A drop of bright red blood immediately welled up and fell into the water, just to be swallowed by the powerless, gaping mouth of the fish.

John Thompson nonchalantly sucked the pricked fingertip, deliberately avoiding the puddles as he picked up the red carp again and tossed it into the lake outside the boat.

“Namo Amitabha!”

The monk who witnessed this scene once again chanted a Buddhist verse and bowed deeply toward the small boat.

The rescued red carp circled the boat a few times underwater, then quickly flicked its tail and dove deep, vanishing from sight.

“Compassion brings virtue, vowing to save all beings. The golden staff in hand opens the gates of hell. The pearl in the palm illuminates the vast world. In the sound of wisdom, amidst auspicious clouds. For the suffering beings of Jambudvipa, serving as the great witness and benefactor. Great compassion, great vows, great sage, great mercy…”

Chanting verses from the “Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva’s Fundamental Vows Sutra,” the monk cradled his chipped clay alms bowl and strode away with ease.

Zeng!~

It was as if a clear, melodious sword hum suddenly rang by his ear, piercing straight to his heart, making every hair on John Thompson’s body stand on end.

With a shudder, John Thompson quickly felt his right palm burning hot. Instinctively raising his hand, he saw a lotus flower, outlined in simple lines, appear in his palm.

……

Chapter 2: Real Father

“Xiao San! My son!”

A middle-aged, chubby squire in a fine silk robe and an official’s hat, surrounded by a group of obvious lackey servants, spotted John Thompson from afar, wailed, and rushed over, grabbing him tightly and refusing to let go.

Xiao… Xiao San? Uncle, can’t you pick another nickname! Xiao Bai, Xiao San, hmm, and what are the Wubi input letters for Li again? Well, that’s all of them.

This is his own father, also known as Grandpa!

Relying on the lingering memories in his mind, John Thompson recognized who this middle-aged, chubby squire was—local tycoon of Xiyan Town, David ThompsonMr. Thompson!

“Grandpa!”

Though reluctant, he still called out.

After all, this was the biological father of this body. Heaven, earth, ruler, parent, teacher—this address was necessary.

Slap!~

No one expected John Thompson to be stunned by a sudden slap.

A clear red handprint immediately appeared on his face—this was no light hit.

Is this really my father?! He couldn’t help but wonder.

“Xiao San! Where did you run off to? Do you know how worried Grandpa was? Your mother passed early, and our family only has you three brothers. Your eldest brother only knows how to wander seeking immortality, your second brother is a bookworm, and the glory of the Li family rests on you. If anything happened to you, how could I go on living!”

The chubby squire’s tone suddenly softened, saying, “Xiao San, does it hurt? It’s all Grandpa’s fault. Why don’t you hit Grandpa once?”

He really is my father! Comrade Xiao Bai finally confirmed it—he didn’t take that slap for nothing.

Letting a son hit his father—most people couldn’t say such a thing.

“Grandpa, I know I was wrong!”

Not wanting a second slap, he had to admit fault.

Damn! John Thompson, may you die a horrible death!

Wait, isn’t that cursing myself? Let’s try again—John Thompson, may you die well. Eh? Still doesn’t sound right…

All around, Sheriff Lewis, Deputy Marshall, Butler Newman, the servant Frank, the chief steward George, and all the onlookers were secretly dabbing at their eyes with their sleeves. Such a scene of familial love and filial piety moved them deeply.

“Let’s go! We’re going home!”

Mr. Thompson grabbed his son’s wrist and refused to let go, afraid that in the next moment, his son would disappear from sight again.

After a few steps, he turned back to look at Mr. White and his daughter, and said, “George!”

“At your service! Master, your orders!”

The goateed chief steward George Thompson immediately stepped out from the crowd.

“When I say something, I mean it! Everyone gets a reward!”

With that, Mr. Thompson pulled his newly recovered son away, the exhaustion and weariness of the past few days vanishing without a trace.

“Understood! Master!”

The remaining chief steward straightened his back, took a deep breath, and announced loudly, “Listen up! Everyone gets two strings of coins. The Bai family father and daughter, a special reward of three hundred strings! Leave your name with me, and later go to the Li residence to collect your reward. Don’t worry, not a single coin will be missing.”

The chief steward held his chin high, as if he were only giving away a few pennies.

The crowd immediately erupted in cheers. Though they hadn’t found the person, they had at least put in the effort. Even if there was no merit, there was hard work.

“The Li family is righteous!”

“Thank you, Mr. Thompson!”

“Thank you, Master Li!”

“May Master Li and Young Master Thompson live long and prosper!”

“Wishing Young Master Thompson a meteoric rise and great fortune!”

With the money about to be in hand, everyone spared no effort to offer flattering words—it cost nothing to move their lips.

To earn two strings of copper coins in just two or three days—truly worth it!

Master Li’s generosity is unmatched!

Magnanimous!

Righteous!

“Grandpa! We’re rich!”

The little girl Emily White was overjoyed at the mention of three hundred strings. They could buy a big boat, build a big house, and…

But as she gazed at the departing figure of her Li family brother, her young heart couldn’t help but feel conflicted.