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15.155

[Pupa, I wonder if my real son actually loves me.]1

[Pupa:..]

[You're silent. So I guess my son despises me a lot, then? I mean, it's understandable when you have a father that doesn't even remember that you existed…]

[Pupa: It's more complicated than that. But he doesn't hate you, maybe resented you a bit… well… a lot.]

[Gee, that doesn't help at all. But that's understandable. I hope I can apologize to him once we meet again.]

Bai Shijue continued caressing Han Min's head and decided upon something, "Han Min, can I request you something?"

"Yes, anything, Master Bai!" 

"Do you still have a will to live after meeting me?"

"I… I don't, Master Bai… I thought after I died, you would return to me and take my soul with you. I will be happy if I can be with you forever, Master Bai. Even as your servant…."

[Is there any kind of God of Death here?]

[Pupa: That would be the God of Nothingness.]

[Wait, what?! He is the god of death and underworld too?]

[Pupa: Everything comes from nothingness and disappears into nothingness. So he is the original god of everything.]

[…]

"Han Min, based on my insight, you should die four years after this. But I cannot bring your soul with me," Bai Shijue said.

Han Min's heart sank as his Master Bai said he couldn't bring his soul. He always thought… that Master Bai was omnipotent. Surely he could bring his soul to his realm, right?

"Master Bai, I… I…"

"Not because I don't want you, but I am not the god of death and underworld. I will have to talk to him if I want to bring your soul with me," Bai Shijue informed. "The time in my realm and this mortal realm runs differently, I don't know how long would it be, and I don't want your soul to disappear just like that."

"So, if you're willing to wait a little bit longer, I will talk to the God of Death and ask for his permission to bring your soul with me," Bai Shijue said.

"T—Then, what will I do after I die, Master Bai? Since you still have to talk with that God of Death and Underworld…."

"After your death, I will turn you into a spirit to guide your descendants. Since your descendants are the only ones who could see me, you need to teach them how to be good priests for generations. You will do your duty as a spirit to guide until I'm done talking with the God of Death and Underworld, and bring your soul with me, okay?"

"M—Master Bai, does this mean you won't punish me for establishing a religion for you?!"

Bai Shijue chuckled and wiped the tears in Han Min's eyes, "I was a little annoyed at first, but I know that you meant well. Besides, you cannot stop people from believing and having faith. I have no problem if my religion is not used to hurt others."

"I won't let anyone desecrate your religion, Master Bai! I will ensure everyone— at least my descendants- is on the right path! This is my oath to you!" The old Han Min swore an oath to his Master Bai. He always knew that Master Bai was a kind immortal. He was very powerful as well. 

Thus, it felt like a necessity to establish a religion for him.

"Master Bai, do you know that your religion has been widespread across the land? The temple in this village is not the only temple. There is a bigger one near the capital city!" Han Min said.

"People accepted the religion easily?"

"Yes! Because you're the God of Prosperity and Purity. At first, I was just trying to defend this village from bandits and weird creatures from another world. And people started calling me a hero and wanting to learn from me."

"So, you taught them the way of my teaching?"

"Just the martial arts and general view of life that you taught me, Master Bai! To be kind, generous, protect the weak, and more!" Han Min replied quickly, afraid that Master Bai would get the wrong impression. 

"I see… but what about your descendant, Han Ning? He is the new priest of the religion, right?"

Han Min's gaze dimmed instantly, "He is the son of my youngest grandson, Master Bai. He has the affinity to be a priest. He is smart, healthy body, and his dad was the previous priest before he retired. Now he is under my care in this residence, while my other family members live near the main square or in another city," Han Min replied. 

"He is smart, but he has no faith in you, Master Bai. I thought about taking over, but my body is not as strong as it used to be…."

"Let him be, Han Min. He is a young man. Of course, he has a rebellious phase," Bai Shijue replied. "Besides, I'm going to stay here for a while, so I will be the one who will tutor him."

Han Min's eyes widened. He hugged Master Bai's legs even tighter, "M—Master Bai, you will live here?!"

"Yes, for a short period of time. I'm waiting for my friend who hasn't returned to her lair after so long," Bai Shijue replied. "I will live in my old courtyard again, don't let anyone in, okay? I don't want to be seen by random people, even if they are devout followers."

"Yes! I understand, Master Bai! I will clean the courtyard immediately, and I will also tell Han Ning about it!"

"You're old already. Just tell Han Ning to clean it. But for now, I will come to his courtyard and tell him that I will be the one who teaches him personally, okay?"

"Yes, Master Bai! Thank you for your kindness. Han Min will serve and devout myself for you forever!" Han Min said.

Bai Shijue chuckled and grabbed Han Min's forehead, "I'm just doing this to wait for my friend and maybe to pay for all the worship and respect you gave me for a century, Han Min."

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