There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 306: Competing for Invitation
“Amitabha, benefactor, you are truly decisive, saving us from a lot of trouble.”

The old monk Jingyan gave Chen Qing a deep look, put his hands together, uttered a Buddhist chant, and said no more.

Chen Qing's mind raced: "The internal structure of this bronze jue has changed drastically, and its function has shifted to connecting with the so-called Pure Lotus Buddhist Realm. If that's the case, where did this ancient cultivator's remnant soul come from? He was clearly not arranged by the Buddhist sect, otherwise Jingyan wouldn't have intervened. A non-Buddhist remnant soul can reside in this portal artifact that has been heavily refined by the Buddhist sect; there must be some trickery involved..."

He had a vague feeling that there was more to the story behind the bronze jue's alteration of its gate.

"What the remnant soul of the ancient cultivator said might not be false. Jiang and Xu, the Xu surname should be the royal family, and as for Jiang, I have encountered two people with the surname Jiang in this immortal dynasty, and neither of them were simple people. However, who is this Hunyuan Daozun? It seems that I need to investigate him carefully. Anyway, things here have been dealt with more or less, so there is no need to linger here any longer."

With this thought in mind, Chen Qing suppressed his curiosity, looked up at the old monk Jingyan, and said, "Now that this matter is settled, I have some thoughts to share, so I will take my leave first."

Upon hearing this, the old monk Jingyan not only did not stop him, but also nodded with a smile: "Benefactor, you have had a series of encounters today, and even gained a rare treasure that recognizes you as its owner. You need to meditate in a quiet room to properly understand its mysteries and consolidate your gains. Huiming, you will personally escort Benefactor Chen to the hermitage in the back temple to rest. Make sure all your needs are met and do not be neglected in the slightest."

Chen Qing was about to decline, but Jingyan seemed to see through his thoughts and preemptively explained, "Benefactor, you accepted the rare treasure in front of everyone today. The news will spread within half a day. There are always people in the world who are blinded by greed and take chances. It is hard to guarantee that no one will have any improper thoughts. If you recuperate in the temple first and are protected by Huiming, you can save yourself a lot of unnecessary trouble."

Chen Qing thought for a moment. He had just obtained the bronze jue and there was still a wisp of incense and vow power in his purple mansion that needed to be dealt with. In addition, he planned to get involved in important Buddhist affairs. He really needed a quiet place to rest and recuperate. With the help of the people from Kuchan Temple, he could avoid a lot of trouble. So he stopped refusing and nodded, saying, "In that case, I'll trouble Master Huiming."

“No, please follow me, benefactor.” Huiming respectfully led the way with one palm raised.

Seeing this, Mang Shoutuo, Zheng Qingtian, and the others also got up and followed Chen Qing, heading towards the back temple together.

After Chen Qing and his group left, the atmosphere in the square suddenly became subtle.

Many people could not hide their disappointment and resentment.

"That's it? The treasure was just taken away?"

"We've come all this way just to watch others acquire treasure? Although the rain just now brought some benefits, this..."

"If I had known this would happen, I would have been better off staying home and practicing meditation!"

The vast majority of people come here for the legendary treasure that is said to help them break through and comprehend profound methods, rather than just for a little bit of nourishment.

The old monk Jingyan took in everyone's expressions, laughed heartily, and then said, "Amitabha, fellow Daoists, please be patient. The treasure chooses its owner, which is the way of fate and cannot be forced. However, our Buddhist sect is vast and compassionate, how could we let you who have come from afar leave empty-handed?"

With a flick of his sleeve, a monk beside him presented several jade plates, on which were placed several objects that shimmered with a subtle luster: crystal-clear Buddhist beads, pearls the size of longan eyes, an ancient scripture scroll, and other miscellaneous items.

"This is a precious crystal meditation rosary from our temple, which has the effect of calming the mind and warding off inner demons; this Vajra Bead was crafted by a senior monk and contains pure Buddhist power, which can help people comprehend Buddhist teachings and temper their physical body; and this scroll of 'The Lamp of Prajna' is incomplete, but it directly points to the wonders of cultivating the mind and is quite beneficial for strengthening the soul..."

The Venerable Monk Jingyan introduced them one by one.

"At today's Dharma assembly, all those who are destined to receive this treasure can exchange it for their own insights or gains as compensation."

These treasures, though not as mysterious as the bronze jue, were still rare Buddhist artifacts, immediately drawing everyone's attention back. The atmosphere became lively again, and many people began to calculate their gains, preparing to exchange them for their desired items.

However, there were also a few people whose eyes were darting around, their minds already elsewhere.

Their gazes frequently drifted in the direction Chen Qing had left, and they secretly communicated with their disciples, instructing them to gather information about "Chen Qiu".

"Judging from the actions of the Sky Patrol Bureau, the courtesy shown to the Kuchan Temple, and the fact that the strange treasure recognized its owner on its own, this person is hiding quite a lot!"

"Quickly investigate his background! Especially his relationship with the Hidden Star Sect and the Marquis of Donghai!"

"Once the Dharma assembly has subsided, we will personally go and pay them a visit to ascertain the truth!"

In a corner of the crowd, a few others huddled together, their faces somber, standing out starkly from the enthusiastic crowd around them.

"Jin Yuanzhao's last message was sent from this Kuchan Temple, after which he disappeared without a trace! The people from the Water Vein who were arranged for him as a backup plan have also vanished without a trace!"

"Senior Brother carries a heavy responsibility, concerning the grand plan of our lineage. We cannot let this end in vain! Immediately send more men to search for his whereabouts!"

"When the Kuchan Temple took him away, they acted as if they wanted to make Brother Jin their heir. How come they've disappeared now? Once we find out, we should mobilize our forces and raze this place to the ground!"

A secluded and tranquil retreat in the temple's backyard.

Murong Gu and Murong Zhiqing followed the guiding monk along the stone path leading to the inn.

“Zhiqing,” Murong Gu said, stroking his beard as he gazed at Chen Qing’s retreating figure, “Since you have some feelings for him, don’t be as reserved and hesitant as before. Someone as promising as him will surely become a target of various forces vying for his favor once the time is right. It will be much more difficult to get close to him then. Why not take this opportunity to reveal your feelings? I can then find a suitable time to bring up the matter of marriage with him. My Li Yang Palace is a prestigious family in the North. For him, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if we were to form a bond.”

Upon hearing this, Murong Zhiqing blushed, bit her lower lip, and whispered, "Master, this matter... this matter needs careful consideration. How can we act so hastily..."

Just then, footsteps sounded from behind. Everyone turned around and saw the white-bearded old monk approaching quickly with two disciples. He had a warm smile on his face and greeted them from afar with a cupped hand, "Amitabha, Benefactor Chen, please wait."

Chen Qing stopped and turned around.

The white-bearded old monk approached, his gaze sweeping over Chen Qing, his eyes filled with admiration. He clasped his hands together and said, "This old monk, Pufa, sees that you have a deep affinity with Buddhism and possess inner wisdom, which pleases me greatly. Our temple is a direct descendant of Mount Sumeru, and we possess many true interpretations of Buddhist teachings, as well as the secret techniques of Vajra Initiation. We place great emphasis on cultivating a solid foundation. If you have the time, I earnestly hope that you will grace our humble temple with your presence to exchange Buddhist teachings and verify your learning. This will surely enable you to reach a higher level in your path!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than another voice rang out from the other side: "Brother Pufa arrived quickly."

The crowd looked in the direction of the voice and saw that it was Master Mingjing, the head monk of Jingchen Temple, who was floating over with a jade whisk in his hand.

Upon seeing this, the white-bearded monk Pufa laughed and said, "Junior brother has also arrived. Your arrival is just in time. It's time to tell Benefactor Chen about the profound mysteries of our Little Sumeru Mountain!"

Zen Master Mingjing nodded, then said to Chen Qing, “Benefactor Chen, I am Mingjing. Although my Little Sumeru Mountain is not a direct lineage of the Western Wilderness, our patriarch traveled and studied there for a thousand years and has gained unique insights into Zen enlightenment and seeing one’s true nature. Judging from your demeanor, you seem to have some knowledge of the Way of the Mind. My humble temple may have some minor insights that you may study.”

These two set the stage, and soon after, several other eminent monks, each dressed in different styles of robes and exuding distinct auras, arrived in succession. They were all representatives of other famous Buddhist temples in Dongling Continent.

“Benefactor Chen, this old monk is from Jin Guang Temple…”

"The humble nun of the Moon Wheel Zen Temple's branch temple..."

In just a short while, the quiet backyard path became somewhat crowded.

These eminent monks all revealed their appreciation for Chen Qing and their intention to recruit him. They either promised to open their scriptures, invited him to exchange ideas on the Dharma, or hinted at the secret teachings of their temples. Their purpose was the same: to bring Chen Qing into their own monasteries or invite him into their temples.

Looking at Chen Qing, who was surrounded by the eminent monks, and recalling her master's words, Murong Zhiqing's shyness was gradually replaced by a complex emotion.

She realized that what her master said was true.

Murong Gu noticed the change in his disciple's expression, gently patted her shoulder, and transmitted his voice, "This is the power of a dragon emerging from the abyss."

Standing among the crowd, Chen Qing faced the invitations from all sides with a clear mind. Especially when he saw that the people from the Moon Wheel Zen Temple had also come, his heart stirred. However, he knew that some things should not be rushed, so he cupped his hands in greeting and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Thank you all for your kindness. I have gained a lot today and need time to calm down and digest it. I will remember your kindness. If I have the opportunity, I will definitely visit you and ask you about the mysteries of Buddhism."

Seeing this, the eminent monks were somewhat disappointed, but with the monk Huiming watching them, they could not insist. They left their name cards and tokens, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then departed one after another.

After the crowd dispersed, the monk Huiming, who had led the way, shook his head and sighed, "These people are always opportunistic. Before they saw the miraculous rain, they looked down on you. Now that they see the treasure choosing its owner, they realize you have a connection to Buddhism, so they rush to befriend you. Their hearts are not sincere. Even if you go, you may not receive any real teachings or respect."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing laughed and said, "Master, you are overthinking it. I am a disciple of the Hidden Star Sect and have no intention of changing my allegiance. Moreover, I am reluctant to part with these three thousand strands of hair and do not wish to sever my worldly desires and become a monk in a temple."

Upon hearing this, Monk Huiming said solemnly, “You are mistaken, benefactor. Our Lotus Realm lineage opens wide the doors of convenience. We have monks who have shaved their heads and strictly abide by the rules, as well as lay practitioners who are nominally worshipped and cultivate at home. All can receive the profound Dharma and jointly comprehend the subtle truths. Whether one is a monk or a layperson, or whether one enters another sect, it is merely a difference in form. Ultimately, it is about turning one's heart towards the Buddha’s teachings and seeking transcendence.”

As the two talked, they arrived at that secluded courtyard.

Monk Huiming stopped in front of the courtyard gate, raised one palm, and solemnly said, "Please come in and recuperate, benefactor. I will stay here to protect you and ensure that nothing disturbs you."

"Thank you for your trouble, Master." Chen Qing nodded, gave a few instructions to Mang Shoutuo, Zheng Qingtian and the others behind him, and then entered the quiet room.

The door was closed, separating the inside from the outside.

Chen Qing sat down cross-legged, first closing his eyes and concentrating for a moment. Once his mind was completely calm, he formed a hand seal, and streams of spiritual light dispersed to seal off the entire quiet room.

Then, he took out the bronze jue (a type of ancient Chinese wine vessel) and placed it in front of him.

"Om-"

Jue's body trembled slightly, and a dim, illusory figure floated out from Jue's mouth, landed on the ground, and reformed into the ancient cultivator's appearance, only more illusory than before, and its aura was much weaker.

As soon as the illusory figure appeared, it cautiously looked around, sensed the seal of the quiet room, and then looked at Chen Qing, a look of surprise and uncertainty flashing in its eyes.

Chen Qing looked at him and said, "Didn't you say you wanted to tell me a secret about the true origin of this title, involving the surnames Jiang and Xu, and the Primordial Daoist Venerable? Tell me about it. If it's useful, I might consider letting you go."

"You keep your word?" The ancient cultivator hesitated for a moment. Seeing that Chen Qing did not answer, he struggled for a few breaths before saying, "Do you know who originally made this bronze jue? Speaking of which, you seem to be a disciple of the Hidden Star Sect? Then you and I have some connection, because the original holder of this jue was a legendary figure in the early years of the Immortal Dynasty who once saved the world from fire and water!"

Chen Qing was taken aback: "You mean?"

"He is none other than the reviver of the Starry Sky lineage, the founder of the Hidden Star Sect, the Hidden Star True Lord!" After a pause, the ancient and dignified man said, "He is my grandmaster!"

(End of this chapter)