Fusang Sword Heart Diagram

Chapter 76 Listening to the Sutra in Pingluo Town

a few days later.

Li Yeshan and his group, along with several female disciples of Huanxitian, arrived at the territory of Kongyun Temple.

"Wontons! Steaming hot vegetarian wontons!"

"Selling winter plum blossoms! The golden color is both bright and luxurious. Young lady, take a look at these winter plum blossoms! We also have winter plum blossom sachets here, all handmade. Wearing them will not only give you a refreshing fragrance, but also help calm your mind!"

"Bodhi seed bracelets! Come and take a look! Phoenix eye bodhi, wooden fish fruit, golden lotus, sun seed, moon seed, you've heard of them and you haven't, I guarantee you won't find a more complete selection in the whole town!"

"..."

The sounds of vendors hawking their wares rose and fell, creating a lively atmosphere. This small town seemed no different from any other ordinary town.

The group was drawn to the various shapes and vibrant colors of the bodhi seeds on the stall, and each person bought a string of them.

Li Yeshan bought a string of melon-shaped bodhi beads and wore it on his wrist. As he rubbed the bodhi beads, he looked up and saw a majestic tower on a distant mountain.

"What is that place?"

The Joyful Heavenly Maiden disciple who was traveling with them looked up and said, "That's the Demon Suppression Tower."

"The tower holds the most notorious demons of Lingzhou throughout history."

Zheng Xiaohui was playing with the white jade bodhi in her hand when she heard this, so she raised her eyes and asked, "Are there still demons in the Demon Suppression Tower?"

“The Demon-Suppressing Tower has never been empty,” said the Joyful Heavenly Maiden disciple named A Luo.

"Won't demons escape from the tower?" Zhi Xiaocao asked.

Before A'Luo could speak, the windmill vendor glared at her and said, "With the masters of Kongyun Temple here, how dare the demons cause trouble? They should be grateful to Buddha for not dying in the tower. They think they can escape? That's wishful thinking!"

As he spoke, the vendor put his hands together and said, "Amitabha, in a moment of panic, I broke the precept against anger. Forgive me, forgive me."

After leaving the place, A'Luo said with a smile, "Most of the ordinary people in Pingluo Town are Buddhists. There's no need to take what just happened to heart."

"That's just how they are. They are protected by Kongyun Temple, so they can't stand others talking about Kongyun Temple."

Zhi Xiaocao nodded: "Anyway, it's a small matter, I didn't take it to heart."

A'Luo reminded us, "By the way, you are prohibited from using spiritual power after entering Ping Le Town."

The town's inhabitants are mostly ordinary people, and the spells of cultivators are deadly to them. A single spell could injure most of the town. This is Buddhist territory, and such a thing is absolutely forbidden.

A Luo was afraid they wouldn't know and would break a taboo, so she gave them a special reminder.

They all assured each other that they wouldn't misuse their spiritual power. Being of mortal origin, they felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity and warmth in this small town.

Kongyun Temple is built on Zhanshan Mountain. It is an ancient temple with a history of thousands of years. It is quiet and solemn. The temple on the mountainside can be used by ordinary people to worship Buddha and burn incense. Further up, there is another temple, which is the real Kongyun Temple.

Apricot trees and ginger flowers are planted along the bluestone steps. At this time of year, the apricots have long since fallen, and spring in Yuling Prefecture is always late, so the apricot blossoms are just beginning to bud and are not very pretty.

Vegetables were planted in the gardens on both sides, and monks were watering them.

Upon arriving at Xiaoyun Temple halfway up the mountain, A'luo explained her identity and purpose. The monks then led them to a meditation room to rest.

Because they were just resting here while waiting for someone, they did not actually enter the real Kongyun Temple.

*
Ning Fusang traveled south along the river that extended from the waterfall. The river branched off several times along the way, but by the time she reached this point, the current had become quite calm.

The boundary marker reads "Wei River".

Ning Fusang gazed into the distance and could already see the silhouette of a small town; it seemed she was almost at Kongyun Temple.

The path from this side of the waterfall is indeed much shorter.

Ning Fusang walked downstream along the river, and gradually, a few scattered prayer lanterns appeared on the river surface.

It seems to be some kind of festival in Pingluo Town today.

The town was bustling with activity, crowded with people, so much so that Ning Fusang could only watch helplessly as she moved further and further away from Kongyun Temple.

Suddenly, the crowd fell silent for a moment, then erupted into a cacophony of noise.

"It's Master Kongsheng!"

"Today, Master Kongsheng is giving a sermon. I'm so lucky!"

"Don't push me! Leave me a spot!"

The scene was somewhat chaotic. Ning Fusang didn't know who pushed her, but she stumbled and squeezed into the inner circle.

Everyone scrambled to kneel down on the straw cushions. Ning Fusang, dressed in white, stood out from the crowd. Someone next to her tugged at her sleeve and whispered, "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and sit down, Master Kongsheng is about to start his sermon!"

The girl muttered to herself, "It's not easy to snag a futon out of three thousand. You're really lucky."

She only managed to snag a spot in the inner circle today; in the past, she could only stand outside to listen to the sermons, and her legs would go numb after a short while, forcing her to leave early.

Ning Fusang ignored the girl. She had come to Pingluo Town to find Li Yeshan and the others, and had no interest in listening to the monks preach.

Ning Fusang looked back and saw that the place was packed with people, so crowded that she couldn't get out. Since spiritual power couldn't be used in Pingluo Town, she had no way to leave.

In the center of the square surrounded by the people of Pingluo Town, three monks sat cross-legged on prayer cushions. The young monk on the left stared at Ning Fusang for a long time before finally unable to hold back and asked, "Why doesn't she sit down?"

The monk in the middle, dressed in a snow-white robe, had exquisite features and a handsome face. He turned slightly to look at Ning Fusang, but at this moment, Ning Fusang was already kneeling on the prayer mat, blending into the crowd.

Since she can't leave, she might as well stay here and listen to the sutras.

Seeing Ning Fusang finally kneel down, the girl breathed a sigh of relief. Standing like this, many eyes were looking this way, making her face flush.

Ning Fusang looked at the three monks and nudged the girl next to him with her elbow: "Which one is the Master Kongsheng you mentioned?"

It was actually quite easy to guess; the young monk in the middle should be him. However, he was too young, and Ning Fusang found it difficult to associate him with a high-ranking monk, so he was always unsure.

The girl's gaze towards Ning Fusang changed, filled with disdain: "You don't even recognize Master Kongsheng!"

After saying that, she ignored Ning Fusang and did not answer her question. She was completely different from the enthusiastic girl she had been before.

Ning Fusang laughed in anger.

What Master Kongsheng? He's just a little monk!
She wanted to hear what profound Buddhist principles this young monk could spout.

Ning Fusang originally intended to close his eyes and meditate until the sermon was over, but after being looked down upon by the girl, he listened attentively for a few minutes and unconsciously developed a sense of respect for the young monk.

Buddhist scriptures are obscure and difficult to understand; few people can truly comprehend them. Yet, the believers around him look at him devoutly and listen to the Dharma.

"...I have generated the Bodhicitta not for my own benefit, but to be the refuge of all sentient beings suffering in the ten directions and throughout the Dharma realm. I should not discriminate between high and low, but should give equally to benefit them...I have taken this body for the benefit and happiness of all sentient beings. If anyone comes to me with requests, I will certainly give, and I should not refuse to give...Now that I have obtained great benefit, I do not think of repaying it. My blessings are boundless."

His voice was calm and gentle as he spoke, soothing the restlessness in people's hearts. In the midst of the most bustling world, a tranquil haven was created.

The young monk came to preach Buddhism and persuade all beings to do good. As dusk fell, the afterglow of the setting sun shone down, as if bathing him in a golden light.

"Benefactor, you are awake."

A clear voice came from above Ning Fusang's head. She looked up and saw a pure and aloof little monk offering her a snow-white handkerchief.

That handkerchief had no embroidery, and was as white as snow.

Ning Fusang took the handkerchief, wiped the drool from the corner of her mouth, and calmly and casually hummed in agreement, showing no embarrassment or awkwardness at being caught sleeping.

What's wrong with her sleeping?
Who made the young monk recite a sutra from morning till evening?

The people in the square had all left.

Ning Fusang returned the handkerchief to the little monk, then climbed up from the prayer mat and rubbed her numb legs and sore neck.

Kong Sheng quietly put away the last prayer mat, put his hands together in a Buddhist gesture of respect: "Female benefactor, it is getting late, please go home as soon as possible."

Ning Fusang looked at him and said, "Are you going back to Kongyun Temple now?"

Kong Sheng nodded, calm and composed, clean and peaceful.

Ning Fusang smiled and said, "Little monk, I'm also going to Kongyun Temple. Can you lead the way?"

In Pingluo Town, there are many devout Buddhists. Xiaoyun Temple is open to the public, and pilgrims come in an endless stream. But Kongsheng knew at first glance that she was not a Buddhist and would not go to Kongyun Temple to worship Buddha.

The Buddha views all beings as equal, and Kongyun Temple will not turn her away.

Kong Sheng lowered his eyes and said softly, "Okay."

They didn't even ask her why she went to Kongyun Temple. I really don't know if it was because of Buddha's compassion and tolerance, or because Kongyun Temple was confident in its own strength.

In reality, in Yuling Prefecture, if we're talking about true strength, Kongyun Temple is the real number one. However, the monks of Kongyun Temple are detached from worldly affairs and don't compete for such empty titles, so the title of the number one immortal sect in Yuling Prefecture was taken by Wanyi Sect.

In the setting sun, people's shadows were stretched very long.

By the time I reached the foot of Kongyun Temple, the last rays of the setting sun had disappeared. The night was clear and dust-free, the moonlight was silvery, and the whole mountain was brightly lit by candlelight.

At this time of day, everyone was doing their evening prayers, so Ning Fusang didn't encounter many people along the way.

Kong Sheng led her to the meditation room at Xiaoyun Temple: "As night deepens, female benefactor, please rest early. This humble monk will not disturb you any longer."

Ning Fusang waved his hand and then closed the door.

The meditation room was simple, with only a bed and a meditation cushion.

Ning Fusang lit a candle, casually set up a protective barrier, and began to take stock of the treasures he had obtained from Xie Taiting.

The ring was not a storage device, but a hidden weapon. When activated by spiritual power, it would shoot out fine threads. Xie Taiting probably hadn't used it many times, as the spiritual threads in the ring were still quite full.

Of the three storage bags, two were low-grade, and the other was a mid-grade storage bag with a much larger storage space, filled with a large pile of spirit stones.

Xie Taiting, as expected of an inner disciple of Lingyu Palace, was wealthy, far exceeding Ning Fusang's expectations. Of course, it was also possible that it was because he had just obtained that secret treasure from the underground palace.

Inside the storage bag was a lamp called "Azure Sky Moonlit Night," its halo a cool white, somewhat like moonlight. Within the lamp's illumination range, no ghosts could harm the inhabitants.

A gilded staff, engraved with the head of a Qilin beast, looked magnificent, but was actually just an ordinary artifact. Ning Fusang glanced at it and then tossed it into a corner.

She roughly counted that there were six magical artifacts and two spiritual artifacts, namely the third-tier Bewitching Bell and the fourth-tier Thousand Spirit Cage.

The Bewitching Bell can interfere with the mind and emotions of living beings. Xie Taiting's Bewitching Bell is probably intended to be used in conjunction with the Thousand Spirit Cage to capture spirit beasts.

Common types of pills include detoxification pills, spirit-nourishing pills, and blood-clotting pills. The slightly more valuable ones are spirit-restoring pills and youth-restoring pills.

The twelve array symbols are carved from snow bamboo, and the medium itself contains a large amount of spiritual energy. When used, they can be used to set up a very solid array.

The talismans were of all kinds, including two Swift Light Talismans, one Fire Talisman, two Water Talismans, and one Sword Talisman containing sword energy. Ning Fusang accidentally touched it and cut her finger.

The talisman was instantly stained red with blood.

Ning Fusang used a little spiritual energy to heal her wounds before continuing to examine the other objects.

Because Xie Taiting is a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect, his assets are more likely to be related to spirit beasts.

Crescent moon flowers, ginseng fruit, fire dates, cashews, and almonds are all used to feed spirit beasts. There's even a large pile of bird feathers in the corner of the storage bag.

Ning Fusang withdrew his divine sense from the storage bag to look at the contents of the other storage bag.

An ordinary stone caught her attention.

Xie Taiting wouldn't put a stone in his storage bag for no reason, unless he was sick.

With a thought, Ning Fusang took out the brick-like stone and examined it carefully. As soon as her hand touched the surface of the stone, she sensed a faint fluctuation of spiritual energy.

There are restrictions on this.

Ning Fusang tried to dismantle it herself, but it wasn't until dawn that she was able to unlock the outermost layer of the restriction. She wasn't a formation cultivator or a talisman cultivator, so she wasn't very good at this.

This doesn't look like Xie Taiting's stuff. Ning Fusang guessed that it must be from the secret treasures of the underground palace. Xie Taiting couldn't break the restrictions on it, so he just put it in his storage bag.

Because of the stone's mystique, Ning Fusang stored it inside her storage bracelet.

The storage space in the Pear Blossom Jade is limited, so Ning Fusang always only stores the more important items in it, while the rest are stored in several storage bags.

The crisp sound of the wooden fish drum rang out, signaling that it was time for the monks to perform their morning prayers. Ning Fusang pushed open the door and took two steps down the mountain path. Outside the wall, she saw Zhi Xiaocao in the courtyard, clinging to a bowl, enjoying the temple's breakfast with relish.

They're all cultivating immortality, yet they still don't practice abstaining from grains.

Ning Fusang raised her eyebrows slightly and called out to him, "Zhi Xiaocao."

Zhi Xiaocao was startled and almost dropped the bowl in his hand. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw Ning Fusang's figure on the wall next to the mountain path.

Zhi Xiaocao put down her chopsticks and looked up at Ning Fusang, saying, "Senior Sister Ning, how did you get here so quickly? We've only been at Xiaoyun Temple for two days!"

Ning Fusang climbed down from the wall and flicked his sleeves: "Where are the others? Call them and set off back to the sect."

Zhi Xiaocao said "Oh" and went to call Li Yeshan, Shi Zhouyun and Zheng Xiaohui in turn.

"Senior Sister Ning, aren't we going to say goodbye to A Luo and the others?"

Li Yeshan explained to Zhi Xiaocao, "A Luo is a disciple of Huanxitian."

"They went to the town at the foot of the mountain early this morning, and we don't know when they'll be back," Zheng Xiaohui muttered.

Upon hearing this, Zhi Xiaocao had no choice but to give up and asked the monks of Xiaoyun Temple to convey that they had already left.

(End of this chapter)