As the new year began, he suddenly realized that making such a hasty decision was out of the question.


    Charlie had previously acknowledged to himself that he must never disclose his identity to her grandmother. If he were to knowinglymit an offense, and if he truly angered Charlie, not only would he seal off the four meridians, but he could also endanger everyone around him.


    Feeling downcast, Hong Changqing contemted his situation and concluded that he needed to find a way to earn Charlie’s forgiveness. Regaining that forgiveness was crucial for him to restore his original cultivation.


    Remembering Charlie’s earlier mention of wanting to take him to the Champs Elysees Hot Spring, he promptly stood up and gged down a taxi from the roadside.


    The taxi driver was taken aback to see such an elderly man dressed as a Taoist priest; Hong Changqing truly had an ethereal presence. With a respectful tone, the driver inquired, “Master Taoist, where to?”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    “I’m heading to the Champs-Elysees Hot Spring,” Hong Changqing replied.


    “To the hot spring?” The taxi driver seemed puzzled, questioning why an elderly gentleman would be visiting a hot spring resort.


    Before Hong Changqing could borate, the driver suddenly remembered something. “Oh, I should mention, Master. The Champs Elysees Hot Spring Hotel is currently closed for renovations, and the reopening date hasn’t been set yet. If you’re looking to enjoy some hot springs, I could rmend a private location.”


    Hong Changqing shook his head and rified, “I’m not here to soak in the hot spring; I’m looking for someone to get something done.”


    “Ah, that makes sense!” The driver chuckled. “At first nce, a Taoist priest like you seems more focused on spiritual matters than on rxing in hot springs.”


    Curious, the driver continued, “Master Taoist, which temple do you usually practice at? My mother is a devoted follower and often visits the Tianhou Temple to burn incense.”


    Hong Changqing nodded and responded, “I’m not from Jinling; I hail from the United States, and my temple is located there.”


    “In America?” The driver eximed, surprised. “Master Taoist, isn’t Taoism rooted in our Huaxia? How can there be Taoism in America?”<fn4b96> This update is avable on f?ndnovel</fn4b96>


    Hong Changqing rolled his eyes and countered, “Are there no churches in Huaxia?”


    “Well…” The driverughed, “Now I see! You must have traveled to the United States to spread the teachings of Taoism a few years back, right?”


    Feeling a bit embarrassed, Hong Changqing replied with a smirk, “I’ve dedicated my life to cultivation and have never engaged in preaching or teaching.”


    The driver gave him a thumbs-up and praised, “When I first saw you, I felt a connection. You truly embody what a serious Taoist priest should be, unlike those frauds who deceive people!”


    Hong Changqing ignored thepliment, staring out the window lost in thought. He reminisced about the years of hardship he endured while cultivating in the United States and considered how, at his age, he had traveled all the way to China in search of opportunities. Who could have predicted that after just two days of joy, he would regress to a mere four-star martial artist?


    As he pondered this, feelings of grievance overwhelmed him, and tears began to stream down his cheeks.


    The driver noticed and quickly asked, “Master, why are you crying? Has someone wronged you?”