"It seems to be in Chunhua City," Jikong replied. "About fifty li from our Donglai Town. Not too close, not too far."

Li Muzhan asked, "Why invite me to Miaolian Temple?"

Jikong explained, "The old monk is named Chengjing. He says the former abbot passed away, and he is now the acting abbot, but he knows his own cultivation is insufficient for such a great responsibility. Hearing of Master's great name, he wishes to invite Master to come."

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment and then nodded.

Jikong eagerly asked, "Does Master agree?"

Li Muzhan smiled and replied, "What do you think?"

Jikong quickly nodded. "Of course you must agree! Chunhua City is a major city, very prosperous. There are even more people who believe in Buddhism there. Master can better propagate the Dharma by going there."

Li Muzhan smiled, sizing him up. Jikong scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed. "Well, of course, I want to broaden my horizons too! I've never been to Chunhua City my whole life."

Li Muzhan turned to look at Jing'er. Jing'er shyly lowered her head. Li Muzhan smiled, "Jing'er doesn't want to go?"

Jing'er looked up and said, "Master, if I leave, what about my mother?"

"Of course, she comes along too," Jikong interjected quickly. "Though our little town is nice, Chunhua City is much livelier, and Mother Zhao will like it too."

Jing'er insisted, "But Mother likes quiet."

"That’s just Mother Zhao indulging you," Jikong quickly countered. "I think Mother Zhao loves excitement the most, but she only stays home with you because she’s worried about you being too eager, so she claims to like quiet."

Li Muzhan chuckled. "What Jikong says isn't wrong... Alright, Jikong, go invite this Master Chengjing over. I'll meet him."

Jikong said, "He's already waiting outside. He insists on meeting Master."

Li Muzhan instructed, "Ask him to come in."

"Yes, Master," Jikong nodded hurriedly and turned to leave.

Li Muzhan clapped his hands once, quieting the ferocious beasts. They immediately lay down on the ground, lazily preparing for a nap, paying no mind to the outside.

Just as they settled, Jikong led in an old monk with white eyebrows and beard, looking to be sixty or seventy years old. His complexion was ruddy, and his spirit was sharp, showing no signs of decline despite his age.

"This old monk, Chengjing, pays respects to Master Zhanran!" The old monk cupped his hands in greeting.

Li Muzhan smiled, returning the gesture. "Master Chengjing, there is no need for such formalities. Please, let us speak inside the hall."

He ushered the old monk Chengjing into the main hall. The hall was swept clean, not a speck of dust visible—this was Jing'er's handiwork. While Jikong was diligent, his cleaning efforts yielded minimal results; though not truly dirty, things always looked messy. Now, the hall was impeccably organized, clearly bearing Jing'er’s touch.

After sitting on the meditation cushions, Jing'er brought tea and then quietly withdrew, leaving only Li Muzhan and the old monk Chengjing in the hall.

Li Muzhan smiled gently. "Master Chengjing is the abbot of Miaolian Temple?"

"Alas..." the old monk sighed, cupping his hands wryly. "This old monk is ashamed. My moral cultivation is utterly mediocre. After Master passed on, I could only reluctantly take charge of Miaolian Temple, but my understanding of the Dharma is shallow, and the incense offering is sparse. I am truly a disappointment to the successive Patriarchs!" Chengjing shook his head, sighing repeatedly with a bitter smile.

Li Muzhan murmured, "Miaolian Temple is located outside Chunhua City?"

"Precisely," Chengjing confirmed, nodding. "It was originally a place blessed with excellent feng shui, meant for flourishing incense offerings. But since my Master passed, I have been without virtue or ability. Believers have been constantly lost, and now it is getting worse. This old monk heard that Master Zhanran's understanding of the Dharma is exquisite and his divine abilities are vast, so I came to beg Master to save the incense offerings of Miaolian Temple."

Li Muzhan pondered. "Logically, this shouldn't be the case. Has some other high monk appeared and seized Miaolian Temple's patronage?"

Chengjing nodded. "Master Zhanran's guess is correct. We have another temple nearby, Miaohua Temple, which was built by my Master’s junior martial brother."

Li Muzhan asked, "Your junior martial brother is still alive, is he not?"

"Indeed," Chengjing confirmed. "Though this old monk strives in his practice, I still fall a bit short compared to my junior martial brother. Everyone still places their faith in him."

"Did your junior martial brother and your Master disagree?" Li Muzhan mused.

Chengjing nodded. "It wasn't a personal grudge between my junior martial brother and my Master, but a difference in understanding the Dharma—one emphasized meritorious deeds, the other emphasized cultivation."

Li Muzhan questioned, "Shouldn't both be prioritized? Why the divergence?"

"My junior martial brother told Master that human lifespan is limited, and achieving Buddhahood requires passing through several cycles of rebirth. Master advocated accumulating merits to ensure an easier path in the next life, while my junior martial brother claimed cultivation itself is the fundamental merit, requiring no external seeking."

Li Muzhan laughed. "And in the end, the one who didn't emphasize merit became wildly popular. Master Chengjing, do you find that ironic, leading you to lose confidence?"

Chengjing nodded with a bitter smile. "Master truly possesses eyes like lightning and vast divine power, seeing straight through my obsession in an instant. This old monk is ashamed."

Li Muzhan deliberated. "May I ask how old your junior martial brother is?"

"About the same age as this old monk," Chengjing replied.

Li Muzhan commented, "It seems he too is a high monk who has achieved success in his practice. I admire that."

Chengjing stared at him intently. "May I ask if Master would be willing to grace Miaolian Temple with his presence and reside there?"

Li Muzhan laughed. "You wish me to compete with your junior martial brother? Buddhist disciples should not harbor resentment or attachment. Old monk, your cultivation truly is lacking."

Chengjing expressed helplessness. "If it were only about myself, I naturally wouldn't care. But this concerns my Grand Master and Master. I can only afford to be attached this one time. I implore Master to save me!"

Li Muzhan understood the perception of Buddhist disciples: merit follows the body, and incense offerings condense the spirit. The offerings from mortals were not useless; they served a practical function.

Having achieved success in his cultivation, Li Muzhan understood the intricacies of form and body, recognizing the profound mystery within. Ordinary common folk did not know this; those whose cultivation was insufficient only heard of it but could not perceive it.

Incense offerings carried the faith of the people, directly connecting to the spirit and reaching the netherworld. This was immensely beneficial to the Yin spirit, holding crucial importance. Those who started cultivating Buddhism from childhood were instilled with this belief until it became certain.

Li Muzhan could see through Old Monk Chengjing’s shallowness at a glance, perceiving his thoughts clearly. He knew Chengjing believed in it, but could not yet truly believe. Even so, it was better to believe it existed than to dismiss it, which is why he was anxious for flourishing incense offerings.

"How about this," Li Muzhan suggested. "I will go take a look at Miaolian Temple. If I have a karmic affinity with it, I will reside there temporarily. If there is no affinity, there is no need to force it. What say you, Old Monk Chengjing?"

Old Monk Chengjing nodded repeatedly, breaking into a smile. "Excellent! When shall Master depart?"

Li Muzhan declared, "We shall leave now!"

"Good, good, Master, please!" Chengjing nodded quickly.

Li Muzhan turned. "Jikong, you and Jing'er will come with me."

Jikong gave the beasts a worried glance. Li Muzhan laughed, "Leave them here for now. Do not worry, they will not harm anyone."

Jikong nodded excitedly. "Yes, Master."

The two followed behind Li Muzhan, leaving Yuanxin Temple with Monk Chengjing. They passed through Donglai Town and headed north, continuing northward along the road.

Once they left Donglai Town, Monk Chengjing employed his qinggong (lightness skill). His cultivation wasn't high—he hadn't reached the Grandmaster realm—but his lightness skill possessed some refinement.

Li Muzhan shook his head. It seemed Chengjing focused too much on merit and neglected his own practice, resulting in such low cultivation, almost matching Jikong's. Jikong had only been training for a short time, yet this old monk had practiced for so much longer. He had truly strayed down the wrong path.

Jing'er’s cultivation was still insufficient, yet she moved with ease, gliding swiftly without touching the ground. This astonished Old Monk Chengjing. He could gauge her cultivation level and knew she shouldn't be able to use qinggong so effortlessly.

Li Muzhan supported Jing'er with an intangible force, allowing her to glide forward with almost no need to exert herself. She looked around constantly, her delicate, beautiful face filled with curiosity and excitement. Having been confined indoors since childhood, unable to move freely—any slight exertion caused her to cough and gasp—her body was too frail, so she rarely went out, and even when she did, she couldn't leave Donglai Town. She had never seen the world outside. Every blade of grass, every stone, every flower seemed wondrous to her, filling her heart with immense joy and excitement.

Li Muzhan and the others were infected by her delight; the journey felt effortless and quick, as if only a moment had passed.

In less than half an hour, they arrived at a large city. The words "Chunhua City" were carved onto a stone plaque above the city gate arch, ancient and imposing.

"Our Miaolian Temple is in the north; we need to pass through the city," Monk Chengjing explained.

Li Muzhan nodded. The four entered the city and threaded their way through the bustling crowds. Jing'er grew even more curious, her eyes darting everywhere, looking left and right. Li Muzhan paid no heed to the prosperity, but Jikong was also quite interested. Monk Chengjing smiled with pride. "Miss Jing'er, Jikong, look around! You can come shop here often."

Jikong laughed happily. "That would be wonderful, Master! This place is indeed much livelier than our town!"

Li Muzhan smiled. "Yes, prosperity dazzles the eyes. Are you feeling tempted?"

"Of course!" Jikong nodded vigorously. "Master, look, they sell everything! In our town, buying things like this is impossible!"

Li Muzhan shook his head, smiling softly. "Monk, let’s hurry on."

Monk Chengjing chuckled. "Jing'er and Jikong are first-timers, so it's understandable. Once you see it often enough, it becomes ordinary, nothing special."

Jikong said, "But we have to see it a lot first, Master! Let's stay here!"

Li Muzhan shook his head and ignored him, quickening his pace. Monk Chengjing saw this and had no choice but to hurry to keep up. The four soon reached the North Gate. Beyond it was flat land, patches of forest giving way to vast mountains visible above the tree line, making it seem as if the mountains were nestled within the woods.

The four first walked along the main road for a li, then turned onto a side path. After passing through a pine forest, they arrived at the foot of a mountain. They ascended the stone steps until they reached the mountainside, where a temple with yellow tiles and red walls came into view.

The glazed roof of the monastery radiated a magnificent glow under the setting sun; it was truly grand, leaving Jikong and Jing'er spellbound. Monk Chengjing looked toward Li Muzhan, only to find him perfectly calm, showing no sign of awe.

"Master, this is our Miaolian Temple," Chengjing pointed out proudly. He then pointed toward a temple on a small hill opposite, partially obscured by trees. Compared to their current location, that temple looked somewhat dilapidated, as if long neglected.

Monk Chengjing sighed. "That is Miaohua Temple."

Li Muzhan nodded. "It seems you and your lineage have put a lot of effort into this temple."

Chengjing replied, "Yes, we sculpted the golden statue, repaired the temple—we endured much hardship to bring Miaolian Temple to this state. Alas, once my Master left, I couldn't sustain it alone."

Li Muzhan said, "You all... never mind. Let’s go inside and see."

The four ascended the steps and arrived before the temple grounds. In front of the temple was a flat open space planted with several ginkgo trees, all thick enough to require several people to embrace. Pushing open the main gate after crossing the ginkgo grove and ascending the stone steps, they were met by the sight of a grand hall. On the dais, the golden Buddha sat high, solemn and imposing, radiating an aura that inspired reverence and a sense of one's own smallness.

Li Muzhan nodded. "It seems this Buddha statue was crafted by a renowned master."

Monk Chengjing said proudly, "It was sculpted by a lay believer. The divine spirit in its features is truly a rare masterpiece."

Li Muzhan agreed, "It is indeed a masterpiece. Do you maintain it alone?"

"I also took in a disciple," Chengjing replied, calling out, "Xingzhen!"

"Master!" A young monk quickly ran out.

This young monk was plump, with a round face beaming with joy, about fifteen or sixteen, appearing even younger than Jing'er. Seeing Monk Chengjing, he ran over immediately, tumbling like a small ball, grinning widely. "Master, you're finally back!"

Monk Chengjing asked sternly, "Why is the gate closed so early?"

Young Monk Xingzhen immediately replied, "Master hasn't been here these past few days, and no one has come to visit. Master, did you manage to invite the divine monk Zhanran?"

He looked around, his gaze briefly brushing over Li Muzhan, then over Jikong, before moving away. Finally, he studied Jing'er for a moment, deciding she wasn't the one either. He turned back. "Master, you didn't invite Divine Monk Zhanran?"

"Xingzhen, you..." Chengjing shook his head and sighed. "You need to practice your eyesight; you haven't improved at all. Divine Master Zhanran is right here, and you don't recognize him!"

"Ah—?" Young Monk Xingzhen rubbed his bald head, looking again at Jikong and Li Muzhan, finally settling on Li Muzhan. "Is this Divine Monk Zhanran?"

Li Muzhan smiled gently. "I dare not claim to be a divine monk. This humble monk is Zhanran!"

"Ah, so young!" Young Monk Xingzhen’s eyes widened instantly. He opened his mouth, then turned to Monk Chengjing. "Master, did you make a mistake?"

"Silence!" Monk Chengjing barked quickly.

Xingzhen immediately closed his mouth, but his eyeballs rolled around, studying Li Muzhan's face with intense, bright curiosity.

Li Muzhan smiled. "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Monk Xingzhen, you are attached to appearance!"

Young Monk Xingzhen nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, I am attached to appearance! I pay my respects to Divine Monk Zhanran!"

Monk Chengjing waved his hand, signaling him to retreat and stop embarrassing them, then turned and smiled. "Master, let us view our humble temple!"

Li Muzhan nodded and, accompanied by Monk Chengjing, slowly toured Miaolian Temple. The front section was built grandly, with a magnificent, glittering appearance, but the rear meditation rooms were an entirely different world—simple, even somewhat crude. The rooms hadn't been repaired in a long time, creating a stark contrast with the front. Li Muzhan said nothing further. Although Monk Chengjing had taken a wrong turn in doctrine, their piety could not be denied; being so hard on themselves suggested a sliver of hope remained.

Faith is the foremost entry into the Buddhist path. Many practice for a long time without attainment precisely because their faith is not upright, not genuine, not sincere, not firm. If one's faith is truly steadfast, with right intention and right mindfulness, cultivation will surely advance by a thousand li daily, proceeding with vigorous diligence. This is the profound secret of Buddhist cultivation, a point that only high monks and great virtues can recognize; naturally, their disciples cannot grasp it either.

Seeing the state of the rear sections, Xingzhen walked cautiously behind the group. Suddenly, a dark, round object rolled out with a gurgling sound. Xingzhen quickly scurried over to pick it up, his face red as he tucked it into his robe. Li Muzhan had already seen it: a dark, stale steamed bun.

Monk Chengjing shot him a glare, then acted as if nothing had happened, continuing to lead them on the tour. After they had walked around the circuit, they returned to the main hall. Chengjing smiled. "Master Zhanran, is this place worthy of your notice?"

Li Muzhan nodded. "It is well maintained, showing great dedication."

"Then Master's meaning is...?" Monk Chengjing looked at him expectantly.

Li Muzhan smiled and nodded. "Very well, I will reside in Miaolian Temple, but I have three stipulations."

"Please state them!" Monk Chengjing nodded quickly.

Li Muzhan laid down the first: "As the abbot, I have the final say in everything. Even if I say the temple must be torn down, it must be obeyed."

Monk Chengjing thought for a moment, glancing around, then turning to look across the way. He grit his teeth and nodded firmly. "Good! This old monk agrees!"

Li Muzhan nodded for the second: "As the abbot, you, Monk, will be ranked a generation lower and must treat me with the deference of a disciple."

"Agreed!" Monk Chengjing nodded without hesitation. "Master's cultivation is profound, and his understanding of the Dharma is deep. The accomplished leads the way; this old monk willingly yields!" On the path of cultivation, the accomplished leads. While respecting elders and loving the young is correct, when it concerns cultivation, it is not necessary for the younger to obey the elder. Li Muzhan intended to accommodate Old Monk Chengjing, but first had to strip away his ego and settle his mind.

"Thirdly, you must let go of the grievances with Miaohua Temple." Li Muzhan stated.

Monk Chengjing startled, hesitating. "This..."

Li Muzhan pressed on. "Buddhism says, 'Lay down the butcher's knife and attain Buddhahood instantly.' If you cannot let go, remaining attached is a demonic hindrance. How can you have any cultivation?"

"But..." Chengjing hesitated.

Li Muzhan smiled. "The way of action is self-improvement; one should not strive to surpass others, but relentless self-improvement is commendable. Broaden your heart, and you will naturally let go of attachment, remaining undisturbed by external things... Monk, your mind cultivation is too poor!"

"...Yes, I promise!" Monk Chengjing nodded fiercely.

Li Muzhan clapped his hands and smiled. "Since it is settled, we are no longer outsiders... Jikong, go into the city and buy some good food."

"Yes, Master," Jikong nodded proudly, his expression excited. Master had finally agreed! To live in the temple outside Chunhua City was marvelous!

Li Muzhan said in a gentle voice, "Chengjing, tell your followers that I will open a discourse seven days from now. Ask everyone to come and listen."

"Yes, Abbot!" Monk Chengjing cupped his hands and nodded. "I will go into the city and inform every household."

Li Muzhan instructed, "I will not inquire about how you do it; I only ask for the result. When Jikong returns, you two monks should have a good meal. Do not subject yourselves to hardship over food. Only when you are full can you settle your minds to cultivate properly... I will return in seven days; you do not need to follow me."

"Yes, Abbot," Monk Chengjing bowed respectfully.

Li Muzhan looked at him and shook his head. Upon first meeting, he did possess the demeanor of a high monk—white hair and youthful face—but after getting acquainted, he realized the old monk was truly simple-minded and needed serious guidance.

PS: Two chapters finished. It’s the weekend, and I need to spend time with my wife. I apologize for not writing more.