C79 (1/2)
”It seems that this young benefactor has a deep understanding of Buddhism. The origins of the Nine Flower Lineage have been described as a secret of our sect, but I didn't expect young benefactor to arrive so quickly. Furthermore, you have revealed the secret of his true form.” After listening to Zhang Song's story, the monk standing to the side opened his mouth and praised Zhang Song's understanding of the Nine Flower Mountain from the bottom of his heart. When he was still young, he didn't even know the history of Nine Flower Mountain, only because he was the host of Nine Flower Mountain did he know of the Nine Flower Mountain's origin from the Treasure Pavilion. He didn't expect that this young brother of his would actually tell a story that was no different from the literature and history recorded in the Treasure Vault. He was very curious, how did this young man know so much? Not only that, when he raised his head to look up at the skies, why did he seem so ancient and desolate? He even inadvertently revealed sadness that could affect others. Looking at his depressed look, he actually felt depressed and wanted to cry.
After Zhang Song heard the old monk's words, he withdrew his mind which was floating high up in the sky. With a shallow smile, he slightly bowed and said to the old monk, ”Master, please excuse me. I only know this much about the Nine Flower Mountain.
”I didn't expect young Benefactor to be so modest at such a young age. It's truly rare, very rare, very rare.” The old monk laughed heartily as he uttered three sentences in succession, which caused many to be puzzled, not knowing what he meant.
Zhang Song looked doubtfully at the solemn and dignified old monk in front of him, and politely asked: ”May I know Master's name? From the looks of it, it seems to have quite a high position. ”
”Haha, just as the saying goes, 'color does not change in the sky, color does not change in the sky'.” So this old monk was the current abbot of Nine Flower Mountain's Buddhism. No wonder Zhang Song had seen so many monks, but none of them wore purple robes. It seemed that their status was not low, but he didn't expect them to be the lord of a temple. I wonder if little benefactor can tell this old monk his name? ” The old man stared at Zhang Song thoughtfully, as if the only person standing in front of him was Zhang Song. The person standing next to Zhang Song had never seen him.
”So it turns out that Reverend Fang has come in person.” ”Secular Zhang Song.” Zhang Song said in a simple and succinct manner. At this moment, the old man seemed a bit unfamiliar. On the contrary, Zhang Song had become the master of this place.
”Almsgiver Zhang's arrival from afar really brings light to our humble dwelling.” The old abbot appeared extremely amiable and courteous.
”Reverend, you're welcome. We're just tourists here. If you have anything to say, please forgive us.” Zhang Song said humbly.
Hearing this, the old man thought to himself, this young benefactor is young but not humble, with his own temperament. He then laughed out loud: ”Haha, how could that be, if Benefactor Zhang wants to view the beautiful scenery of Nine Flower Mountain, why not let this old monk be your tour guide?”
”Since even the great master deigns to guide this young one, if you still refuse, then I will be putting on an act. Great master, please.” Zhang Song bluntly asked the abbot of Yi Temple to act as their tour guide.
”Please.” The old man smiled and greeted Zhang Song.
Zhang Fangxia and the others stared dumbfoundedly at Zhang Song and the old abbot who had already left. They really could not understand what kind of magic that stinking brat, Zhang Song, had used, and why this old abbot was willing to act as Zhang Song's tour guide. One must know that he was the current abbot of Nine Flower Mountain. The crowd helplessly shook their heads and followed the footsteps of Zhang Song and the old man as they browsed through the divine buildings one by one.
Zhang Song and the abbot were talking and laughing in front of them. When they arrived at the same place, the old abbot patiently explained the meaning of this to them. The crowd occasionally interjected a few words, and soon, the crowd had formed a team with the old abbot. After getting familiar with it, everyone let go of the topic. Zhang Fangxia suddenly raised a question that puzzled her, ”Master Fang-san, not long ago, when our group was still paying our respects at the Great Hall of Treasures, why was that statue of Shakyamuni crying for no reason?”
His heart was in turmoil as he looked at Zhang Song beside him with a complicated expression. Although it was only a blink of an eye, Zhang Song still noticed the slight fluctuations of the old man and even caught a glimpse of the old man's gaze. Zhang Song thought to himself, ”Why is the old man looking at me like that?” However, he didn't say it out loud and continued to pretend to scan the surrounding buildings.
The old man sighed and said, ”Amitabha, Buddha is merciful. Perhaps it is because I have seen the world in pain and joy, or perhaps it is an endless disaster. I cannot bear to see so many calamities in the world.”
A discerning person could tell that the old man was lying with just a glance. He was using his teachings to deceive the world. According to the old abbot, how many disasters would happen in China every year, how many people would be displaced and left behind, and how would the Buddha show mercy if he did not show himself to save the world?
The crowd didn't see through the old man's lie. Perhaps, they couldn't bear to expose it either. Just like this, everyone continued browsing under the leadership of the old abbot.
Very quickly, the group of people arrived at the residence of the Nine Flower Mountain group. When they arrived here, the first feeling they had was that they were transported to ancient times. The red brick rubble had piled up many ancient houses, the roof decorated with ”Glazed Glass”, the mansions built with ”white marble”, the paved roads with blue stones, the simple and unadorned customs of the people.
At this moment, the doors of the houses were all opened towards the road. Many ancient shops were located next to each other, selling incense paper, firecrackers and candles, jewelry, gifts, food and drinks … There were all kinds of shops, and there was nothing you couldn't buy here.
Walking past each of the shops, the old man brought everyone to a temple and said slowly, ”This is the last temple. My mission is complete, so I won't disturb you any longer. I hope you can enjoy yourselves. Farewell.” The old man brought everyone to the temple and took his leave.