“How could this be…”

At that moment, hearing the gasps of those nearby, many people couldn't help but crane their necks to look into the monastery. Of course, due to the angle, some saw, while others saw nothing at all.

Those who could see were certainly astonished, just as dumbfounded as the people next to them, letting out sounds of awe and surprise. Those who couldn't see were naturally burning with curiosity, incessantly demanding to know what was happening, and unconsciously trying to squeeze forward for a better look.

“Stop pushing! Look up at the sky yourselves.” Just then, someone reminded them. Those who couldn't see instinctively looked up, and in that instant, they too couldn't help but exclaim in wonder: “How could this be!”

At this point, due to the ample amount of incense added, the smoke billowing from the Xuande Bronze Censer was incredibly dense, floating in the air within minutes to form a massive lotus pedestal.

The lotus pedestal was remarkably distinct, and it seemed to sway gently in the breeze, drawing all attention. Such an extraordinary phenomenon was something one might expect to see only in special effects shots in movies or television dramas, yet here it was, manifesting in real life—it was no wonder those who witnessed it were stunned speechless.

It must be said that this was partly thanks to the more enlightened nature of modern society; even the most devout believers practice their piety primarily in their hearts. Had this scene unfolded in ancient times, it’s likely not a single person present would have remained standing; they would have certainly prostrated themselves in fervent worship. Unlike now, where many are amazed, but no one kneels.

Perhaps some considered kneeling, but seeing that no one else was doing so, they felt too awkward to be the first. This was herd mentality, or simply following the crowd: if someone kneels, they’ll kneel; if no one kneels, they won’t act as the trailblazer.

In addition, some people appeared thoughtful, murmuring quietly, “That great censer… I feel like I’ve heard of it somewhere before.”

“You forgot? The censer that was once displayed alongside the Jiao Wei Qin, and then suddenly vanished?” A bystander, privy to the inside story, immediately offered a helpful reminder, while expressing surprise: “I never thought the item would appear here. Boss Tang certainly has deep schemes.”

“From what you’re saying, that censer seems quite extraordinary.”

“Of course it’s not simple. That is a treasured censer—a Xuande Treasure Censer, a supreme artifact of Buddhism…”

Under the promotion by some individuals, more people learned of the Xuande Treasure Censer’s origins. However, the consequence of this revelation was that even more people were astonished. After all, most people were already skeptical of miracles and divine manifestations, perhaps suspecting some sort of chemical trickery. But now, hearing that this was purely handcrafted by ancients, and that transforming smoke into a lotus was the result of scientific engineering rather than feudal superstition, put many minds at ease.

If the monks in the temple were manufacturing divine signs, people might have been slightly uneasy, fearing repercussions from the relevant authorities. But since they candidly stated that this was a Buddhist ritual implement specially forged by an ancient emperor for a High Monk, everyone felt completely relieved.

That’s how national policy works; as long as it doesn't involve feudal superstition—or, to put it another way, as long as it isn't about inciting the masses, being anti-human or anti-social, but rather straightforwardly about making money… ah, propagating faith—it falls under freedom of belief, and absolutely no one will meddle.

This is the situation now. Buddhism has been spreading eastward for two thousand years and possesses a substantial base of popular support. Trust in it was already relatively high. Now, with the addition of such an exquisite Buddhist implement presiding over the site, the public’s estimation of this temple has risen several notches.

Just then, the chanting concluded. Monk Banshan slowly stood up. Noticing the expressions on everyone’s faces, he felt a surge of excitement. He then reached out and pulled a rope hanging from the plaque; instantly, the draped red cloth drifted gracefully to the ground, revealing the three lacquered gold characters of Banshan Temple before everyone’s eyes.

“Ding!”

A clear, long chime rang out, drawing everyone’s attention. Monk Banshan immediately focused his internal energy, his voice booming like thunder: “The gates of Buddhism are open, widely saving all people destined for it… Saving all living beings!”

“Saving all living beings!” A group of monks shouted in unison.

Before the sound had faded, Monk Banshan surveyed the surroundings, then, without a word, led the monastic community back into the temple.

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, somewhat lost and unsure what to do. But quickly, someone reacted, turning and striding rapidly toward the temple gate. The others then seemed to wake from a dream, rushing into the temple one after another.

“Don’t push, don’t rush!”

“Slow down, slow down, let me go in first…”

For a time, everyone scrambled to be first. It was fortunate that the temple gate was wide enough, and the number of guests attending the celebration wasn't overwhelming; otherwise, a stampede might have occurred.

Upon entering, the bell tower and drum tower flanking the central Hall of the Heavenly Kings constituted the temple's first courtyard. The center of the Hall of the Heavenly Kings featured the big-bellied, bare-chested Maitreya Buddha, the designated successor to Shakyamuni Buddha, or the so-called Buddha of the Future. Flanking the Maitreya Buddha were the Four Heavenly Kings, two on each side, standing guard.

Whether it was the Maitreya Buddha or the Four Heavenly Kings, the statues were rendered with striking realism. The Maitreya Buddha, in particular, had a large belly and a constant smile facing the world. On the pillars flanking the hall hung the famous couplet, which speaks volumes of Zen meaning: Capable of containing the things the world cannot contain with his big belly; opening his mouth to laugh at the absurdities the world presents.

However, at this particular moment, everyone had little interest in the Maitreya Buddha or the Four Heavenly Kings. Instead, their focus was entirely on the Xuande Censer, observing it with intense curiosity. Fortunately, Wang Guan and the others had anticipated such a situation. As the crowd entered, four robust monks had already positioned themselves around the Treasure Censer, acting as a human cordon.

The four monks held thick, round wooden staves, giving them a slight air of intimidation, much like the legendary Martial Monks. Furthermore, most of the invited guests were civilized people, so it was unlikely any serious incident would occur.

After gathering around, everyone looked up at the floating lotus pedestal, once again confirming that this was a naturally formed auspicious sign. After all, the initial surge of people rushing in had stirred up a considerable amount of air current, causing the lotus pedestal in the sky to dissipate by nearly half. It was only after receiving sufficient replenishment of smoke that it stabilized once more.

This scene was enough to dispel some people’s doubts. The eyes of the masses are sharp; theories about transparent glass covers or high-tech setting agents could be completely ruled out. Seeing the wisps and threads of smoke emerging intermittently from the variously sized holes atop the censer, everyone could be one hundred percent certain: this was not a divine miracle, but a miracle (an astounding, man-made feat).

Even realizing the wonder was engineered, it couldn't stop the public's enthusiasm. Treasures stir the heart, and this stirring wasn't necessarily malicious intent; it could be pure appreciation, a deep, heartfelt liking that stirred the spirit and dazzled the eyes.

“What an unparalleled treasure.”

“They say it’s a Xuande Censer, but are there Xuande Censers this large?”

“Nonsense, the evidence is right before our eyes; can it be false? A censer cast during the Xuande reign can certainly be called a Xuande Censer. And since the censer is this large, it can definitely be called the foremost treasure censer under heaven.”

Hearing this, many nodded in strong agreement. At the same time, someone sighed, “The Treasure Censer is indeed precious, but unfortunately, they aren't letting us offer incense…”

“Offer incense!”

Instantly, a thought stirred in certain minds. It wasn't that they intended to dismantle the lid to offer incense, but rather they noticed the offering censer before the Maitreya Buddha in the Hall of the Heavenly Kings was empty, clearly indicating no incense had been burned yet.

“The first stick of incense…”

In a flash, some people broke away from the crowd of onlookers and hurried toward the Hall of the Heavenly Kings. Upon reaching the hall, the sharp-eyed immediately spotted a monk standing near the offering platform. On the table before the monk were bundles of incense sticks neatly arranged.

“Master, a bundle of incense for me.”

“Master, I wish to make an offering to the Buddha…”

“Master, may I borrow a light?”

In an instant, seven or eight people gathered around, some even reaching out directly for incense. But those who grabbed the incense found they hadn't brought matches or a lighter, forcing them to sheepishly ask the monk for a flame.

“My benefactors, no need to be anxious.”

The monk smiled broadly. With a sweep of his wide sleeve, he revealed a lighter in his hand. His gaze swept over the faces of the crowd, ignoring the incense sticks offered to him, and he first lit the incense for an elderly woman.

Seeing this, the others dared not say much. Although all are equal before the Buddha, regardless of status, the Chinese people observe respect for elders. If someone older receives such treatment, it is only fitting. Even if some felt discontent, they wouldn't show it, lest they become the target of widespread scorn.

Fortunately, besides the Maitreya Buddha, the other Four Heavenly Kings also had offering censers, so there was no worry about failing to offer the first stick of incense. Especially for Dhritarashtra, the Heavenly King of the North, in Buddhist scripture, he is not only the guardian deity of the north but also the God of Wealth, equivalent to China’s Cai Shen Ye. Therefore, the first stick of incense offered before his censer held particularly profound significance.

Additionally, behind the Maitreya Buddha was the divine general Virūḍhaka, who was the foremost of the thirty-two generals under the Four Heavenly Kings and a Dharma-protecting deity in Buddhism. His primary duty was to subdue demons and ghosts and protect the Dharma, earning him considerable respect from the world.

Speaking of which, it is necessary to mention the Vajra pestle held by the divine general Vaisravana (Dhritarashtra, often confused in descriptions; here referencing the traditional depiction of the guardian near the main hall). The position of the pestle carries specific meaning: if the pestle rests on the shoulder, it signifies a major temple capable of hosting wandering monks for three days of free lodging and food. If the pestle is held level in the hand, it indicates a medium-sized temple offering one day of free lodging and food. If the pestle rests on the ground, it signifies a small temple with no provision for free accommodation.

Clearly, Banshan Temple qualified as a large monastery. Thus, after making offerings in the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, those who missed the very first stick of incense immediately proceeded deeper into the temple, intent on seeing what other sights awaited.

Beyond the Hall of the Heavenly Kings lay the central main building of the temple: the Great Hero Hall, enshrining the World-Honored Buddha. "Great Hero" is not only an epithet for the Buddha but also suggests the vastness of the hall. Indeed, while a standard hall might be three bays wide, the Great Hero Hall was nine bays wide and five bays deep, symbolizing the supreme status of the Emperor (the Nine-Five Supremacy).

With such ample space, more Buddhas were enshrined. However, upon entering, these people discovered that before the gold-lacquered Great Buddha, there stood an even more eye-catching golden pagoda…

(To be continued.)