Ch 206: We Meet Again
Tianlong Temple is the largest temple in Tianlong City.
Tianlong Temple’s Law Enforcement Hall is also responsible for Tianlong City’s security, so in reality, the City Lord’s position in Tianlong City is merely a figurehead. In the South Sea, the Buddhist Sect’s status surpasses all others.
This includes some members of the South Sea Imperial Family.
Their Emperor treats members of the Buddhist Sect with utmost respect.
And Master Huining, as the Chief Monk of Tianlong Temple’s Law Enforcement Hall, naturally holds significant power.
Over the years, he has certainly benefited greatly from this power.
For example, the amount of benefits Master Huining has received from Tianlong City’s Rao San over the years is immeasurable.
However, as Master Huining’s greed grew, Rao San found it increasingly difficult to satisfy him. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, he was unwilling to request Master Huining’s assistance; Master Huining’s demands were simply too excessive.
When the people on the street saw Master Huining leading a group, they all speculated about his destination.
Because they rarely saw matters requiring Master Huining’s personal intervention.
Misty Rain Tower.
It was still early morning, but the teahouse was already packed.
Everyone came for the Tale of the White Snake.
The Tale of the White Snake had reached its midpoint, but Li Hanzhou no longer intended to follow the original storyline. His purpose was not storytelling; his goal was to target the monks and High Monks in the audience.
As the Tale of the White Snake’s popularity grew, the number of High Monks and Monks visiting the Misty Rain Tower increased.
People from various temples flocked to hear this story of Demons and Humans.
Today’s story recounted how Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing’s Demon identities were discovered by the city’s Commoners, who, fearing the Demon Race, sought to expel them.
Consequently, the High Monks of Golden Mountain Temple intervened, engaging in a great battle with Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing. Bai Suzhen was ultimately defeated, while Xiao Qing, having lost her memory and reverting to her original form as a green snake, was captured and imprisoned in Golden Mountain Temple.
And Fahai was instructed to strictly guard the green snake.
It was hoped that Fahai’s daily chanting and recitation of Buddhist scriptures would dispel the green snake’s malevolence and transform her into a benevolent demon.
Although Fahai believed that demons were inherently malicious and harmful, he was compelled by the orders of Golden Mountain Temple’s High Monks to keep Xiao Qing confined within his Cave Dwelling.
Day and night, he remained with the green snake.
Xiao Qing listened to Fahai’s chanting every day, and gradually, she developed Buddha Nature.
“A Demon Race member possessing Buddha Nature?”
The audience erupted in astonishment.
They had not anticipated such a plot twist.
In their understanding, demons were inherently evil, yet the Tale of the White Snake had altered their perspective.
They even felt that all living beings could attain Buddhahood.
And Li Hanzhou’s story continued.
“Xiao Qing, day after day, with a lamp and Buddha statue, accompanied Fahai. In time, Xiao Qing secretly fell in love with Fahai, the man who stayed by her side night and day.”
Li Hanzhou’s story became increasingly improbable, yet its absurdity only heightened its appeal. The thrilling plot captivated the Teahouse Patrons, who forgot their tea, mouths agape, their eyes wide as they watched Li Hanzhou.
The previous love story between a snake demon and a human was already exciting, but now Xiao Qing was in love with Fahai?
They were enemies!
“Exciting!”
A Young Monk couldn’t help but exclaim.
Even some Women present, upon hearing the story, cast glances at the High Monks, as if mentally envisioning a scenario of a domineering monk falling for them.
However, just as the story reached its climax, a voice boomed from outside: “Who dares to utter such nonsense, slandering the Buddhist Sect!”
The voice was thunderous, shaking the entire Misty Rain Tower.
All the Teahouse Patrons were jolted out of their immersion in the story.
With displeased expressions, they turned towards the entrance, eager to identify the individual who had dared to disrupt their enjoyment at such a crucial moment.
“Amitabha!”
Master Huining entered, accompanied by numerous Warrior Monks.
Instantly, the Misty Rain Tower fell silent.
Shangguan Wanwan’s expression changed. As someone who navigated Tianlong City, she couldn’t possibly not recognize Master Huining.
Master Huining was the Chief Monk of Tianlong Temple’s Law Enforcement Hall, a figure of absolute authority in Tianlong City. His unexpected arrival, especially considering his tone, suggested that he was here to cause trouble!
Rao San!
Shangguan Wanwan immediately understood. Rao San must have requested Master Huining’s intervention.
“Master Huining!”
Some Monks present greeted Master Huining respectfully.
He was, after all, a Master of Tianlong Temple!
Master Huining surveyed the crowd and said, “It has been reported that someone in the Misty Rain Tower is slandering the Buddhist Sect, telling outlandish stories to mislead the public. Is this true?”
“This…”
The crowd exchanged glances.
Li Hanzhou’s story was indeed unusual.
But to accuse him of slandering the Buddhist Sect or misleading the public seemed excessive.
Other teahouses had told even more unorthodox stories in the past, yet Tianlong Temple had never intervened.
“Master Huining, are you referring to me?” Li Hanzhou, seeing an old acquaintance, smiled and said, “I told the story. If Master Huining has any objections, feel free to voice them.”
“Keep quiet.”
Shangguan Wanwan quickly whispered a warning to Li Hanzhou.
Their visitor was not just anyone; it was someone from Tianlong Temple, someone whose words could determine Li Hanzhou’s fate. Shangguan Wanwan feared that any further remarks from Li Hanzhou might further offend Master Huining, leaving them with no recourse.
Master Huining found the voice familiar. He looked towards the storytelling platform, wanting to see who the storyteller Rao San had asked him to expel.
But upon seeing Li Hanzhou’s face, Master Huining’s expression drastically changed.
Li Hanzhou!
He hadn’t left?
Li Hanzhou had visited Tianlong Temple once before, after which there was no further contact. Master Huining assumed Li Hanzhou had retreated, returning to Dongyan Province. He never expected to encounter him here.
The sight of Li Hanzhou brought back the memory of Li Hanzhou berating him in Tianlong Temple a few days prior!
And the memory of Li Hanzhou’s overwhelming Strength, a single teacup shattering and causing him to vomit blood.
“You…”
Master Huining pointed at Li Hanzhou, momentarily speechless. He felt a pang of Fear, apprehensive about provoking Li Hanzhou and receiving another verbal lashing.
If Li Hanzhou were to scold him again, his reputation would be utterly ruined.
The entire Tianlong City would know that he had been beaten by a Disciple of the Longevity Temple.
Translator’s Blog
Blog
- Kakashi Hatake: The Ultimate Husbando? A Deep Dive into the Sharingan of Our Desires
- Scrolling Through Reddit: “I’m an English man travelling India. Fancied some British food and ordered fish and chips… wow, what a sight this was”
- Cursed Hands: When Anime Fandom Goes Too Far
- Light Novel Addiction: How One Hour of Sleep Loss Can Ruin Your Day (and Your Life)
- My Early 20s Emo Profile: A Journey Back to Myspace (And Why It Still Haunts Me)
Leave a Reply