novelapdf Chapter 300 Inviting the Bodhisattva into the Temple to Serve
Chapter 300 Inviting the Bodhisattva into the Temple to Serve
Zhao Xian arrived at the office where the official in charge of signing documents.
The door was ajar.
Pushing open the door, I saw a woman in her forties sitting behind the desk. She had an ordinary face and her hair was neatly tied up.
It was Ye Zhifei, the head of the Demon Slaying Division of Hailing Prefecture.
In this important place where the Demon Slayer Division should have been discussing confidential matters, three outsiders were sitting openly.
It was the same Pure Buddha Jingtan who had just been parading around the streets.
And the two female bodhisattvas beside him.
One held a vase, the other a ruyi scepter; their fingers were slender and their faces as beautiful as ladies in a painting, yet their eyes held a hint of allure. Upon seeing these three, Zhao Xianzheng's heart skipped a beat, and he knew something was wrong.
He steeled himself and stepped forward, first bowing respectfully to Ye Zhifei behind the desk: "Greetings, Your Excellency."
Then, he turned around, clasped his hands together respectfully, and faced the white-robed monk sitting in the guest seat.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
In Hailing Prefecture, this Holy Buddha Jingtan is the true Heaven.
With his ninth-level cultivation, he was practically all-powerful in the Hailing Prefecture.
Even if he wasn't among the absolute elite in the world, the powerful backer he had was someone few dared to provoke in the entire Daqing. And that backer was the Liuli Chanxin Sect.
Since that Buddha Mother won the battle for star position with Shangguan Luoxue and achieved great enlightenment, she officially entered the ranks of the world's top experts, and even the imperial court had to treat her with great respect.
As one of the affiliated temples of the Liuli Chanxin sect scattered elsewhere, Jingtan Temple, with this halo surrounding it, has long since transcended its status as a mere temple in Hailing Prefecture.
The position of garrison commander has been vacant in Hailing Prefecture for many years, yet the prestige of the prefecture has been maintained, with few powerful demons daring to invade. This is all thanks to the prestige of Jingtan Temple in keeping the prefecture in check.
Therefore, this Buddha held an extremely high position in Hailing Prefecture.
In a sense, he was not only a Buddha, but also an unofficial "garrison commander" of Hailing Prefecture.
"Chief Zhao."
Ye Zhifei skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point.
"Just now, the Buddha was patrolling the streets and bestowed titles upon two Bodhisattvas. I heard that those two young ladies are currently with our Demon-Slaying Division?"
So that's why they came.
Zhao Xianzhen was startled and reported the facts truthfully:
"My lord, those two women are not from Hailing Prefecture. They came here with Hall Master Jiang Mu from Huzhou City. Hall Master Jiang only wanted to borrow a demon carriage for their journey."
"Jiang Mu? That top prodigy of the Great Qing Demon Slayer Division?"
Ye Zhifei was taken aback, her brows slowly furrowing into a deep frown. "What's he doing in Hailing Prefecture?"
Zhao Xianzheng said, "According to him, he was a little tired from slaying demons for days, so he took his friends out to sea to relax." Ye Zhifei's fingertips began to tap lightly on the table.
Clearly, she was weighing the pros and cons in her mind.
The young prodigy is being cherished and pampered by the commander-in-chief.
It's not easy to offend this kind of person.
Seeing her eyes darting around, Zhao Xianzheng knew that this supervisor was already trying to find a way to elevate her position, so she quickly spoke first:
"My lord, Jiang Mu is someone the Grand Commander values. They are new here and don't know the rules of Hailing Prefecture. If we offend him rashly over something like this, we might cause trouble."
Ye Zhifei sighed after hearing this.
She turned to look at the Venerable Jingtan, who was sitting to the side sipping tea, her tone half respectful and half helpless:
"Buddha, why don't you just let this matter go? Jiang Mu is, after all, a favorite of the Chief Commander. If we forcibly detain the people around him, I'm afraid that if the higher-ups investigate, our Demon Slaying Division of Hailing Prefecture won't be able to cover it up."
"Amitabha."
Jingtan Shengfo put down his teacup, his voice warm, deep, and magnetic:
"Your Excellency is overthinking this. This humble monk has no intention of making things difficult for you, nor does he intend to harm my colleagues in the Demon Slayer Division."
Just now on the street, I observed that the two female benefactors were clear-headed and had a faint Buddhist light around them, revealing wisdom. They were people with karmic connections to our Buddhist community from past lives.
This humble monk only wishes to guide them into my Buddhist order, so that they may receive the protection of the Buddha's teachings, be free from suffering and attain happiness, and be liberated from this sea of worldly suffering as soon as possible.
This is a great act of merit, so how can it be considered an offense?
The saying goes, "Buddha guides those with affinity," and this humble monk is merely following the will of Heaven. It would be a true pity to miss this opportunity.
When he said these words, the Buddha's eyes were filled with compassion.
It was as if they were truly lamenting the fate of two lost sheep who were about to stray.
Even the two female bodhisattvas behind him nodded slightly in response, their vases and ruyi scepters reflecting a soft, precious light.
"But……"
Ye Zhifei looked bitter.
She knew all too well what the monk meant by "salvation" and "Bodhisattva."
It's nothing more than this monk having lustful thoughts again, wanting to add new favorites to his harem and engage in sexual intercourse.
Over the years, countless beautiful young women from respectable families in Hailing Prefecture have been lured into temples and abused by him under the guise of "blessing and bestowing titles upon Bodhisattvas." However, under his power and brainwashing methods, no one dared to stand up and utter a single word of condemnation.
But these two girls are different.
They were the people around Jiang Mu.
The top prodigy of the Demon-Slaying Division in Huzhou City, a favorite of the Chief Commander, she wasn't some random fishmonger's daughter from the streets of Hailing Prefecture—untouchable. Seeing Ye Zhifei still hesitating, the Holy Buddha Jingtan lowered his eyelids slightly, yielding, and said gently:
"Since the Lord Chief finds it difficult, then this humble monk will not insist. Of those two Bodhisattvas, we will only need one."
The girl in white was slender and delicate, with a Buddhist aura flowing between her brows. If she could enter my Jingtan Temple and become a Lotus-Holding Bodhisattva, it would be the greatest blessing of her life.
Although Jingtan Shengfo was lustful and fond of sexual cultivation, he still possessed genuine skills.
Chu Lingzhu and Lan Rou'er are both women with great spirituality.
However, he could clearly sense the Buddhist aura that Lan Rou'er possessed, which others could not perceive.
This girl must have had some connection with Buddhism in some way.
If one were to engage in sexual intercourse with such a person, it would be even more difficult to advance one's cultivation level.
To persuade Ye Zhifei, Jingtan Shengfo directly offered an enticing deal:
"If Your Excellency can grant this Buddhist opportunity, the Buddhist assembly will be held on the eighth day of next month. This humble monk is willing to personally write a letter requesting the Lapis Lazuli Zen Heart Sect to find the last Star Pill for Your Excellency."
Upon hearing this, Ye Zhifei immediately raised her eyelids, her eyes gleaming.
Star Dan!
She has been stuck at the late stage of the eighth realm for a full five years.
All that's missing is that last Star Core from the Celestial Venerable system to complete the process.
But the last star official was hidden very well.
She searched through the entire headquarters' star position information register and used every connection she could, but still couldn't find a single clue.
If a top-tier sect like the Liuli Chanxin Sect could help with the search, there is definitely hope of finding it.
Thinking of this, her breathing quickened.
Zhao Xianzhen, who had been observing, noticed the expression on the other person's face and was immediately alarmed. She hurriedly tried to dissuade him:
"My lord, you mustn't!"
"Jiang Mu is, after all, someone the Commander-in-Chief values. If anything goes wrong with the people he brought in Hailing Prefecture, then..."
"Bang!"
Ye Zhifei slammed her hand on the table, interrupting Zhao Xianzhen.
"The commander values him because he is useful."
Ye Zhifei said coldly, "But he's still a young man. Young people's tempers come and go quickly."
I've inquired about his background. He's a notorious playboy in Huzhou City, and his reputation for debauchery back then was no less than his reputation as a prodigy.
How long will a young master who's used to playing with women care if he has one more or one less? At worst, after the deed is done, I, the master, will personally select a few excellent girls for him and send them over as an apology.
"It's hard to find other things in the Demon Slayer Division, but how few women are willing to throw themselves at a young prodigy?"
"Lord Boss"
Zhao Xianzhen wanted to persuade him again.
"Enough, this matter is decided!"
Ye Zhifei's face darkened, her gaze sharp as a knife as she stared at Zhao Xianzhen's face.
"Chief Zhao, I heard there are still several troublesome demon-related cases waiting to be dealt with in the First Hall. Go and close those cases now. As for that Hall Master Jiang, I will personally receive him. He is a promising young man and seems to be a reasonable person."
At this point, a thought struck her, and she suddenly turned to look at the Holy Buddha Jingtan and said:
"Your Excellency, Steward Zhao is getting on in years, and dealing with the files might be too tiring for him. Perhaps we should trouble these two ladies by your side to accompany Steward Zhao, so they can look after him on the way."
Clearly, Ye Zhifei was afraid that the old man would inform Jiang Mu as soon as he left, so she simply sent someone to place him under house arrest and surveillance.
Jingtan Holy Buddha nodded slightly and gently brushed his finger across the lotus petal.
The two female bodhisattvas behind him walked to Zhao Xianzheng's sides, one on the left and one on the right, and gestured for him to enter.
"Please, Manager Zhao."
Zhao Xianzhen opened her mouth, but seeing Ye Zhifei's resolute eyes, she knew that saying anything more would be of no use.
He sighed deeply and dejectedly followed the two female bodhisattvas out of the signing room.
After the door was closed again.
Ye Zhifei waited until the footsteps faded away before looking up from the documents and snorting coldly, "Old stubborn man. So naive at his age, no wonder he's still just a deputy director after thirty years."
She spoke to the Buddha Jingtan.
"Master, Jiang Mu is, after all, a top genius. Young people are proud and easily embarrassed. If we go directly to him to ask for it, he definitely won't be able to bring himself to give it to us. So I'll go first and find an excuse to distract him. You can take advantage of those two girls being alone and make your move."
Also, it's best to create the illusion that a demon kidnapped her, so everyone can save face. Then, just say you rescued the girl from the demon. Remember, only take the one you mentioned; leave one for him, so you have some leeway.
The Buddha nodded: "Alright."
Ye Zhifei thought for a moment and then added:
"After you take back the temple, Your Majesty, you must hurry up and make it a done deal as soon as possible."
When Jiang Mu arrives, find some excuses, such as the girl being poisoned by a demon and only a fellow cultivator can cure her, and you had no choice but to do so, otherwise her life would be in danger.
Young men, you know, have an insatiable sense of pride and are inherently fastidious. Once he finds out that you've tainted his woman, he'll naturally feel disgusted and won't want her anymore.
Then I'll step in and say a few kind words, give him a few virgins, and this matter will be easily resolved.
"Amitabha Buddha, well done."
The Holy Buddha Jingtan clasped his hands together, his amber pupils gleaming with a gentle light.
In the courtyard, Jiang Mu was frowning as he stared at the bronze Buddha lamp in his hand.
The lamplight flickered slightly, tilting towards the southeast, as if pulling on an invisible thread.
The other party is clearly in the southeast direction.
He secretly wondered whether he should forcibly summon Si Rumeng over for questioning.
Just then, a series of light footsteps approached.
"This must be the renowned Master Jiang of Daqing, right?"
Jiang Mu turned her head to look.
A woman of average appearance, dressed in official robes, was walking towards them with a broad smile on her face.
The woman approached and introduced herself:
"I, Ye Zhifei, am the head of the Demon Slaying Division of Hailing Prefecture. Last time, when Yancheng was ravaged by a demon army, I had already mustered up personnel to go and provide assistance, but I was delayed because of some sudden demon attacks along the coast."
"I was quite disappointed that I couldn't witness Master Jiang's charisma in Yancheng. Seeing him today has fulfilled my wish." "Greetings, Steward Ye."
Jiang Mu politely returned the greeting, "Manager Ye, you flatter me. I was merely passing through your esteemed place and took the liberty of borrowing your horse. I apologize for the intrusion." "We're family, there's no need for such an intrusion."
Ye Zhifei smiled and waved her hand, her gaze subtly sweeping over Jiang Mu's back.
After seeing the two girls, Lingzhu and her companion, clearly admiring their exquisite and refined beauty, he couldn't help but secretly praise them.
No wonder the monk was so persistent; these two girls are indeed exceptionally beautiful.
If done well, it can be a top-quality cauldron.
"Steward Zhao is really something, getting more and more unreliable!"
She looked away, deliberately putting on a stern face and scolding:
"Steward Zhao is really something. Hall Master Jiang has been sitting here for ages before he finally informed us. If he had informed us earlier, I would have prepared a banquet in advance to properly welcome Hall Master Jiang back."
"If we just sit here waiting for a car to be prepared, people will laugh at us from Hailing Prefecture for not knowing proper etiquette."
"Manager Ye, you're too kind. There's no need for that."
Jiang Mu declined, saying, "I was in a hurry this time and just borrowed a carriage before leaving. I didn't dare to trouble you any further. Manager Zhao has already been a great help."
"I understand. Those of us who slay demons are constantly out in the wind and rain; when can we ever truly have a peaceful day?"
Ye Zhifei appeared to agree wholeheartedly, then changed the subject with a smile,
"Don't worry, Master Jiang. I've already sent someone to fetch the finest demon horses and carriages from the backyard. They'll be here in a moment."
However, I happen to have something here that I would like to trouble Hall Master Jiang to pass on to Manager Ran on his way.
Hailing Prefecture is too far from Huzhou City, and I don't trust the usual postal service to deliver it. I'm worried about not finding a suitable person. Since Hall Master Jiang is going back anyway, could you please deliver it for me on your way?"
"Oh? What is it?"
Jiang Mu raised an eyebrow, somewhat curious.
Ye Zhifei looked troubled, glanced at Chu Lingzhu and Lan Rou'er, and whispered:
"If it's convenient for you, Master Jiang, could you come with me to the study? I'll get it for you separately."
Jiang Mu hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright."
We couldn't refuse Ran Qingshan's request.
This trip to borrow the horse was originally to incur a small favor from the Demon Slaying Division of Hailing Prefecture. Bringing something back for Ran Qingshan was, in a way, helping both sides. He turned to Chu Lingzhu and instructed her:
"You two stay here and don't wander off anywhere. Do you hear me?"
"Okay, boss."
Chu Lingzhu nodded obediently.
Just as Jiang Mu turned around, he quietly slipped something into the little doctor's palm and whispered something.
The young healer was taken aback and quickly put it away.
Ye Zhifei led Jiang Mu to her usual office, the signing room.
The holy Buddha Jingtan inside the house is no longer there.
Ye Zhifei walked to the tea tray, personally poured Jiang Mu a cup of fine tea, and said with a smile:
"To be honest, sometimes I'm really jealous of Hall Master Jiang. When I was your age, I was still struggling in the lowly Demon Slayer Guards. But Hall Master Jiang is not only famous throughout the land, but also highly valued by the Chief Commander. His future achievements are truly limitless."
Jiang Mu said politely:
"Manager Ye is too kind. It's just good luck, plus Manager Ran's timely promotion."
"Old Ran has a really sharp eye."
Ye Zhifei smiled and shook her head, then took a flute from the bookshelf and handed it over. "This is what I want you to bring to Manager Ran." "A flute?" Jiang Mu was somewhat surprised.
The flute is entirely white, with a faded old red tassel tied to its tail.
It looks like it's been around for quite a while.
"This thing isn't exactly a magic weapon; it's just an ordinary object."
A hint of reminiscence flickered in Ye Zhifei's eyes as she sighed.
"Back when Ran Qingshan, the Chief of the Bureau, wasn't yet the top official in Huzhou City, he was transferred to another prefecture to serve as a demon-slaying envoy for a period of time. Speaking of which, I was his superior back then, and we were colleagues who shared life and death."
This jade flute is a token among our group of old friends. Just give it to Old Ran, and he'll understand immediately.” “Okay, I'll definitely deliver it personally.”
Jiang Mu accepted the jade flute.
Ye Zhifei then took out a sandalwood square box from under the table.
There were no words engraved on the box, only a simple brass clasp.
She opened the box and presented it to Jiang Mu with both hands:
"Master Jiang, although this is our first meeting, we feel like old friends. This box contains a small gift that I have specially prepared for you. I hope you will not refuse it."
Jiang Mu didn't reach out to take it, but only glanced at it out of the corner of her eye.
Inside the box was a thin booklet.
The cover was plain, without a title, and the pages were old and yellowed with some curled edges.
However, it is clear that this is a manual of martial arts techniques.
"I obtained this cultivation technique from the General's Library using most of my accumulated merits years ago, and it's of a high grade."
Ye Zhifei took the booklet out of the box, flipped through it casually, and saw several diagrams of meridian circulation between the pages.
"Unfortunately, for some reasons, we didn't get along. It's been gathering dust at the bottom of my drawer all these years. Anyway, keeping it would be a waste. Consider this a gift for the younger generation since we're meeting for the first time."
"Chief Ye, you cannot accept rewards without merit."
Jiang Mu declined, saying, "We've only just met, isn't it a bit inappropriate for you to give me such an expensive gift?" "Master Jiang, you're being too polite! There's no such thing as appropriate or inappropriate!"
Ye Zhifei forcefully shoved the wooden box into Jiang Mu's hands, saying warmly,
"You are Lao Ran's subordinate. Given my relationship with Lao Ran, what's the big deal about giving you a cultivation manual?"
Besides, we're all one family in the Demon Slayer Division. Good stuff like this is just gathering dust here; you might as well take it and use it. If you use it well and slay more demons, it'll bring me prestige as the head of the division.”
Jiang Mu looked down at the booklet in her hand, then thanked him without further hesitation.
Seeing that Jiang Mu had accepted the gift, Ye Zhifei's smile finally broke completely, and she casually brought it up as if in a casual conversation:
"By the way, Master Jiang, I heard that you just happened to run into the Holy Buddha Jingtan on his procession on the street? And those two beautiful girls with you were even bestowed the title of 'Bodhisattva' by the Holy Buddha himself?"
Jiang Mu nodded and said:
"That's true. But it's just some superstitious trick."
Ye Zhifei's expression turned serious, and her tone became more lecturing:
"Master Jiang, you may be new here and not familiar with the situation in Hailing Prefecture."
The abbot of Jingtan Temple is truly capable. Not only is his Buddhist knowledge profound, but he also frequently holds sermons to enlighten sentient beings. Furthermore, he personally helped our Demon-Slaying Division slay many ferocious demons that plagued the region.
The fact that Hailing Prefecture has remained peaceful for so long without a garrison commander is largely thanks to Jingtan Temple.
The people are able to live such a peaceful and prosperous life today entirely thanks to this Buddha.
At this point, she steered the conversation back to Chu Lingzhu and the other woman:
"Therefore, in Hailing Prefecture, those who are made Bodhisattvas by the Holy Buddha are considered to have received immense blessings."
Ordinary women who hang the name of a Bodhisattva in a temple can not only receive the protection of Buddhism, but also have the opportunity to gain spiritual enlightenment.
The fact that your two friends were chosen by the Holy Buddha at a glance shows that they possess extraordinary wisdom. This is their good fortune, something others can only dream of. After hearing her words, Jiang Mu's face remained expressionless; she simply said calmly:
"So, Master Ye means that my friend should go to the temple?"
Ye Zhifei smiled and shook her head:
Whether she goes or not is entirely up to her. If she wants to go, that's fine; if she doesn't, no one will force her.
Buddhism emphasizes the concept of "predestined affinity." When the time is right, everything will fall into place naturally.
"If the time isn't right, you can't force a relationship."
After saying this, she seemed to remember something and added:
"Speaking of which, Jingtan Temple is also an affiliated sect of the 'Liuli Chanxin Sect,' you should have heard of it, Master Jiang, right?"
This is the largest Buddhist sect, originally founded on Liuli Island, and later moved to the Beiyang area. Now that the sect's matriarch has assumed the throne, even the imperial court has to be careful in its interactions with her.
"Jingtan Temple has this connection, and they always act with discretion. Hall Master Jiang need not worry."
The Lapis Lazuli Zen School?
Upon hearing this name, Jiang Mu could no longer conceal the ferocity in his eyes.
There aren't many sects in the world that he finds utterly disgusting.
This Liuli Zen Heart Sect is absolutely unique!
Back in Xiyun Town, when he was vying for the [Yangmen] star position, that old nun Master Miaofa, who was full of greed and hypocrisy, showed him what true hypocrisy was.
Now, to run into a branch of the same big tree again in a place like Hailing Prefecture, it's truly a persistent ghost.
They're all birds of a feather.
He looked up and stared directly at Ye Zhifei, asking:
"Manager Ye, were you threatening me or reminding me of something?"
Ye Zhifei was taken aback.
She probably didn't expect the other person to be so direct.
Feeling a chill run down her spine under Jiang Mu's gaze, Ye Zhifei smiled and waved her hand, "Hall Master Jiang is too sensitive, I'm just..." Boom!
Suddenly, a loud bang was heard.