Senior sister, stop working and go home for dinner.

Chapter 38 The Invitation to the Vajra Temple

Chen Anran answered the phone.

"Amitabha, Benefactor Chen, how have you been lately?" Huiming's gentle voice came through the receiver.

"Brother Huiming, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."

"That's good. I called to inform you that I have asked our connections at the temple to inquire at several major film and television bases and surrounding areas regarding the search for Sister Wei. I have also been keeping an eye on some recent unusual events, but unfortunately, we still have no definite news about her." Huiming's tone was somewhat apologetic. "Guangzhou is a vast city, and finding someone is indeed not easy. Please don't be too anxious, I will continue to keep an eye on things."

Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi exchanged a glance. He cleared his throat and said into the microphone, "Senior Brother Huiming, thank you and the masters of Jingang Temple for your trouble. However, there's no need to trouble yourself with finding Second Senior Sister anymore."

Huiming on the other end of the phone was visibly taken aback: "What does Benefactor Chen mean...?"

Chen Anran looked at Wei Qingyi and said in a light tone, "Because I've found my second senior sister. She's right here beside me right now."

"Oh? Really?!" Huiming's voice immediately filled with surprise. "Amitabha! Excellent! This is truly wonderful news! Congratulations to Benefactor Chen, and congratulations to Sister Wei! It is truly a blessed reunion for the two of you!"

Huiming changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious, "Benefactor Chen, there is one more matter. My master, Venerable Shi Haisheng, returned to the temple yesterday. He specifically instructed me that if you have time after finding your senior sister, you are welcome to come to the temple for a chat. I wonder if you two benefactors would do me the honor?"

Master Shi Haisheng is back? And he personally invited them to come?

Chen Anran's heart stirred. This Foundation Establishment stage monk was knowledgeable and had shown them goodwill. This invitation was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to deepen their connection and learn more about the current state of the cultivation world.

"It is an honor for my senior sister and me to be invited by Master Shi Haisheng. My senior sister and I will definitely visit him tomorrow."

"That's wonderful!" Huiming's voice was filled with joy. "Then tomorrow, this humble monk will be waiting for you two at the mountain gate."

After hanging up the phone, Wei Qingyi asked, "Was that Brother Huiming from Jingang Temple?"

"Hmm." Chen Anran nodded, gathering the chestnut shells aside. "Brother Huiming said that Master Shi Haisheng has returned to the temple and specially invited us to come over for a chat tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Wei Qingyi pondered for a moment. She had heard of Master Shi Haisheng's reputation after descending the mountain and knew him to be a highly respected and accomplished monk. To receive a personal invitation from him was undoubtedly a great recognition and an opportunity.

"We should go." Wei Qingyi put down the chestnuts in her hand, her expression serious. "Master Shi Haisheng is a senior master who has helped both of us. It is only right and proper that we thank him in person. Moreover, now that spiritual energy is recovering, more exchanges with righteous sects like Vajra Temple will benefit the future of our sect."

Chen Anran smiled and said, "My senior sister and I think the same way. Then it's settled. We'll visit the Vajra Temple tomorrow morning, and then go to make the deal with Chairman Zhao in the afternoon."

All three items will be fully evolved by tomorrow.

Chen Anran looked at Wei Qingyi and added, "Senior Sister, once you get to the temple, you can relax your mind. The Vajra Temple has a solemn Buddhist atmosphere and a tranquil environment, which should be beneficial to your cultivation and state of mind. It's much better than just burying yourself in books all the time."

Wei Qingyi knew he was concerned about her, so she gave a soft "hmm" and didn't argue.

The next day, the weather was fine. Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi got up early and took a taxi to Jingang Temple, located on Luoxia Mountain in the western suburbs of Guangzhou.

The car wound its way up the mountain road, and the higher it climbed, the fresher the air became, leaving the city's hustle and bustle behind. Upon reaching the mountain gate, a magnificent temple complex nestled among ancient pines and cypresses came into view, its vermilion walls and golden tiles, its flying eaves and brackets exuding solemnity. A gentle breeze carried the scent of sandalwood, accompanied by the faint sounds of chanting and bells, instantly calming the mind and spirit.

As expected, Abbot Huiming was already waiting at the foot of the stone steps outside the mountain gate. Upon seeing the two, he immediately greeted them with a smile: "Amitabha, Benefactor Chen, Benefactor Wei, you two have had a long journey."

"Senior Brother Huiming, thank you for waiting so long." Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi returned the greeting with their palms together.

"Master is already waiting in the Zen temple. Please follow me." Huiming led the way, leading the two through the bustling front hall, past the crowds, and towards a more secluded courtyard at the back of the temple.

Inside the Zen temple, ancient trees reach for the sky, and the ground is lush and green.

Master Shi Haisheng was sitting at a stone table under a Bodhi tree, with a set of purple clay teaware in front of him, the aroma of tea wafting through the air. Upon seeing Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi, a kind smile appeared on his face, and he gestured for the two to sit down.

"Junior Chen Anran (Wei Qingyi) pays respects to Master Shi Haisheng." The two bowed respectfully.

"No need for formalities, please sit." Shi Haisheng's voice was gentle. His gaze lingered on Wei Qingyi for a moment before he nodded. "This must be young friend Wei, right? Your foundation is solid, and your spiritual energy is pure. However, your mind is slightly depleted, so you need to rest and recuperate."

"Thank you for your concern, Master."

Shi Haisheng then looked at Chen Anran with admiration in his eyes: "Young friend Chen is even more remarkable. In such a short time, your cultivation has become stable and your aura is profound. It seems that you have not let worldly affairs interfere with your cultivation. This is truly commendable."

"You flatter me, Master," Chen Anran said humbly. "I am deeply grateful for the help you and Senior Brother Huiming have given me before."

"It was fate, no need to worry." Shi Haisheng waved his hand and personally poured tea for the two of them. "I was very pleased to hear that young friend Wei has been found. I wonder what your plans are for the future?"

Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi exchanged a glance, and Chen Anran spoke first: "Reporting to Master, I plan to stay in Guang City for a while to take care of some unfinished business. My senior sister... intends to continue her studies, and I will support her. Once this matter is settled, we will return to the sect together."

Master Haisheng nodded slightly: "Studying is also a form of spiritual practice, broadening one's knowledge and understanding one's true nature. Excellent."

The three chatted for a while longer, and Master Shi Haisheng patiently explained the current situation in the cultivation world to Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi.

He mentioned that as signs of spiritual energy revival become increasingly apparent, many reclusive sects and cultivation families that have been dormant for many years have begun to become active and secretly make their moves. In addition to the known historically renowned sects such as Longhu Mountain, Maoshan, and Qingcheng, some forces that act in a way that is neither entirely righteous nor entirely evil, or those that were previously unknown, have also emerged, making the situation quite complex.

"What appears calm now is actually a turbulent undercurrent." Master Shi Haisheng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and spoke in a calm yet profound tone, "The struggle for resources, the recruitment of disciples, the division of territories, and even the clash of ideologies may all unfold in the coming period. The 'Righteous Path Conference' after next year will be an important indicator, at which time various forces will make their initial appearances, test each other, and even clash."

He looked at Chen Anran and Wei Qingyi, his gaze carrying a reminder: "The Yunyin Sect has an ancient lineage. Although its foundation may not be immediately apparent, it is ultimately a legitimate lineage. In this great upheaval, there are both opportunities and risks. You two young friends must be more cautious in your future actions, distinguish right from wrong, safeguard the sect's heritage, but also avoid closing yourselves off. You should communicate and interact more with fellow practitioners of the righteous path."

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