From a refugee to a martial artist

Chapter 314 Fighting
I went back to the side room where I had stayed last time and changed into new clothes.

There was no mirror to look at him, so Meng Yuan went straight out the door, and Dugu Ying also put on the red cloak.

Her petite figure was completely hidden under the red cloak, and even the part that was fluttering was no longer visible.

"Then I'll head back first." Meng Yuan had already discussed it with Dugu Ying. Today, the Buddhist light emanating from Lanruo Temple was visible throughout the city, so they needed to return.

But before Meng Yuan could leave, they heard someone coming to look for him.

Mingyue pushed open the courtyard gate. Seeing Meng Yuan dressed in new clothes, she didn't say anything, only saying, "Meng Feiyuan, someone has come looking for you."

She stepped aside, and behind her followed Wang Buyi.

Wang Buyi saw that Meng Yuan had changed his clothes, and Dugu Ying was standing next to Meng Yuan, the two of them looking like a brother and sister.

"Commander Meng, the Grand Coordinator has ordered me to summon you to see him." Wang Buyi lowered his head, not even looking at Dugu Ying, as if he hadn't seen her.

"What do you want?" Meng Yuan's expression remained unchanged, not thinking that Ding Chonglou's matter had come to light.

If Ding Chonglou's matter were to become known, then it wouldn't be Wang Buyi coming, but Wang Erqin.

Besides, we're going to have a big battle with that monk Jin Hai in a couple of days. Even if Wang Er sees something, it probably won't matter.

As expected, Wang Buyi immediately said, "I don't know either, but I just want the commander to return to Lanruo Temple immediately."

"Now that the Arhat Wusheng has emerged from seclusion, how are the two patriarchs of Lanruo Temple doing?" Meng Yuan asked casually.

Wang Buyi shook his head again. His status was too low, and his cultivation level was too low, so he wouldn't know much at all.

"Let's go!" Meng Yuan had been planning to return to Lanruo Temple anyway, so this was a good opportunity to go back.

“I’ll go too.” Mingyue suddenly spoke up, then looked at Dugu Ying, clearly extending an invitation.

"I'm too lazy to look." Dugu Ying had exhausted her strength to kill Ding Chonglou and had not yet fully recovered. Lanruo Temple was full of experts, and she might be able to see through his disguise.

With that said, the three bid farewell to Dugu Ying and left together.

By this time, the wind and snow had stopped as the Buddha's light suddenly appeared, and the streets along the way were full of people, buzzing with inquiries about the Buddha's light.

Once outside the city, there were quite a few people, including the disaster victims who had been living in thatched huts outside the city.

Many people even knelt down in the direction of Lanruo Temple, praying for a smooth year. Little did they know that the snow disaster and the master of that Buddha's light were the same person.

Meng Yuan and Mingyue walked side by side in front, with Wang Buyi following behind.

"Thank you for the gift of the clothes, young lady," Meng Yuan said, trying to make conversation.

These days, Meng Yuan has been getting closer to Yingmei in the red cloak, but his closeness is anything but respectful.

She has a petite body and a very cute face, but in fact, her small body contains inexhaustible strength. She has a bad temper and is also quite bloodthirsty.

Meng Yuan felt even more strongly that Mingyue was the best girl.

"It was made by a tailor; as long as it fits, it'll be fine." Mingyue didn't say much.

Seeing this, Meng Yuan tried to strike up a conversation, asking, "If you have something to say, just come to me directly. Why bother having Miss Ying deliver the message?"

“You came straight to her residence from the other courtyard; I didn’t even know you were here,” Mingyue said.

Seeing that Mingyue's tone was not good, Meng Yuan didn't know how to coax this cold-faced but warm-hearted girl.

Meng Yuan actually has a lot of experience in coaxing people. For example, to coax Xiang Ling, just a boiled egg is enough to make her jump for joy; for Jiang Tang, going out for a trip with her once can make her happy for days; and for Sister Qing Qing, it's even simpler, a good night's sleep will make all her worries disappear.

The two of them didn't say anything, they just kept walking forward.

Wang Buyi followed behind silently. He wasn't stupid; he could tell that the two seemed to be at odds. He had always thought that Meng Yuan was on good terms with Mingyue, but he never expected that Meng Yuan was actually hanging out with Dugu Ying.

It was nighttime, and the three of them walked quickly. There were quite a few people on the mountain path, most of whom were monks from Ping'an Prefecture.

Torches and lanterns were being used to indicate that the snow was melting and the weather was getting colder.

"Is that Junior Sister Suwen?" Meng Yuan saw several bald nuns and resisted the urge to pat them.

Suwen changed into a clean robe, carried a medicine bag, and was climbing the mountain with several nuns.

"Senior Brother Meng." Suwen stopped, and when she saw Mingyue, she bowed her head and put her palms together in greeting.

The nuns who were walking ahead turned around, but it wasn't Suqiu leading the group; it was someone else.

"Why didn't you provide relief to the disaster victims outside the city? Why did you come to Lanruo Temple?" Meng Yuan asked with a smile. "I remember that Yunshan Temple didn't send anyone to this competition."

"Amitabha." Suwen's voice was soft, her face flushed and she was even sweating. "My master said that there will be bloodshed at Lanruo Temple tomorrow, and asked me to keep an eye on things."

"I see." Meng Yuan smiled.

"Senior Brother Meng, I heard you're going to participate in the competition too." Su Wen finally remembered, her round eyes widening as she earnestly said, "Be careful!"

"Thank you for your concern, Junior Sister." Meng Yuan said with a smile, "If there is any injury, please take good care of me."

“That’s natural,” Suwen replied.

“Suwen! He’s trying to get you to talk to him, don’t talk to him!” shouted an old nun in front.

Su Wen was startled and didn't dare to say anything more to Meng Yuan. She immediately ran forward.

Meng Yuan didn't recognize the old nun and didn't dare to say anything more, so he just obediently followed behind.

“That’s Abbess Liaoyin, Abbess Liaoxian’s junior sister,” Mingyue whispered.

Master Liaoxian was the abbess of Yunshan Temple, and it is said that she had a tragic love affair with Daoist Xuanjizi.

Climb up to Lanruo Temple on Wulou Mountain, arrive at Chanding Courtyard, and find Wang Er's residence.

"Junior brother, Miss Mingyue!" It was Lin Yan waiting outside. As soon as he saw Meng Yuan and Mingyue, he said with a grin, "Junior brother went to play with Miss Mingyue again? Haha, bring some wine back next time."

"Senior brother, what does the Chief Supervisor want with me?" Meng Yuan asked.

"What else could it be!" Lin Yan grabbed Meng Yuan and led him to a corner, whispering, "It's not surprising that an old woman can't sleep at night and seeks out a strong young man to relieve her boredom."

Meng Yuan knew Lin Yan was unreliable and audacious, but Wang Er was right there in the room!
"Senior brother, watch your words!" Meng Yuan said righteously, then took Mingyue and entered the courtyard together.

There was light in the room. Meng Yuan went forward and pushed open the door. He saw that not only was Wang Er there, but also Abbot Zhiguan of Lanruo Temple and Daoist Ren.

"I've long heard that the Dugu family has a female martial artist, and seeing her today, she is truly extraordinary." Abbot Zhiguan smiled as he looked at Mingyue.

"Greetings, Master." Meng Yuan and Mingyue stepped forward and bowed. Wang Er smiled but remained silent, while Daoist Ren closed his eyes and held his whisk. "Please, both of you, have a seat." Abbot Zhiguan was very amiable, even pouring tea for them, and asked, "Has the snow stopped and the wind died down outside? Is it a sign that the snow has melted and spring is coming?"

The abbot of the fourth rank in Buddhism must have known this long ago; it was just a polite remark.

Sure enough, Abbot Zhiguan didn't put on any airs of a high monk. After exchanging a few words, Wang Erxian became impatient.

"Meng Feiyuan, I have something to discuss with you this time," Wang Er said.

Meng Yuan stood up, his hand on the hilt of his sword, and said nothing.

The Taoist priest, who had been resting with his eyes closed, seemed to sense a murderous aura. He opened his eyes and stared intently at Meng Yuan.

Abbot Zhiguan smiled slightly and looked at Meng Yuan.

Only then did Mingyue realize that Meng Yuan had something to do, and it was something important.

The night was deep outside, and the sound of snow dripping from the eaves could be heard. In the distance, the cawing of crows seemed particularly desolate.

For a moment, Meng Yuan felt a slight stirring in his heart, as if his flesh and blood and internal organs had been seen through, and even his thoughts and ideas had been partially revealed.

But Meng Yuan's flesh and blood remained stable and his mind was undisturbed by external things. He was truly still and without thought, standing as solid as a mountain.

“Young friend Meng is indeed a prodigy.” Abbot Zhiguan appeared even more benevolent in the candlelight. He smiled kindly and said, “I heard that Junior Brother Zhitong took charge and ordered Jueming to teach Bodhi the Extinction Path. Young friend has used this to repel enemies many times and has made great contributions.”

At this point, Abbot Zhiguan looked at Meng Yuan with considerable curiosity and asked, "Do you feel any cloudiness in your heart? Have you ever had any distracting thoughts arise?"

"I can still control myself," Meng Yuan replied vaguely.

“Good.” Abbot Zhiguan pointed at Meng Yuan, smiled and looked at Wang Er and Daoist Ren, saying, “It is inevitable that a clear mirror will be covered in dust. If it can be wiped clean from time to time, then there will be no major problem. However, most people in the world are deluded by desires, and the cessation of Bodhi and the extinction of the Way will change their state of mind. This young friend Meng is strong both inside and out, and is not disturbed by the dust. It can be seen that he has the heart of a child.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Er smiled.

Mingyue glanced at Meng Yuan and thought to herself that nowadays anyone can have a childlike heart!

Meng Yuan had no idea what Abbot Zhiguan meant by praising him right away. Did he want him to fight against the Arhat Wusheng? That was impossible!

Unable to figure out what the other person was thinking, Meng Yuan remained silent, waiting for Master Zhiguan to finish his rambling.

Master Zhiguan said little, only saying, "Young friend, if you have time in the future, you are welcome to visit our temple more often. It would be helpful for us to inspire each other."

“He is a member of the Ying family,” Master Ren suddenly said.

"Master Ying is the hope of the world, and is revered by all Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist people." Abbot Zhiguan smiled and stood up, bowing slightly to Wang Er and Daoist Ren. "Our temple is busy with miscellaneous affairs, so we will not bother you any longer."

After speaking, Abbot Zhiguan smiled and looked at Meng Yuan again before gracefully departing.

The room fell silent for a moment, with only Meng Yuan, Mingyue, Wang Er, and Daoist Ren remaining. No one spoke, only the sound of the lamp wick crackling could be heard.

Meng Yuan, not wanting to waste his energy on these people, asked directly, "Chief Supervisor, what does Master Zhiguan mean?"

According to what Abbot Zhiguan just said, Meng Yuan probably needs to help with something, and the terms have already been agreed upon with Wang Er. What happened just now was just an inspection of the goods.

Now that the goods have been inspected, Meng Yuan has no idea what he's supposed to do!

Meng Yuan was naturally puzzled, but he guessed that Abbot Zhiguan's overtures must mean that he needed Meng Yuan's help.

What kind of person is the abbot of Kelanruo Temple? The temple has many eminent monks and travels all over the world. Surely he can't be a castrator?
For a moment, both Meng Yuan and Ming Yue looked at Wang Er.

"Nothing much." Wang Er sounded somewhat lazy and tired. "Just now, when Wusheng Luohan came out of seclusion, the two patriarchs of Lanruo Temple were injured."

"Then why are you looking for me? Although Lanruo Temple no longer has any monks of comparable skill, it still has fourth-rank martial monks. If they have any guts, they can fight to the death against that Wusheng Arhat." Meng Yuan knew that Abbot Zhiguan would never let him provoke Wusheng Arhat, or even confront the Nine Tribulations Monk.

“You’re being too presumptuous.” Upon hearing this, Master Ren shook his head slightly and said, “There are quite a few fourth-grade martial artists in the world, but very few can take that next step.”

Master Ren pointed to Meng Yuan and Ming Yue, and then said, "Martial artists can cultivate Taoism, study Buddhism, or follow Confucianism. When they are in the lower three ranks, it doesn't matter much which religion they follow, and it may even be helpful. But the higher they go, the more different it becomes."

This is a discussion between martial artists and the three religions. Meng Yuan once heard Ying Rushi and Daoist Xuanjizi discuss it.

At that time, Meng Yuan had just entered the ranks and didn't understand this much. Now that he has seen more of the world, he has come to understand its meaning.

Seeing Meng Yuan deep in thought, Master Ren continued, "In other words, it's not that martial artists can't believe in Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, but that they can't forget their martial essence. They should cultivate the teachings of these three schools, but also be able to transcend them, rather than being corrupted by them and chasing after some so-called state of emptiness, or becoming some kind of gentleman."

He deliberately avoided discussing the Daoist gate.

Meng Yuan understood. It was like a martial artist wielding a sword, while the teachings of the three religions impart sword techniques. Martial artists would certainly prosper because of this, but they would also be trapped by sword techniques, only pursuing variations of sword techniques, thus falling into the shackles of their own minds and finding it difficult to break free from the old ways.

“Throughout history, countless martial artists have studied the three schools of thought, but very few have been able to reach the third rank.” Wang Er finally spoke up. “Once a martial artist has entered the three schools of thought, the path to the fourth rank is not too difficult. But if they want to go further, it will be very difficult. I heard that you have studied Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Don’t get too caught up in them and forget your original intention as a martial artist.”

"Actually, the teachings of the three religions are not bad; what is bad is the human heart." Master Ren did not discuss the differences between the three religions, but instead said, "Just face your true heart. Don't be like Dugu Sheng, who dared not advance but was unwilling to retreat, only to become a laughing stock!"

"Yes!" Meng Yuan immediately replied.

"Alright!" Wang Er waved his hand. "The martial arts competition was originally arranged with Jiu Jie, and it was said that you and Jin Hai would be the last to go into battle."

Wang Er lifted the lamp wick and said, "Just now, when the Arhat Wusheng came out of seclusion, the two patriarchs of Lanruo Temple were injured, so Lanruo Temple changed its mind."

"Master Zhiguan wants Meng Feiyuan to go first?" Mingyue asked in surprise.

Wang Er nodded slightly.

“That monk Jin Hai is a young genius valued by the Western Buddhist Kingdom, and is being prepared to become a Dharma Protector Arhat in the future. Lanruo Temple has lost face and wants to do its best to be a good host.”

Master Ren said firmly, "We are only different from Buddhism in terms of sect and ideology, but Lanruo Temple and the Western Buddhist Kingdom are heretics!"

Meng Yuan immediately understood. Of the ten matches, the first and last matches were not significantly different. However, killing someone to establish authority in the last match was vastly different from killing someone to establish authority in the first match.

If the first match results in bloodshed, then the following nine matches will inevitably be a fight to the death.

Although martial arts combat is a contest of skill and bloodshed is inevitable, it changes everything when someone dies.

Meng Yuan looked at Wang Er, and Wang Er nodded slightly.

Since that's the case, Meng Yuan had nothing more to say and simply replied, "I will certainly not fail in my mission!"

Meng Yuan knew that Lanruo Temple was bound to be engulfed in bloodshed this time.

A night passed in the blink of an eye, and Meng Yuan, full of energy, went out.

The weather was perfect, the snow had melted and the spring chill was in the air; it was the perfect time to strike.

(End of this chapter)