Chapter 280: Bodhi

Chapter 280: Bodhi

Hongfa Temple, the ancestral home of Buddhism in this world, is said to be inherited from the Heavenly Realm and left to spread Buddhism in the Mortal Realm, hence the name Hongfa Temple.

The Abbot Great Compassion of the temple holds a position in the righteous path not much lower than that of Qiu Wuji. Due to its religious nature, the temple’s status is even higher than Qiu Wuji’s in the hearts of specific groups, and overall it’s higher than Xie Jiuxiao’s. However, Buddhism keeps a low profile, unlike Qiu Wuji, who shines brightly. Thus, it doesn’t stand out when compared to her brilliance.

Qiu Wuji once mentioned that her Golden Bell Shield technique came from a traitor of the Buddhist sect, whom she captured and delivered to Abbot Great Compassion. Despite having seen the secret Buddhist scriptures of the Golden Bell Shield, Abbot Great Compassion didn’t dare to demand it back from her. It seemed like he was being timid. In fact, having Qiu Wuji personally deliver the traitor to him as a sign of respect elevated his status significantly.

Not pursuing it further was simply a matter of creating good karma. Qiu Wuji had already seen it, so what else could be done?

So, they simply moved on.

In the battle between Qiu Wuji and Yan Qianli, the righteous and demonic sides were pushed into a major confrontation. As one of the leaders of the righteous path, Hongfa Temple couldn’t escape this fate. Qiu Wuji was hailed as the leader of the righteous path, and both Abbot Great Compassion and Xie Jiuxiao were her allies, fighting side by side with her.

However, they didn’t play a major role in the entire battle. This wasn’t their fault; it was purely because Chu Ge’s writing didn’t allocate much to them. At that time, Chu Ge had to write about Qiu Wuji and Chu Tiange, the antagonists, Yan Qianli, and many other characters. He also had to write about the double agent. How could he allocate enough storylines to everyone? Priorities had to be set.

In fact, outside of the script, in the self-derived storylines, the high-ranking monks of Buddhism had also played a significant role in exorcising demons and vanquishing evil. They had contributed significantly to the outcome of that decisive battle.

Their connections ran deep, especially considering Chu Ge had chosen their Golden Bell Shield for his cultivation, making them even closer. So this time, they came to help Yan Qianli, and the roles of friends and foes became somewhat mixed up. However, Qiu Wuji didn’t mind.

The reason was clear. Abbot Great Compassion was at their level, and he had a religious attribute, so anyone with the ability to peer into the heavenly secrets would have a share of the pie. It would be strange if they didn’t. The only unknown was his intention, which they would observe by visiting through the pretext of helping Yan Qianli.

Thinking of this, Qiu Wuji couldn’t help but admire Chu Ge. He added a few strokes to the plot, killing multiple birds with one stone, connecting the events inside and outside the book, a bit like a chess player making strategic moves.

Since Chu Ge had this idea, the best course of action for the two of them in this operation was clearly to pretend to be Yan Qianli’s followers, allowing Yan Qianli to cause trouble while they observed the situation up close and maintained control, rather than carrying the little flame and standing out in the open.

So Chu Ge had Yan Qianli transform into the little flame, which was just a form of persuasion. Yan Qianli understood the meaning of ‘Heavenly Dao’ immediately, so he went along with it and played his part with a forced smile, not purely because he needed a favor.

They were all astute individuals.

Qiu Wuji included...without a single word exchanged, everyone understood each other perfectly.

Returning from the worldly affairs of finances and daily life, Qiu Wuji found herself more comfortable in this environment.

The reason it felt good on that side was simply because of him.

And now, here as well...

...

Yan Qianli stood imposingly outside the temple gate, surveying the majestic monastery. Several knowledgeable monks stood in front of the gate, seemingly about to approach and inquire. However, their pupils suddenly contracted, revealing expressions of fear. “Yan, Yan...”

Yan Qianli burst into hearty laughter and raised his voice, causing the entire mountain to echo: “Yan Qianli pays respects to the mountain!”

The birds in the vicinity scattered in alarm, and the mountains trembled.

Qiu Wuji’s cultivation belonged to the Daoist tradition, but it was different from the cultivation of Daoist priests. She didn’t have any religious attributes. Buddhism had always excelled in creating an aura of majesty and mystique, and it often left people pondering. They were quite good at it, even better than sword cultivators.

Yan Qianli walked into the Main Buddha Hall with large steps, where a massive Buddha statue stood. Rows of monks were seated on either side, and Abbot Great Compassion sat in the center, draped in monastic robes, welcoming Yan Qianli with utmost solemnity.

Upon Yan Qianli’s entry, the monks murmured Buddhist chants, creating an atmosphere akin to a Vedic hymn.

Yan Qianli laughed heartily and asked, “A joint trial among the three halls?”

Abbot Great Compassion gently shook his head and said, “Our guest is exceptional, and to show respect, we arranged this. If Master Yan does not appreciate it, I can have them leave.”

Yan Qianli sat down cross-legged without much concern and said, “It’s fine. By the way, are you monks really chatting with me?”

“Why not?” Abbot Great Compassion smiled and replied, “If the devil sits down for a conversation, why would the Buddha refuse someone from afar?”

Yan Qianli chuckled and commented, “Old monk, you have some generosity.”

Abbot Great Compassion glanced at the two “attendants” standing behind Yan Qianli, his expression tranquil. His gaze then returned to Yan Qianli as he slowly said, “Master Yan, you know about the intention of Buddhism which believes in equality and universal salvation. However, why do you seem to not see the Buddha at all, let alone bow before it?”

Yan Qianli smiled and replied, “The Buddha resides within one’s heart, doesn’t he? The Buddha I imagine may not necessarily look like the one you’ve depicted. So what’s the use of looking at it? I believe that the Buddha is compassionate and universal, not a fat, oily-faced glutton. If I looked at it and found it displeasing, I might even mistake it for a demon. Whose fault would that be?”

Abbot Great Compassion showed a hint of amusement and said, “Indeed, if Master Yan envisions a thin and withered Buddha in his heart, then a thin and withered Buddha it shall be.”

With that, the Buddha statue behind Yan Qianli transformed into the appearance of a frail ascetic.

Yan Qianlie exclaimed, “Oh?”

“The Buddha resides in the heart, not in its form. Master Yan possesses true Buddha-nature. Is it not enough to pay your respects to the Buddha in your heart?”

Yan Qianli laughed, “I don’t pay respects to the heavens and earth, my parents and my master are dead, and kings are just nonsense. Perhaps the only thing left for me to pay respects to is the relationship of husband and wife? Haha... hahaha...”

Abbot Great Compassion subtly hinted, “The heavens and the laws should still be respected.”

Yan Qianli wanted to say that the heavens were nonsense, but he didn’t dare to. He closed his mouth for the first time.

Abbot Great Compassion smiled and said, “I never expected Master Yan to openly pay respects to the mountain. To be honest, I find it quite interesting and delightful. I’m curious about the purpose of your visit. You can make it clear, and if it’s within our capabilities, we can discuss it.”

Yan Qianli inquired, “What if I say I’ve come to request the Bodhi Wisdom Tree from you, will you give it to me?”

“Why not?” Abbot Great Compassion calmly ordered, “Dig up the Bodhi Wisdom Tree and present it to Master Yan.”

Yan Qianli was bewildered.

“The Bodhi represents enlightenment,” Abbot Great Compassion calmly explained. “Just as the Buddha can be either fat or thin, there is no fixed appearance for the Bodhi tree. We will dig one up and give it to you, and then plant another. That too will be the Bodhi.”