Translator: _Min_
The scene was enveloped in a serene quietude, almost veering towards solemn silence.
Even the young monk holding the lamp beside them seemed somewhat bewildered.
Master Miaoguang had certainly earned a reputation as a renowned master in
Anyone who visited the city of Lin in the Western State for tourism made it a point to offer incense and pay respects at the Liushan Temple.
However, there were certain truths that couldnât be fully disclosed, and even Master Miaoguang would only hint at them in a rather obscure manner.
But even his vague hints were profoundly beneficial, spreading his fame to other cities.
Over the decades, with Master Miaoguang presiding over Liushan Temple, its popularity had surged.
He had numerous disciples, all highly respected.
Yet, when had they ever seen him treating a mere talisman with such reverence, addressing it as his senior?
What kind of entity could command such respect from Master Miaoguang to be called a predecessor?
The young monk, with his smooth, bald head, suddenly knelt with a âthump.â Mrs. Peiâs voice ceased abruptly.
She jerked her head up, staring at Master Miaoguangâs face, which was brimming with respect. A chord in her mind snapped, and her ears buzzed noisily.
Pei Mengzhi, equally astonished, stammered, âMaster, you call this a senior?â
âYes,â replied Master Miaoguang, gently squeezing the talisman. âThis talisman was clearly crafted in an instant. It shows that the creator is not only skilled but also immensely talented.â
He brought his hands together in a prayer and bowed. âIâve practiced for decades and still cannot achieve this. Iâm ashamed.â
The young monk was even more astounded.
In this circle, the distinction between seniors and juniors was based on ability, not age.
Even someone advanced in years would respectfully address a younger master as a senior.
Mrs. Peiâs face stiffened, her voice trembling heavily from the depth of her throat, âDoes the master mean⦠this talisman is genuine?â
âIndeed, it is,â affirmed Master Miaoguang, scrutinizing Pei Mengzhi. âThis gentlemanâs face shows signs of early demise, which he has been fortunate to avoid until now.â
âBut as time progresses, it will become increasingly difficult to evade. This talisman could save his life at a critical moment.â
Pei Mengzhi nodded vigorously, âExactly, thatâs what she said.â
âThen, Master, is there a cure?â Mrs. Pei panicked. âCan my son be saved?â
âYour son has formed good karmic ties; thereâs no need to worry,â Master Miaoguang stated bluntly. âHowever, the situation you, Mrs. Pei, is not so promising. Losing wealth is a minor issue; losing life is the major one.â Mrs. Pei felt as if struck by lightning, her face turning ashen.
Pei Mengzhi asked further, âMaster, youâre aware of our familyâs situation?â
âApologies to both benefactors,â Master Miaoguang chanted a Buddhist mantra. âIâm not skilled enough. Both of you have been afflicted with a chronic cold evil, and Iâm powerless to help.â
Mrs. Pei in disbelief, âEven you canât do anything?â
âPerhaps if my teacher were to come out of seclusion, there might be a chance,â Master Miaoguang shook his head. âAlas, my teacher has been wandering around the world since the last century, and even I, as his disciple, donât know his whereabouts. â
After a brief pause, the sharpness in his eyes intensified slightly. âBut since both benefactors have the help of a senior, why seek me?â he queried. Mrs. Pei forced a smile. âMaster, thisâ¦â
At this moment, how could she admit that not only had she disbelieved, but she had also thought Si Fuqing to be a harbinger of misfortune?
Master Miaoguang had already understood. He shook his head, a gesture of lament. âWhat a pity, what a pity. Jingyuan, show the guests out.â
Mrs. Pei wanted to say more, but Master Miaoguang had already resumed his seat and closed his eyes.
She had no choice but to leave.
The next seeker of guidance was Zuo Qingya.
âBrother Mengzhi, what did you come to ask for?â she asked cheerfully. âIâm here to get a talisman for my grandmother.â
Pei Mengzhi cast a strange look at her.
What an idiot.
He refrained from voicing these three words.
Mrs. Pei glared at Zuo Qingya, her gaze chilly and unwelcoming.
Zuo Qingya, startled, stammered, âAuntie Pei, whatâs the matter?â
âLetâs go, â Mrs. Pei said coldly. âDonât come to our house anymore. Youâre not welcome. â
As Zuo Qingya watched their retreating figures, she stood dumbfounded.
Before she could speak further, a young monk urged her forward.
She reluctantly proceeded.
âMaster, I am Zuo Qingya,â she said, bowing respectfully. âLately, Iâve been restless, plagued by nightmares, and feeling weak, though the hospital finds nothing wrong. Master, could you see if something unclean has attached itself to me?â
Master Miaoguang opened his eyes. After a brief moment, he spoke indifferently, âJingyuan, show the guest out..â