Chapter 299: Belief Makes It Real

After resting for a while, they set off again.

The remaining steps were quite steep, requiring them to hold onto iron chains to keep climbing.

Qin Yun’s energy quickly waned, and she had to stop frequently to rest.

Fang Zhou didn’t rush her. He simply sat by her side, keeping her company, chatting, and making her laugh.

They took turns climbing and resting, and time flew by.

Finally, they reached the summit just before noon.

The path at the top was no longer a steep staircase but a hard, dry dirt road leading straight to a grand temple.

Seeing the temple, Fang Zhou’s eyes lit up with excitement. He eagerly said to Qin Yun, “Look! There’s a temple. Let’s go light some incense!”

Since they were already there, it would be a shame not to visit the temple and pay their respects.

Fang Zhou felt a personal connection to temples and remembered reading many Buddhist teachings that he held dear.

Qin Yun, a staunch materialist, didn’t believe in superstitions or deities.

Her job often involved fighting to save lives, so she placed her trust in herself.

However, this time she didn’t object and followed Fang Zhou into the temple.

Inside the grand temple, many people were burning incense. Some were kneeling in prayer, and others were making wishes with their eyes closed. The place was bustling with activity.

Fang Zhou bought some incense and handed half to Qin Yun. They both joined the line to wait their turn.

The flickering flames of the incense reflected in their eyes, symbolizing hope.

Ahead of them stood an elderly man with graying hair, around seventy years old.

Fang Zhou struck up a conversation, discovering the man was indeed seventy.

“I may be old, but I can still climb this mountain!” the old man said with a hearty laugh.

“You’re in great shape! Are you here to make a wish?” Fang Zhou asked, ever the social butterfly, able to chat with anyone, young or old.

Qin Yun smiled, watching them talk and occasionally chiming in, looking like a supportive and gentle partner.

The old man laughed, revealing a few missing teeth, and said mysteriously, “I’m here to give thanks.”

“Giving thanks? Is it really that effective?” Fang Zhou asked, a bit skeptical.

There were many temples, and he hadn’t heard of any being particularly miraculous. However, since his sister’s illness, his views had shifted.

He sincerely hoped the gods could help his sister recover.

“Absolutely! A few years ago, my wife fell gravely ill, and I came here to pray for her to live a few more years. She managed to live for another two years, which was a blessing for me. So, I’m here to show my gratitude,” the old man said, his face lighting up with a peaceful smile despite his loss.

“Belief makes it real,” he added.

Fang Zhou thought of his sister. If this temple was truly effective, he would gladly return to give thanks if his wishes were granted.

Standing behind him, Qin Yun, a firm believer in science, silently mocked the idea. She knew the old woman’s extended life was more likely due to modern medicine than divine intervention.

Qin Yun believed in taking control of her own destiny through hard work and effort rather than relying on deities.

However, she maintained a respectful demeanor, smiling softly as if she agreed with the old man.

After this brief encounter, Fang Zhou’s expression grew more solemn as he lit the incense, focusing intently on the flickering flame and making sure his incense was properly lit.

“Here, take this,” he said, handing the lit incense to Qin Yun. They swapped and continued lighting more incense.

In front of them was an incense burner filled to the brim with ashes, representing countless wishes.

Fang Zhou respectfully raised the incense, bowing three times towards the temple, silently making wishes for his sister’s health.

“If this works, I’ll return next year to give thanks,” he murmured, fully believing in the old man’s words.

Standing beside him, Qin Yun followed suit, bowing three times.

As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Though skeptical, she knew it was important to show respect, especially since Fang Zhou was with her.

She made a small wish in her heart, hoping Fang Zhou would forgive her for past misunderstandings.

Qin Yun realized that praying to a deity might be less effective than simply talking to Fang Zhou directly.

Today had been full of unexpected surprises for her, like walking along and suddenly finding a solution to an urgent problem.

Fang Zhou’s attitude had given her hope that forgiveness was possible.

But she was still afraid to bring up the issue, fearing it would ruin the current harmony and make Fang Zhou revert to his cold, distant self.

“Alright, that’s about it,” Fang Zhou said, placing the incense in the burner and turning to Qin Yun with a bright smile.

“How about you?”

“I’m done too,” Qin Yun replied, placing her incense in the burner. Watching the smoke rise, she recalled a saying: “I offer high incense to the gods to ease my troubled heart.”

In truth, this was a form of solace and psychological comfort.