From a refugee to a martial artist

Chapter 307 Snowfall
They traveled in silence, and by the time they returned to Lanruo Temple, it was already past mid-afternoon.

Lanruo Temple was still bustling with activity, showing no signs of being a quiet Buddhist sanctuary.

Zhao Jingsheng and Yuan Jingfeng couldn't help but recall the auspicious clouds and strange phenomena on the day the Arhat Wusheng came from the west, and both of them were filled with emotion.

Currently, Wusheng Luohan is discussing Zen with the two patriarchs of Lanruo Temple, while the remaining 108 people are living in the Wisdom Courtyard under the guidance of Master Jiujie.

Moreover, ever since Master Jiujie and Juesheng discussed "renunciation," he has stopped lecturing on Zen, as if he wanted to wait for the Arhat Wusheng to emerge from seclusion.

The group chatted idly as they arrived at the meditation hall.

Upon finding Xiao Taotao's residence, Meng Yuan then began to discuss the matter of Jingshan.

Xiao Taotao was indeed unconcerned. "There are at least ten thousand people in the world who want to rebel. Chongxu Temple and Jingshan are more trouble than they're worth. There's no need to pay them any attention!"

He waved it off, completely unconcerned, "It's nothing!"

Seeing Xiao Taotao say this, Zhao Jingsheng and Yuan Jingfeng knew that Jingshan had been saved, but after hearing Xiao Taotao's words, they couldn't help but feel sad again.

Seeing that Zhao Jingsheng and Yuan Jingfeng were too ashamed to speak and couldn't even lift their heads, Meng Yuan asked, "Jingshan has been captured by Commander Ding. Can he be released?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Taotao looked at Meng Yuan and said, "Jingshan comes from Chongxu Temple. Even if we are only concerned about Master Xuanjizi, we shouldn't arrest him."

He was serious. "A fourth-rank Daoist master, at a time like this, is nothing to worry about unless they storm the capital. What kind of rebellion is it to gather a few poor farmers?"

This statement is somewhat exaggerated, but it does make sense. Regardless of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, or martial arts, those at the fourth rank are considered top-tier figures.

In the face of this realm, power and wealth are nothing, and one can even take whatever one wants.

Even if a disciple of a fourth-grade master is utterly useless, he is still a disciple of that master.

However, Xiao Taotao added, "Old Ding has arrested someone, but he won't do anything to Jingshan. At most, he'll lock him up for a few days. He and his family wouldn't dare to incur the wrath of a fourth-rank Daoist."

"It's not difficult for me to release Jingshan." Xiao Taotao looked at Meng Yuan and said, "You are Miss Ying's person, and Jingshan is Miss Ying's grand-nephew. Master Xuanjizi doesn't receive outsiders, and Miss Ying isn't here, so you really should lend a hand. I've never gotten along with Old Ding, and provoking him only made me more hostile. But in doing so, you're actually making an enemy of him!"

"There's nothing we can do about that," Meng Yuan said with a smile.

Meng Yuan already knew from Baoquan Temple that Ding Chonglou wouldn't do anything to Jingshan, and he didn't intend to directly kidnap her.

However, Ding Qianyun later mentioned Jiang Tang and Nie Qingqing intentionally or unintentionally, clearly with a threatening tone.

Meng Yuan could not tolerate this.

During the Songhe Prefecture Incident, although Meng Yuan and Ding Chonglou did not get along well, they were still friendly colleagues and Meng Yuan had no intention of killing anyone.

But we can't tolerate this any longer; it's time to end it sooner rather than later!

Having endured so much suffering and cultivated so many supernatural powers, wasn't it all just for sharpening the blade? Now that the edge is sharp, it's the perfect time to unleash it.

"Once we get Jingshan out, I'll send them back to Yunshan Temple and hand them over to Daoist Xuanjizi for safekeeping," Meng Yuan said, outlining his plans. "As for Commander Ding's matter, we can discuss it after the Lanruo Temple conference."

"Don't worry, the Chief Supervisor cares about you a lot and won't let anyone bully you." Xiao Taotao immediately took out a warrant and told Wang Buyi to take Zhao Jingsheng and Yuan Jingfeng to retrieve the person.

After Zhao Jingsheng and the others left, Xiao Taotao asked about the incident at Baoquan Temple.

“Master Zhichen and Lord Cangshan have both gone there, so they must have gained something. Do you know who the thief is?” Xiao Taotao asked.

"It was Jie Kaiping, a subordinate of Qing Guangzi, who did this!" Meng Yuan sold Jie Kaiping without hesitation.

Of course, Ding Chonglou and Zhichen had already determined that Jie Kaiping was among those who had secretly harmed Zhihe.

"As expected, he's entangled with rats again!" Xiao Taotao said wearily. "Qingguangzi, known as the Holy King of Light, is actually best suited to working in rat holes. His subordinates are all more treacherous than the last! That Liannu is so flirtatious, Zhu Zhenren is so arrogant, and Kongque is not to be trifled with! But why is Zhihe fighting with Jie Kaiping Bald Donkey?"

"It's like dogs fighting, what's so strange about that!" Lin Yan made a lot of sense. He even pointed at Meng Yuan and said, "Ding Chonglou also suspects that my junior brother was involved."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Taotao sized up Meng Yuan. Seeing that Meng Yuan possessed a powerful aura, she smiled and said, "Little Meng does have the ability, but it won't be that easy. I heard that the Buddha's light surged that night, with the intention of compassionate salvation. Zhihe was forced to unleash the power of Buddha's power to move mountains and rivers and sacrifice himself to become a Buddha. It would be difficult for two or three ordinary people of the same level to defeat him."

At this point, Xiao Taotao asked curiously, "Where did Xiao Meng go for a romantic night last night?"

"He's staying at the villa where Princess Mingyue is staying," Lin Yan said with a grin.

Xiao Taotao couldn't help but scrutinize Meng Yuan again, frowning as she asked, "Didn't you just get married?"

"I'm going to ask for advice on martial arts," Meng Yuan said.

Xiao Taotao scoffed, "Just don't cause any trouble!"

He patted Meng Yuan on the shoulder and said meaningfully, "So many people want to be a male concubine but can't even get the chance! He's been by the Imperial Preceptor's side since he was a child, always secretly cultivating martial arts and being obsessed with it. It's already quite an achievement that you've managed to get him to take a second look at you!"

What is all this nonsense? Is this a rumor?

Meng Yuan offered no explanation, taking it as tacit agreement.

Xiao Taotao didn't ask any more questions, only saying, "Zhihe is from Lanruo Temple, and he's the one who's disgraced Lanruo Temple. If Lao Ding wants to go find Jie Kaiping, then let him go. We don't need to interfere! Besides, Jie Kaiping doesn't even consider Qing Guangzi his son anymore, so there's no point in looking for him!"

Seeing Xiao Taotao say this, Lin Yan didn't want to get involved, and Meng Yuan was even less inclined to get involved.

"The Arhat Wusheng is still discussing Zen with the two patriarchs of Lanruo Temple. They've been discussing it for several days now, so why is there no news from outside?" Lin Yan asked curiously.

“This isn’t a fight, why make such a fuss? Do experts have to make a huge scene when they’re dueling?” Xiao Taotao made a lot of sense. He pointed at Meng Yuan and said, “You’re very knowledgeable, you’ve served the Grand Eunuch, do you know what experts compete in?”

Meng Yuan actually knew this, and immediately said, "I have heard that in ancient times, there were masters who could compete in magic without using weapons. They would first compete in praying for rain, then in meditation, and then in guessing objects from a distance. If they were even more ruthless, they would compete in beheading, disemboweling, or even boiling oil."

"Did you hear that?" Xiao Taotao pointed at Lin Yan and said, "When masters clash, thunder roars in the silence!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than the afternoon sky suddenly brightened as a bolt of lightning tore through the sky, followed by thunder.

The thunder seemed endless, coming from all directions, from south to north and from west to east.

For a time, the entire Ping'an Prefecture was in shock.

Everyone felt as if their thoughts had been snatched away for a moment, and then they felt a sense of awe and reverence, and a feeling of worship arose in their hearts.

Xiao Taotao glanced at Meng Yuan, then frowned and muttered, "Is it really a competition to pray for rain?"

At this moment, all the Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist people in Lanruo Temple, regardless of age or level of spiritual attainment, came out to see what was happening.

Countless people craned their necks, and after a while, the sky grew even darker, but the sound of thunder ceased.

After a while, instead of rain, snowflakes began to fall.

The snowflakes, like goose feathers, drifted and swayed, pure white.

Xiao Taotao didn't stay outside any longer; he quickly led everyone into the main hall of the Chanding Temple.

There were also many people in the hall. Monk Juesheng was chanting Buddhist prayers with his eyes closed, while Taoist Master Ren held his whisk and sighed softly.

"Daoist Master, the month is almost over, why is it snowing?" Lin Yan grabbed Daoist Master Ren and asked loudly, "I think this thunder and snow are strange, as if the Arhat Wusheng has unleashed his power!" Although Lin Yan was asking Daoist Master Ren, his eyes were on Juesheng, and he continued, "Could it be that the two patriarchs of Lanruo Temple have passed away?"

"Don't talk nonsense." Master Ren stroked his beard and looked at the flying snow outside the hall. His expression was unreadable. He simply said, "It was supposed to rain."

“It was the Arhat Wusheng who turned rain into snow.” Monk Juesheng finally opened his eyes and explained from the side, “The Arhat Wusheng’s Buddhist teachings are all-encompassing and he is most skilled at helping people.”

"Is this considered helping others? A spring rain is nothing, but snow in spring is definitely not a good omen!" Lin Yan mocked.

“If he thinks so, then it is,” Juesheng said.

Lin Yan opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a word.

"If it only lasts for a short while, that's fine, but I'm afraid this snow will never stop." Juesheng sighed and chanted a Buddhist prayer.

For a moment, no one spoke in the main hall of the Zen Meditation Temple; everyone looked silently at the snow falling outside.

The snow seems determined not to stop, and it's getting heavier and heavier.

There were many monks at Lanruo Temple, so they immediately ordered people to sweep the snow. But the snow kept falling, and one layer after another fell.

Before long, it got dark, but the snow was still visible.

Another half hour passed, and the world was shrouded in darkness. Wang Buyi braved the snow to arrive, saying that he had brought Jingshan back and was outside the Chanding Temple.

Meng Yuan bid farewell to Xiao Taotao and left the Chanding Temple with Wang Buyi.

Zhao Jingsheng and Yuan Jingfeng were holding Jingshan's hand. The three of them had a layer of snow on their shoulders, but they were unaware of it. They just looked up at the sky and murmured something to each other.

"I started a bit too early!" Upon closer listening, Jingshan was spouting nonsense again.

“Three senior brothers!” Meng Yuan stepped forward and patted Jing Shan on the shoulder.

Upon seeing that it was Meng Yuan, the three quickly bowed.

After rambling on, Meng Yuan saw that it was already dark and the snowy road was difficult to travel. However, he did not necessarily have to rush people under the cover of night. So he took the three disciples of Chongxu Temple and went to Chijie Temple to find Master Jueming.

After having a vegetarian meal at Master Jueming's place, I was about to rest when Lin Yan unexpectedly came looking for me, bringing wine and meat.

The snow had not stopped, and it was sometimes heavy and sometimes light, while the wind was blowing faster and faster.

With wine brewed over a red clay stove and accompanied by meat and wine, Meng Yuan and Lin Yan, along with the three disciples of Chongxu Temple, feasted and drank heartily in the tranquil setting of Lanruo Temple, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

The snow still hadn't stopped by the next morning.

The three disciples of Chongxu Temple had food and drink at Lanruo Temple and did not want to leave in a hurry, but Meng Yuan dragged them down the mountain.

The world was white. Those on Wulou Mountain didn't notice, as monks had already cleared the snow and shoveled the roads.

But after descending Wulou Mountain, the snow on the path was so deep that it reached more than halfway up to the calves.

With the roads obscured, the monks of Lanruo Temple did their best to clear the snow, and the people of Ping'an Prefecture also went out of the city to clear the roads.

Heading south, the journey was arduous. Every now and then, people from the surrounding villages could be seen heading towards Ping'an Prefecture. The snow had come too suddenly and too heavily, and they were going to the city to make a living.

"If it rains for another three to five days, I won't even need to encourage them anymore!" Jingshan muttered.

Meng Yuan didn't ride a horse either, but led his three sons towards Yunshan Temple.

The area was completely white, and it was difficult to discern directions, so Meng Yuan could only travel based on his general impressions.

"Do you two know why our senior brother went on a long journey?" Jingshan suddenly asked.

"Didn't we say we were going to exorcise demons?" Zhao Jing asked quietly.

“No!” Jingshan made a good point. “The winter before last, there was also heavy snow in the Songhe Prefecture area, and many people died. That time, our senior brother gave away all the food stored in our Chongxu Temple. If it weren’t for our uncle’s help, we would have gone hungry.”

"Back then, Master told us to find some business to do. But what does that have to do with our eldest brother going out to fight demons?" Yuan Jingfeng asked curiously.

Jingshan looked up at the sky and said, "It can help for a while, but not forever! Senior Brother understood this principle, which is why he went out!"

He was sweating profusely, clearly having eaten too much vegetarian food that morning and was full of energy. "Look at this snow, it was all caused by so-called extraordinary people. Master said that martial artists should fight their way out, and Senior Brother has obviously taken it to heart!"

Zhao Jingsheng and Yuan Jingfeng ignored Jingshan, and Meng Yuan was too lazy to listen to Jingshan's rambling.

The world was vast and boundless, and Yunshan Temple was not easy to find, but unexpectedly, we encountered several nuns on the way.

There were seven nuns in total, all carrying loads and covered in snow.

Upon closer inspection, Meng Yuan recognized two of them: Su Wen, the young nun from Yunshan Temple, and Su Qiu.

“I have heard of the Divine Nun!” Meng Yuan called out loudly.

The nuns stopped, first looking at Meng Yuan, and then all turning to look at Su Wen in the group.

The weather was cold, and Suwen, who was delicate and frail, was carrying a swaying load on her back. Her face was already flushed, and she was on the verge of tears upon hearing these words.

"Amitabha." Su Wen's carrying skills were lacking; he gripped the pole with both hands but couldn't free his hands to offer a greeting. He could only say in fear, "Brother Meng, you...you can't..."

"It was my fault for being rude!" Meng Yuan was the most quick to admit his mistakes, and immediately stepped forward to bow to the nuns.

Su Qiu was clearly the leader, and she immediately said to the people behind her, "Don't be afraid of me, fellow disciples. He is from the Demon Suppression Division and also from the Ying Clan. He has come to our Yunshan Temple to pay his respects to Daoist Xuanjizi!"

"So it's Benefactor Meng." The nuns put down their burdens and bowed to Meng Yuan, clearly having heard of his name.

When they met by the roadside, Meng Yuan asked what was going on and learned that the people were carrying grain, intending to go down the mountain to provide disaster relief. They had also brought medicine to prevent epidemics, and Su Wen was the only physician among them.

Meng Yuan also explained his purpose for coming and introduced three eminent figures from Chongxu Temple.

"So the three of you are the Taoist priests and senior brothers from Chongxu Temple." Su Qiu, the leader, said happily, "Taoist Master Xuanji said that if you find us, you can come with us to the foot of the mountain for disaster relief. You can't come back until the snow stops."

Although Zhao Jingsheng and the other two were not very capable and did not listen to Xuanjizi much, they were not bad people and immediately agreed.

Meng Yuan then inquired about the Daoist Xuanjizi, but was told that Xuanjizi did not receive guests.

Having no other choice, Meng Yuan stopped going to Yunshan Temple.

“Little Master Suwen, let me help you carry it.” Meng Yuan was an honest man and took the load from Suwen.

"Senior Brother Meng, just call me Suwen, there's no need to add 'Little Master'." Suwen couldn't stand Meng Yuan anymore.

After delivering the grain down the mountain and settling it in, Meng Yuan spent many more hours talking with the three disciples of Chongxu Temple, giving them instructions before taking his leave.

With no distractions, Meng Yuan went straight to Dugu Ying's residence to plan important matters.

(End of this chapter)