Chapter 65: Chapter 65 Wuyan
Hanging above the main entrance of the temple was a plaque inscribed with three bold characters, “Wuling Temple.”
The three characters were written with gusto, full of ink, like clouds billowing and water flowing. Looking at their color, shape, density, dryness, connectivity, twists and turns, as well as the variation in thickness, all were innurable, presenting a magnificent vision.
Clearly, these characters must be the work of a master calligrapher.
Unlike the other temples adorned with lavish decorations, Wuling Temple appeared much simpler. However, even so, one could tell that the incense offerings were very prosperous here.
The constant stream of tourists and pilgrims was unending, but it didn’t co across as noisy, rather it carried an air of the human world.”
Raising her eyebrows slightly, Zhong Niangyao strolled into the temple. She was genuinely interested in Wuling Temple, having co specifically for a visit, she naturally wanted to take a good look around.
However, what she didn’t expect was that as soon as she stepped through the temple gate, she saw a young novice monk waiting at the entrance. And, quite apparently, he was waiting for her.
“Amitabha Buddha, patron, hello,” the young monk approached Zhong Niangyao, “My master has been awaiting you for so ti.”
“Awaiting for so ti?” Zhong Niangyao’s lips curved into a thoughtful smile, “It seems that your abbot master foresaw my visit today!”
“Well then, lead the way!”
The novice monk didn’t say anything further and began leading Zhong Niangyao to the back courtyard.
Following the novice, Zhong Niangyao arrived at the back courtyard. Upon entering, she saw an old monk clad in robes, around seventy years of age with a long beard, standing there as if waiting for soone.
After bringing Zhong Niangyao to the back courtyard, the novice left without lingering.
Zhong Niangyao arched her eyebrows once more, then walked slowly towards the old monk. She nodded at him and then said, “Master, did you calculate that I would co today?”
She could tell that the head of Wuling Temple indeed had so skills!
“I go by the dharma na Wuyan,” the old monk greeted Zhong Niangyao with a joined palms salute, before speaking, “Knowing that a distinguished guest would visit, it was only natural to send soone to welco you early.”
“Why don’t you follow for a cup of tea first?”
With that, he led Zhong Niangyao towards a pavilion.
Soon, they both sat down inside the pavilion. Without uttering a word, Wuyan began to prepare the tea. His movents were graceful and fluid, coupled with his serene deanor, this made for a peaceful sight.
He handed a cup of tea to Zhong Niangyao, “Please, honored guest, have a taste.”
Zhong Niangyao didn’t know what Wuyan was hinting at but wasn’t worried. She picked up the cup and took a sip, “The tea is indeed good, but I’m curious if there’s a significant reason behind your gracious hospitality?”
“You’re overthinking it,” Wuyan smiled and said, “When a friend cos from afar, it is only natural for a host to offer the best they have. Moreover, you, esteed guest, have savored even finer teas. In your presence, my tea leaves are but modest offerings.”
Hearing Wuyan’s words, Zhong Niangyao paused with her tea, then set down her cup slowly, “Oh, Master, are you suggesting—”
“There is no need for such caution, honored guest, I harbor no ill intentions,” Wuyan’s expression remained unchanged, still wearing a compassionate smile, “Though I may guess at so things, I am far from omniscient. I have no ill will towards you, guest from another world, as you are endowed with great rit.”
“A person with such rit is soone even the Heavenly Dao favors; I wouldn’t dare harbor any ill intentions.”
“I believe you are not such a person, Master,” Zhong Niangyao smiled, shaking her head, “My visit today was purely on a whim. I was simply surprised that you had already anticipated my arrival. That’s all.”
“I’m aware of what is on your mind,” Wuyan glanced at Zhong Niangyao, “You must feel lost initially coming to this otherworld. However, since you are here, stay at ease. If the heavens have brought you to this world, then there must be a reason. You need not be overly anxious.”
After listening to Wuyan, Zhong Niangyao was sowhat stunned.
Being reborn in this otherworld, naturally, she was happy. She had the chance to start anew and was free from all previous responsibilities. She could live freely, leading the life she desired, without any constraints.
But alongside her happiness, an inevitable sense of confusion would arise.
In this otherworld, bereft of familiar people and events and without her forr responsibilities, she gained a family. Though her biological father was missing and her mother unknown, Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong had been very kind to her, treating her like their most cherished granddaughter.
However, their kindness sotis led her to wonder whether it was for her predecessor or for herself. As ti passed, she beca increasingly perplexed.
Moreover, she had encountered issues of her soul not fully matching her body. While there were solutions, on a daily basis, she couldn’t help but feel a bit disturbed.
This inner turmoil had even gone unnoticed by herself; unexpectedly, it was all pinpointed by the old monk before her.
“Master, it seems you know why I have co here!” Zhong Niangyao did not object, “If so, do you also have a solution? I’ve heard that you are quite adept in divination!”
“Amitabha Buddha,” Wuyan joined his palms together, “Compared to your insights, my modest abilities seem quite inferior, and I wouldn’t dare to flaunt them before you.”
Zhong Niangyao had no disagreent, “The fact that you foresaw my spontaneous visit today speaks volus of your capability, doesn’t it?”
“You flatter ,” Wuyan shook his head with a smile, “Truth be told, it shas to say, knowing of your arrival today wasn’t of my doing, I don’t possess such skill. It was my master who, before passing into nirvana, left a brocade bag. Inside it, he noted the ti of your visit today, your origins, as well as your current confusion.”
Surprised by such an answer, Zhong Niangyao’s interest piqued, and she said, “It seems your master was quite formidable! It’s a great pity I couldn’t have t him; truly regrettable.”
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