It Is the World That Is Easily Stained

It doesn't sound like it's that demonic, but in the context of the Ancient Immortal Cultivation Realm, being called the demonic path seems quite reasonable.

Moreover, Lü Yuan probably understood why Chen Sheng said that his nature was in harmony with his orthodox teachings.

Also, you said you witnessed the Buddha ascending to heaven; was it because the Second Devil Ancestor was also inside?

However, although Liu Bang called Chen Sheng a demon, both his tone and his observations of Chen Sheng over the past few days suggest otherwise.

Lü Yuan was certain that Chen Sheng was not a bad person.

That's obvious. If he were a bad person, Liu Bang wouldn't have made him his mentor in the first place.

Most of what he's saying now is just said in anger.

Sure enough, Chen Sheng's next words confirmed Lü Yuan's thoughts. "It's fine if you use it for satire, but don't mislead the children."

Ultimately, the distinction between the demonic and the righteous paths is far greater and broader than the distinction between the immortal and the evil paths.

"Moreover, given this child's nature and talent, if you don't want him to be exposed to the filth of the world while staying by your side—"

"Is there any better option than staying in my [Swan Palace]?"

Liu Bang didn't say much to him, nor did he intend to discuss the topic with him.

Indeed, keeping Lü Yuan with Chen Sheng would have many advantages, the most important being that it would prevent his true nature from being corrupted.

The problem lies in the obsessive philosophy of the Second Demonic Lineage—

Chen Sheng himself is an example.

Therefore, even if Liu Bang wanted Lü Yuan to go astray, he didn't want him to become like that.

At least he can be happy with the former.

"Let's go," Liu Bang said, pulling Lü Yuan along. He didn't even glance at Chen Sheng again before preparing to leave.

One step, two steps, three steps— Chen Sheng remained silent, for Lü Yuan had not given a reply from beginning to end.

If that's the case, what right could he have to stop a father from taking away his only child from two lifetimes?

So, what are Lü Yuan's thoughts now?

He did not resist leaving with Liu Bang, not because he heard of the demonic path and wanted to avoid it, nor because he harbored any resentment towards Chen Sheng.

The answer is actually quite simple, and I'm even a little ashamed to say it.

It's important for people to have self-awareness.

Lü Yuan believed that he was incapable of realizing the concept of Second Demonic Lineage.

If that's the case, how can they be worthy of inheriting?

Not to mention that he had taken Chen Sheng as his master and used this opportunity to steal his legacy and benefits. In his two lifetimes, he didn't really understand many principles, but he did know that this was wrong.

Moreover, to be honest, he did indeed prefer to stay by Liu Bang's side.

Because being by his side made Lü Yuan feel very relaxed; he didn't have to be restrained in anything.

But--

Leaving without saying a word seems too cruel to the teacher.

After thinking it over, Lü Yuan tugged at Liu Bang's hand and whispered to him, "May I say goodbye to my teacher?"

Bid farewell?

All four of them could hear this sentence and naturally understood its meaning.

This means following Liu Bang and rejecting Chen Sheng.

A hint of helplessness appeared on Liu Bang's face, but he said nothing and simply let go of her hand.

The figure in sky-blue sighed.

Chen Sheng, who had just seen Lü Yuan stop and thought there might be a turning point, was not disappointed after receiving his reply.

On the contrary, I felt much more at ease, and even felt a bit self-deprecating.

Then, he calmly watched as Lü Yuan walked up to him and smiled slightly at him.

"I'm sorry, teacher--"

"I'm afraid I cannot become your disciple, but I hope you won't misunderstand him; this is my own decision."

"Because, to my shame, I think I'm afraid I can't achieve the Second Demonic Lineage concept described in the book."

"Therefore, I am naturally unworthy to be your disciple and inherit your lineage, as you have said."

Chen Sheng remained silent, while Lü Yuan continued—

"I'm leaving, teacher. Although we haven't known each other for long, I still want to tell you before I go that I think you're a good person. I also know you're not some so-called 'demonic' person—"

Good person--

Hehe, if I were a good person, what would I say now?

"So, you have nothing to say to me?"

"Teacher?"

Seeing that Chen Sheng remained silent, Lü Yuan continued.

Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng finally lowered his head, looked into his eyes, and gazed into those pure eyes untainted by any desires.

He seemed to be deep in thought, and after a long while, he spoke softly, "You came from a time of famine, so you must have witnessed the ugliness of human nature—and as you follow Liu Bang, these things will be countless in the future."

"Children are influenced by the environment they are exposed to."

"Moreover—who from the very beginning dared to say they could truly practice the ideals of their chosen lineage?"

He pleaded one last time, "Stay. At least here, you won't be changed by the filth of the outside world."

Lü Yuan still refused, because he knelt down on one knee and said to Chen Sheng with heartfelt respect, "Master."

In such a short time, he certainly couldn't change his mind, so such respect was actually a form of rejection.

Chen Sheng and Liu Bang both understood this, but neither of them understood why Lü Yuan addressed him as "Master."

Was he trying to comfort Chen Sheng like that?

"Child, what is a teacher?" Chen Sheng countered.

"A teacher is one who imparts knowledge, teaches skills, and resolves doubts," Lü Yuan replied.

Chen Sheng chuckled, "It's really difficult being a teacher—since you know that, why do you say such a thing?"

Lü Yuan looked up at him and said earnestly, "Whoever possesses one of these qualities will become my teacher."

Then he paused slightly, as if recalling something, and felt that the sentence was very appropriate to say in this occasion.

Then Chen Sheng heard the child, who was slowly rising, say, "Oh, right, before I leave, there's one more thing I want to say to you—"

Lü Yuan was particularly confident in this regard, so he said, "You just said that one is influenced by one's surroundings—"

But if you ask me—it's because people are easily corrupted.

The implication of this statement couldn't be clearer.

So not only was Chen Sheng surprised, but even the figure in azure robes standing to the side was somewhat taken aback by this scene.

Then, he subconsciously looked at Liu Bang opposite him.

But then he noticed that the guy was also taken aback, and then a smile started to spread across his face that he couldn't suppress.

No matter how you look at it, it seemed like he was showing off. Not long after, Lü Yuan turned around and followed Liu Bang. After all, he was going to leave eventually, and what he had just said was just a farewell.

Chen Sheng and the figure in sky blue stood still, silent.

The latter was clearly keeping the former company, and they simply watched Lü Yuan and Liu Bang's departing figures in silence.

Until it disappears into the Dharma Realm, returns to the present world's Great Marsh Mountain, and prepares to leave.

At this point--

The figure in sky blue had intended to comfort his old friend beside him, but then noticed that he suddenly raised his left hand.

Then--

The next moment, he saw a dazzling streak of light following the direction Lü Yuan had left, flying straight away.

He himself couldn't count how many times he had been stunned in that short period of time.

"That thing left behind by the First Northern Dipper, and yours—"

He asked softly, "Just like that, you gave it to me?"

"Otherwise what?"

Chen Sheng turned his head and stepped into the "Swan Heaven," his voice echoing faintly. "Didn't you hear what he just called me?"