly. Although Xiao Qiu was ostensibly his servant, he was also a genuine member of the royal family. To sit on the doorstep like a watchdog just for a meal—how improper.

Xiao Qiu seemed to sense something from his gaze and guiltily stood up, fiddling with his robe.

Xie Xiyi asked coldly, "Did you cultivate today?"

Xiao Qiu: "Uh, Your Highness, I cultivated for three hours today."

Xie Xiyi said, "Only three hours, and you’re proud? With average talent, you must work harder than others. If others cultivate for six hours a day, you should cultivate for twelve hours."

Chi Yu couldn’t help interjecting, "Wait, Senior Brother, he’s only ten years old. Why push him so hard?"

Xie Xiyi: "You reached Foundation Establishment in your teens—surely it was through diligent day-and-night cultivation. Yet you are so strict with yourself but so lenient with others. What are your intentions?"

Chi Yu: "..."

Well, trying to mediate and getting rebuked.jpg

Chi Yu turned to Xiao Qiu and asked, "Xiao Qiu, tell him how many hours I cultivate each day."

Xiao Qiu said, "...Your Highness, Brother Aotian only practices cultivation for ninety minutes each day. He’s even lazier than me!"

Xie Xiyi looked at Chi Yu in disbelief, his golden eyes narrowing slightly, "Ninety minutes?"

Chi Yu said matter-of-factly, "I have responsibilities. I have homework to do. Cultivating for three hours a day is already showing respect."

Xie Xiyi’s gaze swept over him, unable to comprehend how he had reached Foundation Establishment.

In the Realm of Ease, Spirit Roots are not measured, but Xie Xiyi could tell that Chi Yu's Spirit Root was not particularly good—with each breath, he absorbed very little spiritual energy.

If one’s Spirit Root were excellent, spiritual energy would naturally merge and accumulate in the energy channels.

From Xie Xiyi’s perspective, Chi Yu had at least three Spirit Roots.

However, one shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

After all, he possessed remarkable spiritual affinity.

Spirit Root, bone, and comprehension are all crucial for a cultivator.

Xiao Qiu has excellent bone—as is typical of the Great Xia Royal Family—but his comprehension is rather mediocre, one might even say somewhat foolish. Combined with the Xie clan’s unique cultivation method, he began cultivating at six and only reached Qi Refining Stage 3 after four years, which could be considered painfully slow.

Still, having such cultivation at his age is not bad.

As for Long Aotian, even if he has five Spirit Roots, his extraordinary comprehension allows him to experience enlightenment at every moment, making lightning-fast cultivation progress entirely possible.

As Xie Xiyi pondered this without speaking, Chi Yu rushed into the kitchen. "Xiao Qiu, go make some tea and invite your Highness to sit. I’ll start cooking."

Xie Xiyi’s gaze shifted, and Xiao Qiu gave him an awkward smile, saying, "Your Highness, please have a seat."

Xie Xiyi’s lips curled slightly, a faint smile playing on his face. "Looks like you’ve become his little helper now."

Xiao Qiu pouted. "It’s not my fault—you’re the one who gave me to him."

Xie Xiyi sat down, and Xiao Qiu deftly took a can of tea from the cabinet, fetched a teacup and hot water, and prepared tea for him.

He was used to doing these tasks and felt no discomfort, though he lowered his voice to murmur, "Your Highness, the tea isn’t the best, but it’s not like we’re lacking for a sip, right? Please just deal with it."

Xie Xiyi remained silent, picked up the tea, and drank.

Chi Yu spent half an hour whipping up three dishes and a soup, making extra rice. Unsure of how much an adult cultivator would eat, he gave Xie Xiyi twice the amount he would normally serve himself, based on Xie Xiyi's build.

Xiao Qiu efficiently served Xie Xiyi rice and used jade chopsticks to serve him food.

This was Chi Yu’s first time witnessing how a Prince eats.

Gotta say, it was quite nice to watch.

Xie Xiyi took a bite of the scrambled eggs Chi Yu made, and his usually bland taste experience was instantly touched by a burst of flavor.

It wasn’t that he had never eaten meals before, but he remembered that even the top chefs of the imperial kitchen couldn’t make dishes as delicious as his.

There was emotion in it—intense emotion, tinged with faint melancholy, but more so full of life and calm.

Perfect balance of movement and stillness, following the natural order.

Xie Xiyi paused mid-bite, his golden eyes involuntarily turning to Chi Yu.

Chi Yu looked at him with a smile, a hint of expectation in his eyes. "Brother, how is it? Is it good?"

Xie Xiyi replied calmly, "It’s delicious. You’re a good cook."

After a moment, he asked, "What is this dish?"

Chi Yu answered, "It’s a home-cooked dish, meant to taste like home. How about it, Brother? Does it make you miss home?"

Xie Xiyi glanced at him. "It seems you’re the one missing home."

Chi Yu admitted readily, "Yes, I miss home."

This time, Xie Xiyi didn’t wait for Xiao Qiu to serve him. He picked up his chopsticks, took another bite, and savored it slowly.

To be able to infuse the seven emotions and six desires into a dish while maintaining such detachment from worldly concerns—

Long Aotian has the bearing of a Buddha-son.

Xie Xiyi’s tone softened slightly. "You could be a Buddha-son."

Chi Yu didn’t even think before replying, "No, you do it."

Xie Xiyi: "No, you."

Chi Yu: "No, no, no, you do it."

Xie Xiyi: "Do you know what position a Buddha-son holds?"

Chi Yu: "I don’t know, and I don’t want to know. I won’t do it."

Xie Xiyi said, "You’ll regret it someday."

Chi Yu said, "I never regret my decisions."

Xie Xiyi: "You will."

Chi Yu: "I won’t."

Xiao Qiu: "..."

*Your Highness, even if Brother Aotian becomes a Buddha-son, he’d be a Buddha-son of a different Buddhist tradition. You’d still have to become one too!*

*Your Highness!*

Author’s Note:

Buddha-son: Am I some kind of cheap thing that nobody wants to become? QAQ

Xiao Qiu: Hair style is really important!

"1" is a reference to a poem by Li Bai.