Chapter 61: Shenlong Temple
"I've always lived deep in the mountains. This is my first time in a big city..."
"I was born in an inconspicuous small country. I just arrived in this nation..."
...
Frightened by the old man, Charles leapt up instinctively. In that instant, he had already begun weighing what kind of excuse he should use to answer the old man's question.
Suddenly, Charles felt his body grow slightly heavier—it was as if he had put on an extra layer of clothing. But given how finely attuned he was to his own body, Charles was certain it wasn't just his imagination.
Yet he hadn't sensed any fluctuation of magic or other energies. Whatever had happened, it was definitely connected to the old man in front of him.
No longer caring about coming up with a lie, Charles looked solemnly at the old man and asked, "Did you just do something?"
The old man's expression was unsurprised. He smiled and said, "You don't need to be nervous!"
He sat down on the bench, patting the spot beside him. "I just wanted to help you calm down and sit quietly for a bit.
But as I thought, you too are someone who exists outside of fate. I apologize for testing you without explanation."
Charles could sense the man's goodwill and sat down as well. "What did you mean just now by 'outside of fate'?"
More than the man's identity or intentions, Charles was interested in what he had said about fate.
The old man replied, "There's no harm in telling you. People like us have broken through the fate imposed on us by the world through our own strength and stepped outside of destiny. Because of that, we possess the power to manipulate causality.
In our country, people like us are called 'Immortals.' In other countries, the common term is 'Desperado.'
For example, just now—if you were an ordinary person, the moment I had the thought of wanting you to sit down, causality would have guided you to sit as the outcome!"
Charles was stunned. He had never heard of such a terrifying ability.
The old man had used the example of sitting down, but if the example had been something else… like wanting to kill someone—he wouldn't need to lift a finger. Just the thought would make fate cause the person's death.
To manipulate fate—what a terrifying power.
Perhaps seeing the shock on Charles's face, the old man smiled and explained, "This ability isn't as convenient as it sounds.
First of all, what we call causality or fate refers to outcomes that are naturally achievable. Meaning, I could force you to sit because you were physically capable of sitting. That's how I could pull your fate toward that result.
Second, if the other person is also someone who has stepped outside of fate, then this ability becomes ineffective."
Charles understood. While it sounded powerful, this ability wasn't quite as overpowered as it first appeared. In fact, it was somewhat limited.
It only bypassed the process of defeating enemies who could already be defeated—it still ultimately depended on one's strength.
However, Charles also realized that this power came from overcoming the constraints of fate through cultivation. Anyone capable of reaching that point was definitely not weak.
Fortunately, Charles had the same kind of trait. At least based on the old man's reaction, he wouldn't be affected by such power. Perhaps it was because Charles was a transmigrator—his fate wasn't originally within this world's boundaries.
The old man looked at Charles seriously and said, "After hearing my explanation, you should now understand just how special you are, yes?
Letting you wander the world clueless would very likely lead to situations neither of us want to see. So would you be willing to come with me and train at a certain place for a while?
Don't worry—I swear on the name of righteousness that I mean you no harm. Once you've come to understand this world well enough, you may leave at any time. I will not stop you."
Charles could feel the old man's honesty and sincerity—though, to be fair, he didn't have much room to refuse.
Even if he could resist the tug of fate, if the old man truly willed it, he could still make him sit down. In the end, strength was what truly decided fate.
More importantly, Charles also wanted a way to learn more about this world. And judging by the old man's strength, he likely held a high status in this world and could help resolve Charles's identity issues.
So Charles didn't hesitate long before saying, "If you don't mind taking me in, then I'll be in your care. May I ask your name…?"
The old man stroked his beard and said, "I am the Grand Elder of Shenlong Temple. That's what everyone calls me. You may call me that too."
"I understand, Grand Elder! My name is Charles. I'll be counting on you from now on."
As the two conversed, the Grand Elder led Charles out of the park. Outside the gate, Charles saw a rather luxurious car waiting.
He could sense that the person inside the car had considerable strength—at least equivalent to a senior Magic Knight.
Not only that, but Charles scanned the surrounding area. In the corners of the street and hidden in the grass were several others of similar strength.
The Grand Elder said he came from a place called Shenlong Temple, but these people didn't look like monks from a temple.
Their disciplined demeanor and precise behavior were more like those developed in the military. Most likely, they were part of some "relevant department" of this world's government.
The Grand Elder, fully aware that Charles had noticed them, explained, "Don't misunderstand. Since we didn't know your character, they had to be cautious."
Charles didn't mind. He nodded and said, "That's only natural. If anything, I admire them—warriors who fear no danger to protect others."
The Grand Elder nodded. Charles's words aligned perfectly with the Shenlong Temple's code of righteousness, and the elder became even more impressed with the boy.
A man in a black suit approached and said, "Just from those words alone, I can believe you're not a dangerous individual."
He gave the Grand Elder a respectful bow and asked, "Have you reached an agreement with this young man?"
The Grand Elder nodded. "Yes. He will return with me to Shenlong Temple. I leave matters concerning his identity in your hands."
The black-suited man replied, "No problem. Just your willingness to communicate with us is already a great help. Don't trouble yourself with these small matters."
From the way the man treated the Grand Elder, Charles could tell just how revered the elder's status was—and that made him even more curious about Shenlong Temple.
However, as he looked at the car in front of him, Charles's face turned pale. He turned and asked, "Um… I have a question. Can I not ride in the car?"
…
After being advised by the Grand Elder not to use his powers casually, Charles had no choice but to get into the car with him. Drowsy and lightheaded, he watched the buildings outside blur past as they sped away. Before long, Charles realized they were heading toward the mountains.
Temples being located in the mountains was perfectly normal.
That was what Charles had thought—right up until they arrived at the entrance to Shenlong Temple, where he was still worrying about whether he'd be able to adapt to temple life.
The black-suited man dropped off the Grand Elder and Charles, then drove away. As soon as Charles stepped out of the car, limp like mud, he immediately came back to life and began inspecting the temple.
The deep red gate was lined with large door studs, and a plaque bearing the words "Shenlong Temple" hung on the door frame.
Though he didn't understand calligraphy, Charles could still feel the imposing presence in each stroke of the brush.
Below the stone steps stood a pair of stone lions, adding an air of majesty to the temple's entrance.
Everything was just like the temples Charles remembered. After living in other worlds for so long, seeing a place like this filled him with a strange sense of familiarity.
The grand gate opened, and the Grand Elder stepped forward. Charles followed him into the temple.
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [[email protected]/Mutter]
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]