A master of comedy!

At night, everything is silent.

Inside the Immortal Stone Cave, however, it was quite lively.

Xiao Wu and his wife were engrossed in reading the script of "The Medicine Buddha" together, their eyes shining.

Others also gathered around to watch, occasionally exchanging and discussing the topic.

Zhou Sheng had already begun to study and practice on his own, and sometimes he would have Jinse play the zither to accompany him, sing a few songs, and do a few movements.

The clear, melodious sounds of opera echoed in the cave, carrying a hint of Zen, which made Jinse's eyes show a trace of intoxication.

What she loves most are all kinds of beautiful sounds, and Zhou Sheng's voice is one of them.

The music of the zither harmonizes perfectly, enhancing each other's beauty.

After a long while, everyone had finished reading the script, and their faces showed a hint of lingering enjoyment.

For those who are passionate about opera, this lost and unique script is very attractive, especially since it is an extremely rare Buddhist religious opera.

"The biggest challenge of this play lies in portraying the Medicine Buddha. It's a huge challenge, with complicated staging and a lot of Buddhist props needed. Plus, we only have less than three days to prepare. Isn't that too much of a rush, Master?"

After reading it, Xiao Wu frowned slightly and offered his opinion.

They were all experts in opera, but they were expected to perform a major opera they had never done before in just three days, so they inevitably had some concerns.

“Yes, Master, I can go to Medicine Buddha Temple again and tell them to postpone it for at least... nine days.”

An older student offered some advice.

Zhou Sheng shook his head and sighed, "When I said three days, I wasn't boasting, but because... Medicine Buddha Temple might not be able to hold out for three days."

Everyone was taken aback, but Jinse sat playing the zither, her beautiful face showing no emotion.

"Jinse, you must have noticed by now, right?"

Zhou Sheng looked at her and asked.

Jinse nodded and said, "From the voices of those monks, I could hear an uncontrollable demonic intent, but it was somewhat restrained under the sun. If you went there late at night, it would be even more obvious."

"The reason why the seventeen eminent monks hid in the Arhat Wall was to work together to suppress the demonic energy of the monks, chanting scriptures day and night in an attempt to enlighten them, but unfortunately..."

A ripple appeared in her glassy eyes.

"Demons arise from the heart, growing wildly like weeds. Simply suppressing them will only exacerbate their future eruption. Moreover, even some of the old monks in those Arhat murals have wavered in their Buddhist faith..."

Zhou Sheng sighed, "Or rather, apart from the abbot and Huinian's master, the other eminent monks in the wall were all tainted with a trace of demonic energy."

"I've made a rough estimate, and I'm afraid that within three days at most, most of the monks at Yaofo Temple will be possessed by demons."

It is described as a rough estimate, but it is actually derived from divination using the Luoshu (Lo Shu Square), and is absolutely accurate.

That's why Zhou Sheng took the initiative to propose a three-day agreement.

It is no exaggeration to say that this underhanded performance by the Zhou family troupe is the last straw that Yaofo Temple is clinging to before it becomes a den of demons.

A single play can determine the difference between Buddha and demon.

Of course, Zhou Sheng had another option, which, although somewhat wicked, might yield the greatest profit.

That is to sit idly by and watch the Medicine Buddha Temple turn into a den of demons, then claim to be righteous and kill all those monks in order to obtain the greatest power, and finally go to the Sutra Repository to find the Eight Treasures Merit Water.

However, Zhou Sheng rejected it without hesitation.

After learning the story of Yaofo Temple, he developed a deep respect for the monks who had sacrificed their lives to save countless people.

He risked his life to slay the dragon and diverted water to flood the temple.

They helped the people at all costs back then, and now that it's their turn to need help, Zhou Sheng naturally wouldn't kick them when they're down.

Those who hold salaries for everyone must not freeze them to death in the wind and snow.

Recalling the young monk Huinian, whose feet were covered in blisters and who had been exhausted to death in a cave, and recalling Guo Lao's gratitude and reverence for the monks of Yaofo Temple when he regained consciousness, Zhou Sheng's gaze became firm and his voice resounding.

"Intensify rehearsals. As for the necessary props, I'll find a way to gather them. We'll take this role." Xiao Wu laughed, "Alright, then let's do as the troupe leader says. Let's start rehearsing now. Anyway, it's a ghost, so we don't need to sleep. We can play six angels in three days!"

"Haha, the troupe leader is so righteous. If the old troupe leader were here, I think he would make the same choice."

The speaker was a highly respected senior member of the Juxianlou troupe, known as Uncle Wei, who had a very good relationship with Guan Buping. He also spoke up to support Zhou Sheng.

As for the red line, needless to say, he would follow Zhou Sheng's lead without question.

When Xiao Wu, the representative of the younger generation of Juxianlou, Uncle Wei, the representative of the older generation, and Hongxian, the eldest sister among the child actors, spoke at the same time, everyone naturally had no further objections.

Seeing everyone's support, Zhou Sheng was moved, but also felt a heavy sense of responsibility.

"Please rest assured, since you have recognized me as the troupe leader, I will definitely be responsible for your safety. As for this play, no matter how it turns out, just do your best."

Zhou Sheng spoke with great confidence and conviction.

That confidence comes from a century of spiritual practice, and it is also the divine calculation of the Luoshu.

"Boss, boss, let's cheer each other on!"

Red Thread stretched out its little hand and said with great interest.

The group exchanged glances, then burst into laughter, and very politely extended their hands to him. Even Jinse smiled and reached out her hand.

Finally, everyone looked at Zhou Sheng.

He took a deep breath and placed his hand on top, covering Jinse's hand.

"For the first performance by the Zhou family troupe, I have only one requirement: after the performance... not a single one can be missing!"

"Gentlemen, thank you for your trouble!"

……

Deep in the mountains, inside an ancient and secluded cave.

The candlelight flickered, and drops of lamp oil fell onto the chessboard, casting a lonely figure on the stone wall.

“Zhou Danshan…the successor of Yu Zhensheng has also arrived.”

"This play... seems to be getting more and more interesting. Bai Qi, do you think we can successfully perform 'The Medicine Buddha'?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a huge snake shadow arched up from the stone wall, flicking its three-foot-long red tongue and emitting a chilling hiss.

Deep within the dark cave, at the bottom of the cold, sunless pool, a pair of lantern-like scarlet eyes suddenly opened.

At the same time, the mountain spring water suddenly began to overflow, making a gurgling sound, and the originally babbling stream also rose in volume.

"Bai Qi, tell me, will Buddha win this time, or will Demon prevail?"

Inside the cave, the voice rang out again, indifferent, calm, and deep, yet possessing a kind of madness that seeped into the very marrow of one's bones.

It was as if a vicious demon king had peeled off a Buddha's skin and put it on.

"Let this humble monk witness the ugliness of these living beings."

……

Boom!

While Zhou Sheng was still immersed in practicing his play, a thunderous sound suddenly rang out, which could be faintly heard even in the cave.

He left the cave and pushed open the door to take a look.

The drizzling rain brought with it a faint, earthy smell.

The damp night breeze ruffled his hair and clothes, and Zhou Sheng's gaze suddenly became calm and profound as he slowly uttered a sound.

"I bet Buddha will win."

...(End of this chapter)