“Amitabha!”
Master Haicheng pretended not to hear Guangyue’s words. “Abbot Guangyue’s Buddhist dharma is profound. He actually drew even with Vitu of Daliuli Temple. This old monk feels ashamed in comparison.”
Lanshan Temple, where Master Haicheng resided, was merely a small temple in Ding Shan County. It had no great sect backing, nor sufficient lineage. It did not even qualify to receive a visit from the trio like Vitu.
His presence at Jiming Temple for the salutation and debate was only because Yizhou lacked renowned temples, while his generational rank was relatively high.
Guangyue composed himself, then expressed thanks to Daoist Mingzhang, Master Haicheng, Lu Zheng, and the others.
“No need for thanks. We just came to watch the excitement. We did nothing at all,” Lu Zheng said.
“That is different. Attending is witnessing,” Daoist Mingzhang said. “Such formal dharma debates require others to bear witness.”
“Exactly. In any case, that Vitu harboured no malice,” Guangyue said. “It is nearly midday now. Please stay for the vegetarian meal before leaving.”
Thus, everyone partook of lunch at Jiming Temple. Afterwards, Master Haicheng departed south with his two disciples. Daoist Mingzhang and Lu Zheng mounted clouds and flew towards Tonglin County.
“Yuan Zheng?”
“Master?”
Daoist Mingzhang asked, “Today is New Year’s. Will you return to Baiyun Mountain?”
Lu Zheng nodded. “If there is nothing else, I will go back. There are still many books in the scripture pavilion I have not read. Staying at the temple for half a month over the New Year will let me read some more.”
Daoist Mingzhang was speechless. “You can return to the mountain anytime.”
Lu Zheng chuckled. “It is not that urgent.”
After all, the light of destiny was limited. Accumulating while spending wisely was the proper way. Spending too much at once without reserve was not sustainable.
“Fine, as you wish,” Daoist Mingzhang shook his head. Seeing they were nearing Tonglin County, he turned with Yuanjing and flew towards Shaotong Mountain.
Lu Zheng and Shen Ying descended from the cloud at the west gate of the county town, revealed their forms, and strolled into the city.
“Let us just have dinner at home tonight,” Lu Zheng said. “And stay the night.”
Shen Ying readily agreed. “It is still early. Let us go see Qingyan.”
Thus, the two walked hand in hand towards the east of the city. Just as they passed the centre of the county town, they saw an elderly monk approaching slowly. He wore tattered grey monastic robes, was thin, and bore the marks of hardship on his face.
“Eh?”
“What is it?” Shen Ying looked at Lu Zheng, then followed his gaze to the old monk.
“Amitabha!”
The old monk stopped before them, proclaimed the Buddha’s name, pressed his palms together, and saluted. “This old monk begs for a single copper coin to cast a golden body for the Buddha, to pray for blessings for the benefactors. May the benefactors enjoy peace and joy in this life, and cross to the Western Pure Land in the next.”
Shen Ying’s eyes flickered. She looked the old monk up and down.
Lu Zheng flipped his palm. A copper coin appeared in his hand, while another suddenly materialised in Shen Ying’s palm.
“Master!”
Seeing Lu Zheng produce the coin, the old monk joined his palms edge to edge and extended them forward.
Lu Zheng placed the coin in his hands. Shen Ying hurriedly did the same.
“Amitabha! Many thanks for your kindness!”
The old monk saluted Lu Zheng, then saluted Shen Ying. Only then did he lower his brows, pass by them, and walk slowly away.
“Lu Lang?” Shen Ying looked at Lu Zheng, her eyes full of questions.
“A few years ago, I saw him once in Yizhou Prefecture and once in Tonglin County,” Lu Zheng said. “At that time, I was weak and could not discern his background.”
“And now?”
Lu Zheng shook his head. “Still cannot tell. But in these years…”
Lu Zheng thought for a moment, then added, “He has not changed at all.”
That definitely meant he was no ordinary person. Probably like that beggar surnamed Liu, an old senior playing in the mortal world. Only, the old beggar directly begged for food, while this one begged for money.
Hm…
“Why do all these big shots seem to live so miserably? It seems even without cultivating, I could just go begging for food or money.”
Shen Ying glanced at Lu Zheng. “When they beg, they can subdue demons along the way. Could you do that without cultivating?”
Lu Zheng said seriously, “I could provide extra meals for demons and ghosts.”
“For example, fox spirits, peach blossom demons, and such female monsters. I could feed them until they are full!” Lu Zheng raised his eyebrows and smiled slyly.
Shen Ying was speechless.
Meanwhile, the old monk, now far away from them, suddenly stumbled.
…
The two arrived at Renxin Hall and saw both Liu Qingyan and Du Yueyao in the medical shop, with Wang Xiaowan and Yi Xiaoqian assisting.
“Hey? Why are you two here? Another afternoon date to watch a play?” Lu Zheng asked.
Wang Xiaowan paused. Yi Xiaoqian looked a bit embarrassed. “Is it that obvious?”
Liu Qingyan and Du Yueyao could not help laughing.
Lu Zheng nodded. “Very obvious.”
Yi Xiaoqian scratched her head. “Then I will come every day.”
Liu Qingyan stepped forward and pulled Yi Xiaoqian. “Lu Lang is joking with you. If you come every day, County Deputy Ning will complain that we are inconsiderate.”
“My husband would not complain!” Yi Xiaoqian waved her hands repeatedly.
“But I would,” Lu Zheng asked. “If you come every day, what about me?”
Yi Xiaoqian: “…”
Everyone laughed. Then, after Liu Qingyan finished seeing the last patient and greeted Old Liu, they all headed to Yuling Garden together.
Arriving at Yuling Garden and reserving a private room, Lu Zheng noticed Yue Honghai was absent and knew he had gone drinking with Xin Zhanting again.
“It seems nothing happened at Jiming Temple.”
Seeing Lu Zheng and Shen Ying return early with normal expressions, Liu Qingyan knew the debate at Jiming Temple with Guangyue had gone without incident.
But the medical shop and the street earlier were not suitable places to ask. Now in the private room at Yuling Garden, she finally inquired.
“Yes, nothing happened. Guangyue debated with Vitu of Daliuli Temple and ended in a draw. The three monks left without another word.”
“That is it?” Liu Qingyan asked.
“That is it.”
Lu Zheng nodded. “According to Guangyue, the other side harboured no malice. It was just a normal visit for debate. They left after debating.
Visiting each other’s territories for dharma debates has long been a form of exchange between Central Plains Buddhism and Western Buddhism.”
Recalling this morning, the other side had simply visited politely and departed quietly. Guangyue had treated it as facing a great enemy mainly because he feared losing the debate and losing face for Rizhao Temple and himself.
“I thought those Daliuli Temple monks would cause trouble,” Liu Qingyan said. “Unexpectedly, they followed the rules quite well.”
Lu Zheng shook his head. “The matter of the Guangming Relic is settled. No need to worry about that. They just wanted to regain some face with Guangyue, but did not expect his Buddhist dharma to be strong as well.”
But Shen Ying sneered. “They are touring on Great Jing territory. How would they dare not follow rules? If they played tricks in the dark, do they think Great Jing cultivators are idle?”
Liu Qingyan nodded. “That is good.”
At that moment, a tremendous sound inaudible to ears suddenly rang in everyone’s sea of consciousness. A faint yin qi suddenly swept past.
“City god temple?”
“Yin-Yang path?”
“This is… a ghost king?”
