Chapter 66: All the bustle in the world is driven by the pursuit of profit; all the scheming in the halls of power is fueled by the desire for fame.

Upon hearing Fang Xu's words, Qiu Chuji said nothing more. After all, in Qiu Chuji’s view, since Fang Xu had spoken so firmly, there must be his own concerns. He didn’t press Fang Xu further, largely because the villagers around them watched the two with ambiguous glances, making Qiu Chuji involuntarily tense, worried Fang Xu might notice something amiss. Yet, seeing Fang Xu’s calm demeanor, Qiu Chuji felt he had been overthinking.

But Qiu Chuji failed to notice Old Wu, standing behind him, casting sly looks at both him and Fang Xu, the corners of his mouth lifting in a barely concealed smile.

Later, Qiu Chuji returned to his own courtyard. Gazing at the towering peach tree before him, his thoughts drifted to the rumor he had heard earlier.

"Could it be true?" he murmured, unable to imagine the consequences if it were.

“Hm? What are you thinking about?” Fang Xu’s voice startled Qiu Chuji; he hadn’t noticed when Fang Xu had come to stand behind him.

“Ah! When did you arrive?” Qiu Chuji muttered in panic, lowering his head, afraid Fang Xu might have overheard his self-talk. If he had, Qiu Chuji felt he would be mortified.

“I just got here. Still pondering what happened earlier?” Fang Xu sat beneath the peach tree, smiling at Qiu Chuji. For reasons unknown, Fang Xu felt that at this moment, Qiu Chuji exuded a subtle, serene fragrance. It seemed familiar, yet he couldn’t place where he’d encountered it before.

“Yes! I’m curious, Brother Fang, what exactly did you do?” Qiu Chuji quickly nodded in response.

“Sit down. I knew you’d still be curious. I’ll explain briefly.” Fang Xu’s lips curled upward, for he knew Qiu Chuji’s personality well.

“Alright, hurry and tell me! What trick did you use?” Qiu Chuji immediately sat beside Fang Xu, eager for answers. Unaware, he had closed the distance between them so much that Fang Xu could feel the gentle softness of Qiu Chuji’s shoulder, though he didn’t think much of it.

“In truth, I merely used a minor stratagem—or rather, I made use of the villagers.” Fang Xu replied candidly, watching the villagers pass by. Qiu Chuji was stunned; he hadn’t expected Fang Xu to admit to such a thing. If Fang Xu truly manipulated the villagers, Qiu Chuji could not forgive him.

“How could you do that?! Using such innocent villagers?” Qiu Chuji questioned angrily, but Fang Xu only smiled bitterly and shook his head.

Fang Xu had anticipated Qiu Chuji’s reaction. It was inevitable; Qiu Chuji had grown up on this mountain and naturally felt affection for the villagers below.

Even so, Fang Xu saw nothing wrong with his actions. In his previous life, he had already understood this truth.

“All the hubbub of the world is for profit; all the scheming in court is for reputation,” Fang Xu murmured. Qiu Chuji froze, surprised by such a sigh, and began to repeat the phrase as if savoring its meaning.

“They chose to renovate the Quanzhen Temple partly because of my scheme, but mostly due to their reverence for the divine,” Fang Xu said, watching the villagers wipe sweat from their brows, unable to hide his admiration.

“How so?” Qiu Chuji asked, curiosity shining in his eyes. At this moment, he realized he could no longer discern Fang Xu’s true nature.

“Quanzhen Temple has stood here for ages, dilapidated and neglected, yet no one suggested renovating it. If anyone wanted to, they’d have done so long ago—the benefits are obvious. But the villagers never took action. Why? Because unless they needed something from the temple, it didn’t concern them. I merely made them realize the importance of Quanzhen Temple.” Fang Xu smiled, though his tone carried a hint of bitterness.

“But the essence of Quanzhen Temple lies in healing the world. Is it really right to deceive them?” Qiu Chuji asked, for he believed Quanzhen Temple should always give without seeking reward.

Fang Xu’s actions seemed to twist the very principle of Quanzhen Temple, yet he knew this well enough himself.

On the road to Quanzhen Temple, Fang Xu had seen other temples, each at least as well-kept as Quanzhen, and they also practiced healing. So why was there such disparity?

It all came down to method. Other temples understood the value of teaching others to fish, rather than merely giving them fish, but Quanzhen Temple unconditionally gave to the villagers. This made the villagers believe it was only natural, and in Fang Xu’s view, the essence of Quanzhen’s charity had been warped long ago.

Hearing Fang Xu’s words, Qiu Chuji was utterly stunned, staring at Fang Xu in confusion. Clearly, Qiu Chuji’s experience could not match Fang Xu’s.

“You’re still young; it’s only natural you don’t understand yet,” Fang Xu said with a smile to the perplexed Qiu Chuji. Qiu Chuji bristled at this.

“We’re the same age! Why pretend to be an adult?” he muttered, unable to help himself. Fang Xu touched the tip of his nose awkwardly, realizing he’d forgotten their bodies were indeed nearly identical in age.

But Fang Xu would never admit it, choosing instead to act as if he hadn’t heard anything.

“So, Brother Fang, tell me—what little trick did you use?” Qiu Chuji’s eyes sparkled with expectation, for despite Fang Xu’s words, Qiu Chuji was convinced that Fang Xu’s scheme was the true cause. His curiosity only grew, for he knew Fang Xu was far from simple.