I Have A Dual World Seal-Chapter 706: Seeing the Old Monk Again

"Amitabha Buddha!"

Master Hai Cheng pretended not to hear Guangyue's words. "Guangyue's mastery of the Buddhist Dharma is profound, yet he was evenly matched with Weitu of the Great Glazed Temple. I am ashamed in comparison."

Hai Cheng, a monk at Lanshan Temple, was from a small temple in Dingshan County, lacking both significant background and adequate legacy, and did not even qualify for a visit from Weitu's group.

The reason he could come to Jiming Temple for a courtesy debate was due to the lack of renowned temples in Yizhou, and his relatively high seniority.

Guangyue composed himself and thanked Daoist Mingzhang, Master Hai Cheng, Lu Zheng, and the others.

"You're welcome, we just came to join in the excitement and did nothing substantial," Lu Zheng said.

"That's different; witnessing is part of the testimony," Daoist Mingzhang said. "Such formal debates require witnesses."

"Indeed, but that Weitu bore no ill intentions," Guangyue said. "It's almost noon now, why not have a meal at the temple before leaving?"

The group then enjoyed a meal at Jiming Temple, after which Master Hai Cheng, accompanied by two disciples, headed south while Daoist Mingzhang and Lu Zheng took to the clouds, flying towards Tonglin County.

"Yuan Zheng?"

"Master?"

Daoist Mingzhang asked, "It's New Year today, are you returning to White Cloud Mountain?"

Lu Zheng nodded, "I'll head back if there's nothing happening. I still have many books unread in the Scripture Pavilion. Staying at the temple for half a month during New Year gives me more time to read."

Daoist Mingzhang was speechless, "You can return to the mountain anytime."

Lu Zheng chuckled, "There's no rush."

After all, the Light of Fortune is limited; it's best to spend it wisely while accumulating. Spending too much at once without reserves is not a long-term strategy.

"Alright, it's up to you," Daoist Mingzhang said, shaking his head. As they neared Tonglin County, he changed direction and flew towards Shaotong Mountain.

Lu Zheng and Shen Ying descended at the county's west gate, revealing themselves and leisurely strolling into town.

"Let's have dinner at home tonight." Lu Zheng said, "And stay overnight."

Shen Ying gladly agreed, "It's still early; let's go see Qingyan."

So they walked hand in hand towards the east of the city. Just past the center of the county, an old monk in ragged, gray robes, thin and weathered, approached slowly.

"Eh?"

"What's the matter?" Shen Ying looked at Lu Zheng, then followed his gaze to see the old monk.

"Amitabha Buddha!"

The old monk stopped before them, recited the Buddhist name, and bowed with folded palms, "This old monk asks for a copper coin to cast the Buddha's Golden Body, praying for the benefactor's blessings, wishing you peace and joy in this life, and crossing to the Western Paradise in the next."

Shen Ying's eyes flashed as she scrutinized the old monk.

With a flick of his hand, a copper coin appeared in Lu Zheng's palm, and another suddenly appeared in Shen Ying's hand.

"Master!"

Seeing Lu Zheng reveal the copper coin, the old monk extended his joined palms towards them.

Lu Zheng placed the coin into his hand, and Shen Ying quickly followed suit.

"Amitabha Buddha! Many thanks for your kindness!"

The old monk bowed to Lu Zheng, then to Shen Ying, before lowering his head and quietly moving past them.

"Lu Lang?" Shen Ying looked at Lu Zheng with a questioning gaze.

"A few years ago, I met him once in Yizhou Prefecture and Tonglin County," Lu Zheng said. "Back then, I was weak and couldn't discern his nature."

"What about now?"

Lu Zheng shook his head, "Still uncertain, though over the years..."

Lu Zheng pondered and added, "There's been no change at all."

This surely meant he wasn't a mortal; he was likely a senior living in the mundane world like the beggar surnamed Liu, only he begged directly for food while this monk asked for money.

Hmm...

"Why do these big shots live so miserably? I don't seem to need cultivation to directly beg for food or money."

Shen Ying glanced at Lu Zheng, "They can subdue demons while begging; can you without cultivation?"

Lu Zheng earnestly replied, "I can provide extra meals for demons and ghosts."

"Like fox spirits or female spirits like peach blossom demons, I can feed them abundantly!" Lu Zheng raised his eyebrows mischievously, grinning.

Shen Ying was speechless.

Meanwhile, the distant old monk suddenly stumbled.

...

Arriving at Renxin Hall, they saw Liu Qingyan and Du Yueyao in the medical office, with Wang Xiaowan and Yi Xiaoqian assisting.

"Hey, why are you here? Are you planning to go to the theater this afternoon?" Lu Zheng asked.

Wang Xiaowan paused, and Yi Xiaoqian was a bit embarrassed, "Is it that obvious?"

Liu Qingyan and Du Yueyao couldn't help but laugh.

Lu Zheng nodded, "Very obvious."

Yi Xiaoqian couldn't resist scratching her head, "Then I'll come every day after this."

Liu Qingyan stepped forward and grabbed Yi Xiaoqian, "Lu Lang is joking with you; if you come every day, County Magistrate Ning will accuse us of being irresponsible."

"My husband won't blame us!" Yi Xiaoqian waved her hands vigorously.

"But I will. If you come every day, what will I do?" Lu Zheng asked.

Yi Xiaoqian, "…"

Everyone laughed, and after Liu Qingyan finished treating the last patient and greeted Elder Liu, they went to Yu Ling Garden together.

At Yu Ling Garden, they requested a private room, and Lu Zheng saw Yue Honghai was absent, knowing he'd gone drinking with Xin Zhanting again.

"Looks like there's nothing troubling at Jiming Temple."

Liu Qingyan saw Lu Zheng and Shen Ying had returned early and looked composed, realizing nothing unexpected had happened with Guangyue's debate at Jiming Temple.

However, the medical office and street were not suitable places to inquire, so it was only now in the private room that she asked.

"It was fine; Guangyue and Weitu from the Great Glazed Temple debated evenly, and those three monks promptly left."

"That's it?" Liu Qingyan asked.

"That's it."

Lu Zheng nodded, "According to Guangyue, the other party harbored no ill will; it was a routine debate visit, departing after the debate.

Crossing into each other's realm for debates has long been a way of exchange between Central Plains Buddhism and Western Buddhism."

Recalling this morning, the other party came simply and left quietly, with Guangyue feeling under threat mostly because he worried about being out-debated and losing face for Rizhao Temple and himself.

"I thought those monks from the Great Glazed Temple would cause more trouble," Liu Qingyan said, "but they were quite respectful of the rules."

Lu Zheng shook his head, "The Light Relics matter is over; there's no need to worry. They likely wanted to regain face here with Guangyue, but were surprised by his competent Buddhist Dharma."

Yet Shen Ying scoffed, "They're traveling in Great Jing territory; how could they not follow the rules? Do they think Great Jing's cultivators are idle while they act in secret?"

Liu Qingyan nodded, "That's good."

Just then, an unheard loud noise suddenly resonated in everyone's Sea of Consciousness, and a faint breath of Yin Qi swept past.

"City God Temple?"

"Yin-Yang Road?"

"Is it… Ghost King?"