Little Western Heaven.
The ancient Bodhi Tree's branches towered into the sky, its verdant leaves flowing with green radiance as a sacred aura permeated the air.
Beneath the Bodhi Tree, the Old Monk, gaunt as bamboo, sat with his eyes closed, motionless and silent as a boulder.
In the distance, Ji Yuan, a middle-aged monk clad in moon-white robes, approached and then stopped far away.
He pressed his palms together and bowed. "Master, the battle at Heavenly Martial Divine Mountain has concluded."
The Old Monk showed no reaction whatsoever, as though he had long entered meditation, wholly unaware of the outside world.
Ji Yuan was not surprised. He began speaking on his own, recounting every detail of that battle.
Unlike the news spreading through the outside world, Ji Yuan had witnessed that battle firsthand. Thus, when describing its details, his account was more concrete and thorough.
Yet by the end, an indelible trace of bewilderment appeared between his brows. "This disciple finds it difficult to imagine that undergoing just one cycle of reincarnation could bring about such an inconceivable transformation in a person. Even now, it is impossible to determine who Su Xuanjun of this life truly is."
Beneath the Bodhi Tree, the Old Monk's eyes remained shut, but an aged voice emerged from his withered lips. "Neither you nor I understand reincarnation. Naturally, we cannot fathom the subtle and wondrous mysteries of such Great Dao profundities. Much less can figures such as the Nine Heavens Pavilion Sect Leader, the Star River Divine Sect Leader, and the Founder of the Painting Heart School understand the Secret of Reincarnation."
Ji Yuan was stunned. "Master, could it be that even you cannot infer Su Xuanjun's true identity from that battle?"
The Old Monk said, "I have my suspicions, but cannot be certain.