Chapter 122 Chapter 121
"Beat him up, vent your anger, and then let it go?"

"You think beautiful!"

De Zheng snorted coldly and put away the ruler:

"Considering that you have no other faults, I will spare your life this time and will not destroy your cultivation."

"But all the wealth you have accumulated must be distributed—listen carefully, I mean distributed entirely—to help the refugees who have recently flocked to the state capital."

Yuan Hua breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that he had preserved his life and cultivation.

But when he heard that he was going to spend all his wealth, he jumped up in shock.
"Abbot, please cripple me!"

Yuanhua loves money like his life, and it took him many years to accumulate such a fortune.

Forcing him to give away the wealth he had worked so hard to accumulate to refugees is more painful than killing him!
"Asshole! I'm saving you!"

De Zheng's face turned cold.

Even though he has been targeted by Senior Qie, he still hasn't realized that spending money can avoid disaster. He is such a rotten wood!
"If you think that reaching the True Form Realm can be accomplished with a few more Calming Heart Pills, then you can keep these treasures."

"But if you still have some ambition in martial arts and some respect for me as the abbot, then do as I say!"

Yuanhua has been a deacon for so many years and is not a fool.

If he was simply asked to spend all his wealth, he would certainly not agree.

However, the character of Abbot De Zheng is obvious to all, and all the monks in Tiangu Temple know that he is not a tyrannical person who would kill without teaching.

As long as it is not a major mistake of principle, the other party is willing to give a chance to reform. Some people may even be able to see through their confusion and improve their skills because of this guidance.

At this time, when he heard the other party point out the Calming Pill and the True Form Realm, which exposed his little thoughts, Yuan Hua felt distressed, but at the same time, he also vaguely grasped something.

Abbot De Zheng’s guidance is not something you can get easily. Do you want to take a gamble?

'Let's bet!'

Yuanhua gritted his teeth and said, "Thank you for your teachings, Abbot!"

"After I return home, I will use all my savings to help the refugees and make amends for my mistake!"

After hearing this, De Zheng's expression eased a little.

What he just said was not false at all.

The true form realm, also known as demon transformation by warriors, can be said to be the most dangerous level on the road of martial arts.

At this stage, no panacea can guarantee success.

Because his danger does not only exist when breaking through the level, but runs through the entire fifth realm of true form.

Stay in this realm for ten days, and the danger will exist for ten days;
If you stay in this state for a year, the danger will exist for a year.

It follows you everywhere like a shadow, penetrating every pore. Only when you break through the ladder to heaven and enter the sixth realm can you truly embark on the smooth path of martial arts.

Before this, no matter what external objects there are, they can only be of temporary use. The most important thing is the warrior's courageous and diligent heart.

Yuan Hua's hope of getting promoted by taking drugs was already inferior to his own. He even thought that he could protect himself by taking more tranquilizing pills.

As the abbot, De Zheng's approach is to make Yuanhua, who has been living in comfort for too long, take a desperate step, so that he has a chance of survival.

As for giving away all the family wealth to help refugees, it was a response to the monk Qieci, so that his disciples would not be put on the blacklist of that senior.

"Since you're not hopeless, I'll give you a chance to make amends in front of that senior."

De Zheng waved his hand, motioning Yuan Hua to come forward.

"You must have seen how much Senior Qi regards Li Cunxiao and the others."

"According to his wishes, these three will not participate in the Ullambana Festival and will be directly transferred to Yaowangyuan to do odd jobs."

"I will speak to Master Decong, and you will inform Master Zhang Li."

"Remember this: you are not allowed to reveal a single word about that senior. He wants to test the younger generation, and you are not allowed to interfere in any way."

"Otherwise, you should be able to imagine the consequences yourself."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Hua nodded quickly, "Disciple understands!"

"But Abbot. If I can't reveal the matter of that senior, how can I tell Junior Brother Zhang?"

"I am only a steward. Logically speaking, I have no right to interfere in the affairs of the Medicine King Academy."

"Forget about arranging chores. I can't even control what side dishes are added to the vegetarian meals."

Looking at the greasy monk's evasive eyes, De Zheng looked helpless.

"You really didn't make a mistake in choosing your Dharma name. You're truly tactful. No need to make excuses. Just tell me it was my arrangement."

"Just say that this is a small compensation from me, the abbot, for the unfair treatment I gave you back then."

De Zheng sighed, "A little more."

"Last month, Master Huqiu from Huishan Temple came to Junior Brother Decong to ask for an elixir and gifted him a mid-grade martial art, the Tiger Subduing Technique."

"Although this martial art is only mid-level, it benefits both Buddhism and Taoism."

"If you can learn it, you can switch to the temple's top-grade martial arts when you have the chance later."

"Do you understand what I mean?"

Having said that, how could Yuanhua not understand that this was a "trap" tailor-made for Zhang Lishi and his entire family?

Not only can he get the protection of Yaowang Academy, but he can also solve the problem of studying martial arts at the same time, precisely hitting the pain points.

Yuanhua really couldn't think of any reason why Zhang Lishi and others would refuse, and at the same time, he couldn't help but feel envious.

Junior Brother Zhang is truly blessed to be valued by Abbot De Zheng and that unknown senior.

Yuanhua performed eleven bows and retreated respectfully.

De Zheng thought of the scriptures that Monk Qieci recited when he left, and his mind was in turmoil.

After a moment, he sighed and went straight to Yaowangyuan.

He was a close friend of Decong and knew that the latter was obsessed with alchemy and had a stubborn and eccentric personality.

This time, since the great master Qi Ci is involved, De Zheng must personally give instructions before he can feel at ease.

"Master, how is Master's wife doing?"

Outside the small courtyard rented by the escort agency, Li Cunxiao, Zhang Yuelu and others were waiting nervously at the door of a room.

As soon as Zhang Lishi came out, they quickly surrounded him.

"It was a false alarm, just fetal movement. The doctor said it's still some time before delivery."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

A middle-aged woman dressed as a nun came out from the inner room carrying a medicine box. Zhang Lishi and several others personally sent her to the door and gave her a thick red envelope.

But the latter firmly refused, and just said that if the mother felt unwell, she should come to her immediately.

"This nun is truly a virtuous person."

Ye Chengxiao sighed.

Ever since he met with Xiao Mei, he has been very careful to keep his distance from young and beautiful women.

On the contrary, an older woman could make him relax his guard a little.

"Master Jingyue is the head of the nearby Beitianyuan, and she has adopted more than ten beggars there."

"She specializes in treating women and children. Her medical skills are excellent, and her consultation fees are low. She is well-known among the neighbors. Otherwise, I would not have asked her to take care of your master's wife."

Listening to Zhang Lishi's words, Li Cunxiao couldn't help but think of Yuan Hua whom he met yesterday.

Both are Buddhists. One holds a high position and loves money like his life depends on money, while the other is kind-hearted and earns money only to help the poor and the lonely.

"It can only be said that in a big forest, there are all kinds of birds."

"A person with great martial arts skills may not necessarily have a compassionate heart;" "A person with low martial arts skills may not necessarily be unable to have a sense of justice"

"Among monks, there are great ones and there are evil ones. The same is true in the Taoist sect."

Some insights came to his mind, and Li Cunxiao was about to turn around and go in when he suddenly heard a loud shout from behind him:
"Junior Brother Zhang! Happy news is coming!"

Ok?
Hearing this familiar voice, Li Cunxiao frowned and protected his master Zhang Lishi in front of him.

"Junior Brother Zhang, please stay, please stay. This is truly a happy occasion!"

Yuanhua hurried as fast as he could, and Mingzhu behind him was carrying bags of gifts.

"Brother Yuanhua, I wonder where your happiness comes from?"

Zhang Lishi's face was full of vigilance.

Ever since the events of the past few days, he no longer dares to trust his former senior brother at all.

There is still no follow-up on the registration for the Ullambana Festival, so how can there be any happy event?

Yuanhua looked at the vigilance of everyone in the escort agency and wished he could slap himself in the face for what he did a few days ago.

But how could he have known at that time that after more than ten years of absence, Zhang Lishi and his family had just returned to the provincial capital and caught the attention of the abbot and another senior.

After returning home last night, he regretted it so much.

If I hadn't asked for such a high price at that time and had agreed to the other party's request.

Not only does he not have to spend all his family wealth, but he might even be able to take the opportunity to establish a good relationship with those three youngsters.

At that time, no matter who the senior takes a fancy to, he will be able to do him a favor.

Muttering to himself, "It's never too late to mend," Yuanhua smiled with great sincerity.

He bowed deeply to Zhang Lishi and the disciples behind him.

"Junior Brother Zhang, I was obsessed with money a few days ago. I was wrong first. I want to apologize to you first."

Zhang Lishi was startled and quickly stepped forward to support him.

Of course, he had no good feelings towards this senior brother who took advantage of the situation, but after all, the three disciples had only registered and were not yet disciples of Tiangu Temple.

The other party is the deacon of the Arhat Hall. Although he is not a high-ranking official, he is in charge of many things and is well-informed about the news in the temple.

It was already surprising that the other party could give in. It was impossible for Zhang Lishi to really accept the other party's gift so carelessly.

"I cannot accept this gift from you, Senior Brother. I cannot accept your gift either. Please take it back."

When Yuanhua heard this, he thought Zhang Lishi was still holding a grudge against him for his offense, and he immediately became anxious.

Go back? How can I go back?!

If this task fails, how will Abbot De Zheng report to his superiors?

It would be strange if that senior didn’t eat me alive!
"Junior Brother Zhang, your three disciples don't need to attend the Yulan Festival and can directly enter the Medicine King Academy."

"Give me a chance, Senior Brother. Let me in and explain everything to you."

"Otherwise, if the abbot blames me later, I'll be finished!"

At this point, there was even a hint of pleading in his tone.

This humble attitude stunned everyone.

Is this still the arrogant Yuan Hua from yesterday?
Oh, that's not right. When he registered us, he was already gentle, but not as harsh as he is today.

Is it all thanks to that Dezheng host?
A flash of thought flashed through Li Cunxiao's mind, and he called out "Master" in a low voice. Zhang Lishi then woke up from his dream and quickly invited Yuan Hua in.

Mingzhu came in like a wooden stake, carrying a lot of bags. It was Ye Chengxiao who took the initiative to step forward and lead him to the side room.

"After not seeing each other for a day, it feels like the master and disciple have become completely different people."

Li Cunxiao was puzzled and took the initiative to make tea so that he could go to the hall to listen.

The freshly brewed tea was extremely hot, but Yuanhua seemed to feel nothing and drank it all in one gulp, exclaiming that it was good tea.

But Zhang Lishi no longer cared about the other party's strange behavior. What he cared about most were the key words in the other party's words:

"Brother Yuanhua, you said that my three disciples don't need to attend the Yulan Festival and can go directly to the Medicine King Academy. What does this mean?"

"And what does this have to do with Abbot Dezheng?"

When Yuanhua walked in, he knew that the matter was half done, but his attitude was still very enthusiastic and his tone was extremely gentle.

"Junior brother, the abbot is a martial artist with such great magical powers. How can I dare to use him as a pretext?"

"Yesterday, after I submitted the list, Abbot Dezheng called me in and gave me a lecture."

"It is said that the abbot Decong is short of a few menial servants. It is a good opportunity for the three nephews to not have to attend the Yulan Festival auditions and can directly come to the abbot to be employed."

Yuan Hua's tone became more sincere as he spoke:
"Junior brother, listen to my advice. You haven't been in the temple for more than ten years, so you may have forgotten a lot of things."

"Abbot Dezheng and First Master Decong are close friends. Working in the alchemy room, even as a menial worker, can see the abbot more often than others in a year. As for the First Masters of the other academies, it goes without saying."

"So many talented young men from the counties and towns surrounding this state capital are flocking to this Yulan Festival. What's their motivation? Isn't it just a chance to showcase their talents?"

"The opportunity is right before our eyes now. Don't miss it. Otherwise, it will never come back!"

Zhang Lishi's heart was immediately moved when he heard this, because he understood all these principles, and the fact that Abbot Dezheng and Grand Master Decong had a good relationship was well known to everyone.

It can be said that there was not a single falsehood in what Yuan Hua said, but the more so, the more confused he became.

"But, Senior Brother, I've been away from the temple for many years. I'm just a country bumpkin who hasn't made any contribution to the sect. Why do I deserve such kindness?"

Why?
Because you have a good apprentice!
Zhang Lishi, you don’t know how to appreciate what you have!

Yuanhua looked at Li Cunxiao, Zhang Yuelu, and Ye Chengxiao who were walking with Mingzhu, and felt extremely envious.

Although I don’t know which one it is, the candidate that the senior has his eyes on must be among them.

"The abbot knew you would say that, so he specifically told me to tell my junior fellow apprentice brother before he left."

"These are compensations for what happened to Wei Yun back then."

De Zheng's original words were "a little compensation for the unfair treatment I gave you back then", but Yuan Hua didn't dare to bet on the abbot's intentions, so he naturally omitted this sentence.

But Zhang Lishi could no longer care about these things.

At this moment, all that filled his mind were the scenes that happened that year.

When Zhang Lishi was young, he was just an ordinary disciple in the temple.

To say that he is excellent means that he is better than the countless people in the Arhat Hall.

It can be said that he is extraordinary. In the Dharma Academy, which is full of talented people, Zhang Lishi's name cannot be found among the influential figures.

An unknown person had to leave his hometown because of a mistake caused by a moment of righteous indignation.

Many years later, when Tiangu Temple had forgotten him, Abbot De Zheng still remembered his resentment and grievances.

It doesn’t matter what compensation he gives, what matters is that it is a recognition.

Even though this recognition came more than ten years late, at this moment, all the resentment in Zhang Lishi's heart was dispelled without a trace by De Zheng's words.

"Abbot, you treat your disciples so well!"

Seeing the master's emotional and relieved look, several disciples couldn't help but feel tears in their eyes.

Even Li Cunxiao had to sigh that the character of Abbot Dezheng was truly strong.

Even if justice comes late, it is better than not coming at all.

Yuanhua looked at everyone's reactions, and it was not until this moment that he finally put his heart back into his stomach.

This was done. But the abbot's instructions were more than that.

"Don't worry, Junior Brother. The abbot has also made arrangements for your disciples to switch to martial arts."

(End of this chapter)

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