Journey to the West: Tang Monk Conquers Everything

"What to do, what should we do..." Inside the hall of Buddha, Senior Abbot Faming fretted like ants on a hot pan, his expression complex.

There was joy, urgency, and also fear...

It wasn't just Senior Abbot Faming who felt this way; Xuankong, Xuanwu, and Xuanming beside him also wore similar expressions.

Even the monks who had come from the Great Buddha Temple were all exchanging looks of astonishment.

The reason was, after returning to Jinshan Temple, it was perfectly normal for Master Xuanzang to chat with these brothers—after coming back, one must have some conversation, right?

However, as noon approached, he disregarded everyone's objections and went off to cook in the kitchen. This left everyone dumbfounded and resulted in this scene where Senior Abbot Faming and the others were filled with trepidation and urgency.

Who is Master Xuanzang? Known far and wide, the first monk in history to receive the Incense Scar Initiation twelve times, a monk with profound Buddhist connection, even rumored to be the reincarnation of a Bodhisattva.

Before, it might have been alright not knowing his status, but now, with such a status, he personally cooking for them? This caused Faming to be both fearful and anxious.

"Amitabha, since Master Xuanzang has such a pure heart, Abbot Faming, you should just graciously accept it..." said Master Huihai with a whisper of Buddha's name and a smile on his face.

Though famous at a young age, and well-known everywhere, he remained true to his original heart, not getting lost in the lure of fame and fortune, which made Master Huihai nod in approval internally.

Indeed, worthy of someone who had received the twelve Scars of Precepts. How many people could do the same?

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How many people in the world loudly declare that they see wealth as mere dirt and fame as fleeting as smoke, yet of those who proclaim so vehemently, how many actually live up to it?

Everyone they meet speaks of resigning their official post, but in the tranquil woods, we never see even one who does.

It's like those in officialdom all lament the difficulties of office when meeting others, expressing a wish to resign, but who has truly gone through with it?

Previously at Jinshan Temple, cooking was quite fast. After all, there were only a few people in the monastery. But today, Jiang Liu was busy in the kitchen for a long time.

After all, since he was cooking, it wouldn't be polite to only cook for his fellow brothers and Master at Jinshan Temple, right?

The people from the Great Buddha Temple had accompanied him, and it would only be reasonable and proper to provide some food for them. Although there wasn't enough for a full meal, they could at least have a little, thereby fulfilling the social niceties.

There were also the pilgrims, who had come to offer incense at Jinshan Temple, and they came for his sake. Since he had cooked, he should also prepare a bit for them.

In doing so, he was also fostering a good reputation for Jinshan Temple.

After spending more than an hour, he cooked a large pot of rice and almost completely harvested the vegetables in the garden, feeding several dozen people.

As a high monk of the Great Buddha Temple, Master Huihai naturally sat at the same table with the people from Jinshan Temple.

A Martial Monk, who was a palanquin bearer, quietly walked aside and took out two flatbreads from his robe.

Even though he was a monk of the Great Buddha Temple, he was after all just a bearer. In those ancient times, bearers, servants, and maidservants had a lower status, and today, since Master Xuanzang himself was cooking, there naturally wasn't a portion for them.

"Hey, go to the kitchen and carry out the food, I've made some for you all as well," he said.

However, just as the palanquin-bearing monk was looking down nibbling on his flatbreads, a voice rang out. The monk lifted his head to see Master Xuanzang speaking to him and was stunned; the flatbreads in his hand fell to the ground.

Soon, several buckets of rice and dishes were carried out, along with a large bucket of green vegetable tofu soup. These martial monks and the ceremonial guard each had half a bowl of rice, a few slices of green vegetables, and finally a bowl of soup. Although they were not full, they felt an immense sense of satisfaction in their hearts.

Looking into Jiang Liu's eyes, it wasn't just respect they felt, but also gratitude.

Half a bowl of food and a bowl of soup may not be anything precious, but the fact that Master Xuanzang himself cooked and didn't forget about them made them feel valued and grateful.

"Thank you, Master Xuanzang!" The pilgrims nearby also received a share and shouted out their thanks in a chorus.

Food prepared by Master Xuanzang, who bore the twelve Scars of Precepts, was a privilege that not just anyone could enjoy. Even a single grain of rice from him was incredibly precious.

"Amitabha, the Buddha said all beings are equal. We understand the teachings, but how many truly live by them…" Master Huihai whispered a Buddhist invocation upon witnessing the scene.

Indeed, Xuanzang had not bound the Scar of Precepts for long, nor had he read many Buddhist scriptures, but the principle of equality among all beings was something he understood inherently.

If anyone claimed he was not the reincarnation of a Bodhisattva, Master Huihai would be the first to disbelieve.

Master Huihai and the people from Jinshan Temple sat at the banquet eating, while the ceremonial monks and pilgrims received some food too and were quite content. The meal was consumed with great enthusiasm.

Especially the pilgrims, who wished they could lick their bowls completely clean.

"Immeasurable Heavenly Venerable, it sure is lively here…" Just then, a clear and sonorous voice rang out, and a young Taoist dressed in a Taoist robe approached.

"Eh? You are a disciple of the Heavenly Master Yuan, Li Chunfeng?" Master Huihai slightly raised his eyebrows, obviously recognizing the young Taoist who approached.

"Li Chunfeng?"

Jiang Liu was conversing with Senior Abbot Faming when he heard the name Li Chunfeng. He set down his bowl and scrutinized the young Taoist.

Although his knowledge of history was not strong, Jiang Liu had still heard of the master-disciple duo of Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng in the Tang Dynasty.

Setting aside that this was the mythological world of Journey to the West, even in the real world, Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng were mythologized much like Liu Bowen and Zhuge Liang, esteemed as almost immortal-like figures in history.

"Greetings, a chance meeting is a predestined affinity. Please, take a seat and join us for the meal," Jiang Liu courteously invited Li Chunfeng to sit, upon unexpectedly meeting such a famous historical figure.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony," replied Li Chunfeng, accepting Jiang Liu's invitation without hesitation and seating himself.

"This Jinshan Temple is quite remote, and you are not of the Buddhist Sect, so what brings you here all of a sudden?" A portion of food was served up in front of Li Chunfeng, and Jiang Liu asked in a casual manner.

Picking up the chopsticks before him, Li Chunfeng answered, "My visit is on account of you."

"For me?" Jiang Liu looked at Li Chunfeng in surprise, not understanding.

"The world says you are the reincarnation of a Bodhisattva, having received the twelve Incense Scar Initiations, which is unprecedented. So today, I wish to debate with you…"

"So you've come to pick a fight?" Jiang Liu's smile gradually faded upon hearing Li Chunfeng's response.

As they spoke, Jiang Liu moved the bowl of food in front of Li Chunfeng to the side.

"Since you've come to pick a fight, as an unwelcome guest, you shouldn't eat this bowl of rice."