186 - We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

Chapter 186: A Buddha in the Heart Two months later, Xiao Mo arrived at a town. This town was located not far from the Empty Contemplation Temple, named Empty Contemplation Town. As the name implies, it was a subsidiary town to the temple. Upon entering the town, Xiao Mo almost felt as though he had stepped into another world. Walking along the streets of Empty Contemplation Town, whether it was at a wine stall or a butcher’s shop, every household had a statue of Buddha displayed. A gentle scent of incense blended into the town's breeze. Everyone seemed to radiate peace. In other towns Xiao Mo visited, there was always a sense of wariness among people. It was common to see pickpockets, neighbors quarreling, and a general atmosphere of hostility. But here, everyone seemed harmonious. What surprised Xiao Mo the most was that despite being a town attached to a temple, it even had brothels! These women would solicit by the roadside, and even when they saw monks from the temple passing by, they would try to entice them. However, from what Xiao Mo observed, not one monk entered. These monks would merely smile and quickly sidestep. "Brother, isn't Empty Contemplation Town affiliated with the temple? Having wine and meat is one thing, but how do they allow brothels?" Xiao Mo asked the tea house owner after sitting with Jiang Xin at a tea stall. "Haha," the owner laughed. "You must be from out of town, young man. This town used to be called Shadow Lamp Town, not affiliated with the temple. Due to certain events, a high monk from the temple saved the former town lord’s life. Ever since, the town has been voluntarily associated with the temple and was renamed. Though the Empty Contemplation Temple nominally governs the town, it actually doesn’t interfere with its affairs. We live our lives as we please, and the temple doesn't force us to follow Buddhism. The household Buddha statues you see were voluntarily obtained by our townspeople. Because the monks frequently descend from the mountain to exorcise demons, conduct ceremonies, or even provide medical treatment. Over time, we've naturally started placing Buddha statues at home." "I see." Xiao Mo nodded, "It seems the temple has a pretty good reputation." "Oh, it’s excellent," the tea house owner smiled. "They even help us cultivate fields and build irrigation systems." Xiao Mo nodded again, taking a sip of tea without speaking, merely glancing at Jiang Xin. Jiang Xin understood his intent and nodded, indicating the owner spoke the truth. After leaving the tea house, Xiao Mo asked more townspeople. Everyone spoke highly of the monks. The residents of Empty Contemplation Town felt fortunate to live under the temple's protection. Even Bloodstone had spoken well of the temple. With both sources confirming, Xiao Mo felt more reassured about the temple. Having paid for the tea, Xiao Mo, accompanied by Jiang Xin, continued towards Empty Contemplation Mountain, where the temple was located. Along the way, they encountered many people heading to the temple to pray. It took them less than half an hour to reach the mountain’s base. Raising his head, Xiao Mo observed the mountain top, heavy with spiritual resonance and wisps of auspicious clouds. If it wasn't an illusion, it indicated the presence of numerous enlightened monks. "Let's go, Ah Xin, up the mountain," Xiao Mo said. "Mhm," Jiang Xin nodded, happily following Xiao Mo up the mountain. In one of the courtyards of Empty Contemplation Temple. The abbot, Xu Jing, was sitting before a Buddha statue, rhythmically striking a wooden fish, chanting sutras. As he chanted, Xu Jing felt something, slowly opening his eyes. He fiddled with the prayer beads in his hand, as if calculating something. Eventually, Xu Jing stood up and walked out of the courtyard towards the front main hall, the place where visitors prayed. "Abbot." "Abbot." "Greetings, Master Xu Jing." The monks and visitors of the temple saw the abbot approach, bowing with palms together in respect. Xu Jing nodded to each person and continued towards the temple's main gates. "Abbot, why have you come to the main hall?" a monk named Wuguang curiously queried. Laughing, gently stroking his beard, Xu Jing replied, "A distinguished guest is arriving today, and I naturally should not neglect them." "A distinguished guest?" Wuguang was taken aback, wondering which esteemed monk was visiting. To have the abbot greet them must mean significant status. "Would you like to join me in welcoming them?" Xu Jing asked Wuguang. "Of course, Abbot." Wuguang joined his palms in a respectful gesture, following the abbot. The two arrived at the main entrance, gazing at the distant steps ascending the mountain. After the time of half an incense stick's burning had passed, a boy, seemingly fourteen or fifteen in appearance but evidently only eleven in years, ascended with a young girl. Wuguang frowned, sensing the boy, despite his youth, emanated a chilling aura that even made him uncomfortable. Before Wuguang could return to his senses, he watched the abbot step forward, greeting them with palms joined, "I am Xu Jing, abbot of the Empty Contemplation Temple, I extend my greetings to both of you." Xiao Mo was slightly surprised to see the benevolent old monk, and as he returned the greeting, he asked, "Did you know we would be coming?" "Ho ho," Xu Jing chuckled, "I possess a modest proficiency in divination. While chanting this morning, I sensed an arrival, so I deduced your visit." "Then, Master, do you know the purpose of my visit?" "I believe I do," Xu Jing nodded. "Then I won't beat around the bush, Master. May I ask if you would accept Ah Xin as a disciple?" Xiao Mo asked directly. Hearing Xiao Mo's words, Wuguang was taken aback. Did the boy know the abbot had never taken a disciple before? Moreover, there was no precedent for a woman practicing Buddhism. Wuguang looked to the abbot, who turned his head, smiling warmly at the young girl beside Xiao Mo. Jiang Xin returned the gaze, initially shy, she was now curious in the presence of the abbot. "Take the same stone. To some, it appears as a mere stone. To others, a lion. Some see a reclining woman. Others see a riverside crocodile." Xu Jing compassionately asked Jiang Xin, "Little girl, you have the insight to understand people's hearts. What do you see in mine?" Jiang Xin tilted her head slightly, softly replied, "I see a Buddha residing in your heart, Grandpa." "Ha ha ha," Xu Jing placed his palms together, laughing gently. "Good."