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

Chapter 187: I... I Want to Go with You Xiao Mo and Jiang Xin settled into the Kongnian Temple. Upon arriving at this temple, they were assigned to a somewhat secluded courtyard, distanced from where the regular monks resided. After bringing Jiang Xin to Kongnian Temple, Xiao Mo did not depart immediately but instead stayed for several days. During this five to six-day period, Xiao Mo frequently visited the main hall of the temple, which is the area where pilgrims come to offer incense and pay respects to Buddha. Despite the positive reputation of Kongnian Temple, Xiao Mo wanted to witness the grandeur of the Western Region's foremost Buddhist temple firsthand. What struck him as most different from his previous impressions of a Buddhist temple was that Kongnian Temple did not have any particular incense or prioritize donors based on contribution levels. Regardless of one’s donations to the temple, whether it be a thousand taels of silver or a single coin, all donors were treated equally. Moreover, Kongnian Temple had set up a common dining hall. Anyone could enter to have a meal; a bowl of noodles cost five coins, and no one kept track of accounts. If you couldn’t pay, you could leave, with the understanding that you could return to repay when capable. Additionally, on both sides of the grand hall, Xiao Mo noticed a Taoist couplet: “If your heart is deceitful, no amount of incense will help. If you stand with integrity, no need to bow to me.” This sight left Xiao Mo quite surprised. Every time he ventured to the temple courtyard, he would pause for several moments. "Old monk sees the benefactor is often lost in thought gazing at this couplet." On the fifth day of his stay, as Xiao Mo found himself once again contemplating the couplet, Abbot Xu Jing approached with a smile and inquired. “Greetings, Abbot,” Xiao Mo greeted respectfully, expressing, "It’s just that I've been residing here for a few days and have some perplexities." “Oh?” Abbot Xu Jing chuckled, “If the young benefactor doesn’t mind, you may share them with this old monk.” “Then, I will be bold enough to ask,” Xiao Mo said, indicating the Taoist couplet, "First, why does Kongnian Temple display a Taoist couplet?" Taking his gaze away, Xiao Mo turned to the mud-made Buddha statues in the hall, "Second, why are all the Buddha statues made of clay?" “Ha ha ha,” Abbot Xu Jing laughed, staring at the inked couplet, “May I ask, do you find any truth in this couplet?” Xiao Mo nodded, “Indeed, it holds wisdom.” “If it holds wisdom and encourages goodness, then why not hang a Taoist couplet in a Buddhist temple?” Abbot Xu Jing replied candidly. Xiao Mo was momentarily taken aback, then smiled, “True enough.” “As for why the Buddha statues are of clay,” Abbot Xu Jing addressed the second query. “In former times, the statues in Kongnian Temple were indeed gilded, but when impoverished folks couldn’t survive, the temple would extract a gold leaf from the statues and lend it to them. Over time, the Buddha statues in Kongnian Temple became of pure clay.” “Has no one ever returned the gold?” Xiao Mo asked. “Certainly, some have.” Abbot Xu Jing turned, eyeing the clay figurines with a sense of helpless compassion in his gaze. “But those who return the gold are far outnumbered by those who borrow it. Perhaps there will come a day when more return than borrow, and then the Buddhist path shall achieve some semblance of its true essence.” Xiao Mo remained silent. Abbot Xu Jing glanced at Xiao Mo: "Although young, the benefactor possesses the wisdom of an adult, and I sense a potential for enlightenment in you. Would you consider joining Kongnian Temple?" “Thank you, Abbot, for your kind offer, but I have not considered becoming a monk,” Xiao Mo politely declined. “Becoming a lay disciple is also an option,” Xu Jing persisted. Xiao Mo shook his head again, “The person who taught me martial arts awaits my return. Staying here would likely bring much trouble to your esteemed temple.” “Is that the sole reason?” Xiao Mo looked in the direction of the courtyard where Jiang Xin resided, “If I remain here, Jiang Xin couldn’t pursue her spiritual path properly. I do not wish to impede her, and currently, having cultivated the Qi of Blood Fiends, I cannot and should not transition to other practices. There are things I must do, requiring strength and power.” “Besides,” he smiled, “Although the lady from the Myriad Paths Sect seems indifferent, if I’m not around, she’d get rather bored.” “Amitabha,” Abbot Xu Jing clasped his hands in prayer, intoning the Buddhist chant. “The old monk understands. Could you convey my regards to Blood Fiend?” “Certainly.” Xiao Mo nodded. "When do you plan to leave?" Xu Jing inquired. "Tonight, during the second watch." "Does Jiang Xin know?" "No," Xiao Mo shook his head, "it's better she doesn’t." As dusk fell, Xiao Mo and Jiang Xin finished dinner. After some star-gazing, they headed to their rooms to sleep. Shortly after, Jiang Xin also retreated to her small room. At the arrival of the second watch, Xiao Mo awoke, grabbed his Soul Gathering Blade, and quietly exited the house. The moonlight bathed the entire forest, with the calls of insects echoing among the trees. As he made his way down the mountain, in the peacefulness of Kongnian Mountain, the sound of flowing streams was clear. But as Xiao Mo descended half the hill, he sensed something, directing his gaze behind a large tree. Under the pine tree, the clear eyes of a small girl met his, causing her to tremble lightly like a startled rabbit, and she quickly hid behind the tree. But soon after, she peeked her head out again. Seeing Xiao Mo still looking in her direction, the girl retracted her head once more. “I can see you. Come out,” Xiao Mo sighed, calling her out. Jiang Xin realized she had been truly discovered and mustered her courage, rubbing her hands as she approached Xiao Mo. “Did Abbot Xu Jing tell you I was leaving?” Xiao Mo questioned directly. After all, he had only informed the Abbot about his departure at the second watch. “Mmm,” the honest young girl nodded, “Grandpa Abbot said you were leaving secretly and I should come say goodbye, so there would be no regrets.” “That Abbot Xu Jing really,” Xiao Mo shook his head helplessly. Under normal circumstances, most people would keep a secret, especially someone as significant as the highest figure in Buddhism. Yet, he confided it. Truly, this Abbot was quite unique. “Are... are you really leaving?” Jiang Xin gripped the hem of her cloth dress, looking at Xiao Mo nervously. “Yes.” “I want to go with you,” Jiang Xin said, summoning her courage. “Ah Xin, you cannot come with me. I will return to the Myriad Paths Sect, while you, possessing the Heart of Seven Apertures, belong here,” Xiao Mo explained earnestly. “Here, no one will harm you.” “Here, you will find the best mentors to guide you.” “Here, you will cultivate Buddhist teachings, enter the spiritual path, earn worldly reverence, and be protected by all the gods of the temple.” “But Xiao Mo,” Jiang Xin reached out, gently holding the corner of Xiao Mo’s robe. “Compared to all the gods in the temple, I want to be with you more.”