Once Gao Xinwen had made his decision, he suddenly felt he could not bear another moment at Small Awakening Temple. After making a few preparations, he went to the administrator of Eight Emptiness Temple to take his leave.
The administrator tried to persuade him to stay, but seeing that his mind was made up, he did not press him further.
He pushed back the Chan Mo Bead that Gao Xinwen had returned to him and said, "Please keep this as a gift, Patron Gao. Whenever you feel troubled, Mr. Gao, you can use it while reciting the scriptures. Even if you gain no insight into Chan teachings, finding some peace of mind is worthwhile."
Gao Xinwen looked at it and accepted it. That same day, he left Eight Emptiness Temple by airship and traveled to the nearest Branch Office outpost.
After arriving, his agitation scarcely eased, so he decided to leave the Federation as soon as possible.
Using the company's secure line, he called the president of the Origin Company, his elder brother Gao Xinjian.
The call was answered by Gao Yueying, his brother's female assistant, who asked him to wait a moment.
After a while, Gao Xinjian's voice came through. "Xinwen?"
Gao Xinwen said, "It's me, big brother."
"Mm. I heard you went to Small Awakening Temple recently. What made you suddenly decide to go there? Getting in touch with you there is difficult. They don't even have a telephone."
"Nothing much. I suddenly felt restless a while ago, so I went there to recite scriptures and practice Chan, and settle my mind while I was at it."
Gao Xinjian's tone grew more serious. "Xinwen, how has your health been lately?"
Gao Xinwen said, "Don't worry, big brother. There's nothing wrong. Dr. Guan, whom you assigned to me, has