Lao Tzu is Ji Gong

At this moment, more monks followed closely behind. The monks formed a long, serpentine line, and instead of dispersing, they were led by four blue-robed monks with a daunting physique, distinct from the other gray-robed monks. They walked straight out of the temple.

The four blue-robed monks, each with a different appearance, walked side by side, each carrying a staff weighing over a hundred pounds.

The monks behind them all wore prayer beads, their eyes focused on their noses and their noses on their hearts, their appearances solemn and dignified, yet they were not worried about falling because their vision was so narrow.

If hundreds of monks were to form a warrior monk army, they would surely rampage across the battlefield as if it were empty.

In the eyes of the monks, Li Xiuyuan sat upright on a golden lotus platform, with a statue of Vairocana Buddha behind him, seemingly accompanied by the chanting of Buddhist scriptures. Moreover, his appearance as a high monk made it impossible for anyone to look directly at him.

With just one glance, the monks were filled with fear.

Finally, Zen Master Liaokong asked, "May I ask why you have come, Master?"

As he spoke, he clasped his hands together and bowed in greeting.

He practiced silent meditation, but when he encountered Li Xiuyuan, his technique was broken.

It would be rather unreasonable not to speak up when faced with such an enlightened monk as Liaokong, who is the abbot of Jingnian Temple.

Li Xiuyuan said calmly, "I am the reincarnation of the Venerable Subduing Dragon. Today, my disciple and I are passing through your esteemed place. As the saying goes, all Buddhist sects under heaven are one family. We have come here to ask for a place to stay."

As he spoke, the image of Vairocana Buddha behind him seemed to become even more concentrated, and the Buddha's light shone throughout the entire Jingnian Temple.

what?

The reincarnation of the Dragon-Subduing Venerable.

Anyone who is a Buddhist will know about the Venerable Subduer of Dragons. He is the leader of the Eighteen Arhats. Although he cannot be compared to the Buddha or Bodhisattvas in Buddhism, he is still an extremely powerful figure in Buddhism.

As for the claim that someone is impersonating someone, in this world full of gods and Buddhas, who would dare to misuse the identity of a powerful being to act in this mortal world? There is no doubt about it.

Master Liaokong spoke, saying, "Amitabha, since it is Venerable Subduing Dragon who has arrived, I, your disciple Liaokong, have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me!"

As they spoke, the monks bowed in respect.

The people of Jingnian Temple were initially slightly angry when they saw Li Xiuyuan break through the silence of the Zen master, but now that they have the opportunity to meet the Venerable Subduing Dragon, they naturally have no complaints!

As for being addressed as a disciple, that is a must.

As you can see, anyone in the Buddhist community, even figures like Sun Wukong or Tang Sanzang, would address Guanyin Bodhisattva or Buddha Tathagata as a disciple if they were of higher status than them.

The current Zen Master Liaokong is naturally not included.

Li Xiuyuan said calmly, "Amitabha! It's alright."

He is the Venerable Dragon Subduer, so naturally he wouldn't hold a grudge over such a trivial matter.

He saw that Liao Kong's figure was extraordinary, truly deserving of the title of the foremost Buddhist figure in the Tang Dynasty.

Master Liaokong respectfully said, "Please come inside, Venerable One."

As he spoke, the abbot gestured for the monks to proceed, and the other monks naturally made way for him.

Li Xiuyuan didn't stand on ceremony. He put away the World-Destroying Black Lotus, and floated down lightly, entering the Jingnian Zen Temple.

At this time, Liaokong, as the host, led the way, followed by the Four Heavenly Kings and the white horse led by Bodhidharma.

Several people entered Jingnian Temple. In the very center were seven main halls, namely the Manjushri Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Wuliang Hall, etc.

Master Liaokong led two people into the main hall.

In addition, the Four Heavenly Kings followed, and the rest of the monks in the temple followed closely behind, but none of them entered the main hall.

Upon seeing the buildings inside the temple, Li Xiuyuan asked, "Why are all the buildings in the temple centered around that bronze hall?"

As he spoke, he pointed in that direction.

The main buildings of Jingnian Temple are arranged in a row along the central axis facing the temple gate, with the bronze hall as the center of the temple, forming a complete and uniform structure.

Apart from the bronze hall, all the buildings are covered with tricolor glazed tiles, which look brand new. It is unclear whether this is because the monks in the temple are diligent in cleaning or because the tiles are of such quality.

The peacock blue of the tricolor is particularly dazzling. One can imagine its brilliance under the sunlight.

Li Xiuyuan and the others were located in the main hall, but the distance between them varied greatly, with the former being farther away and the latter closer.

In front of the bronze palace is a vast platform plaza, hundreds of feet wide, built of white stone and surrounded by white stone railings.

In the center of White Stone Square stands a bronze statue of Manjushri Bodhisattva, riding on the back of a golden lion. The statue is about two zhang tall, and there are also statues of the Three Buddhas of the Three Worlds, namely Bhaisajyaguru, Shakyamuni, and Amitabha, next to the niche.

The painted sculptures and gold ornaments are quite impressive, but they also seem a bit out of step with the usual practices of temples.

Along the four sides of the white stone platform, besides the four stone steps leading to the entrance, there are five hundred Arhats, all cast in gold and bronze. Each one has a different expression and posture, but whether they have open eyes and protruding foreheads or lowered eyes and inward gaze, they are all lifelike and no different from living people.

The other buildings are arranged in an orderly manner around the main hall on the axis, separated by trees and roads, creating a solemn and sacred atmosphere.

A large incense burner was placed in front of the Manjushri Buddha shrine in White Stone Square. The burning sandalwood emitted a large amount of fragrance, which filled the entire space and calmed everyone's mind, creating an atmosphere of otherworldly tranquility.

Upon hearing this, Zen Master Liaokong replied, "Amitabha, this bronze hall is newly built. I intend to store some items here, and I think there will be a place for martial arts practice soon."

These things are not easy to talk about normally, but it is not appropriate to lie directly to the Venerable Dragon Subduer in person.

In the past, during the struggle between Yang Guang and Yang Yong, Yang Guang was trained by the Demonic Sect, while Yang Yong was trained by the Buddhist Sect.

However, in the end, Yang Guang won the battle between the two, and the Buddhist monks, unwilling to accept defeat, stole the He Shi Bi jade.

This Jingnian Zen Temple is a Buddhist structure, which began construction decades ago, with the intention of waiting for a time of great chaos in the world.

The He Shi Bi jade will be stored here so that when heroes gather in Luoyang, they can choose a master for it.

Li Xiuyuan knew exactly what this object was, and thought to himself that the Buddhist temple was indeed very luxurious. He was afraid that this temple alone was more wealthy than that of an ordinary lord!

Chapter 22 Ancient Treasure

Moreover, this was just one temple in Luoyang. There were hundreds or even thousands of temples in the Tang Dynasty. Even if it couldn't compare to Jingnian Temple, it still possessed considerable wealth.

Most importantly, Buddhism does not engage in production. In previous dynasties, the resources of a country could not compare with those of Buddhism.

However, Li Xiuyuan was also a Buddhist, so he liked these words, he thought wickedly.

Li Xiuyuan asked, "Oh, but it's the He Shi Bi jade!"

Upon hearing this, Zen Master Liaokong was surprised, but considering the man's identity, he was no longer surprised and respectfully replied, "Indeed."

Li Xiuyuan pondered for a moment and then asked, "Where is the He Shi Bi jade now?"

The exotic energy within the He Shi Bi jade transformed Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, and Ba Feng Han of the Tang Dynasty, producing astonishing effects, which Li Xiuyuan naturally desired.

Upon hearing this, Zen Master Liaokong's expression changed drastically, and he stammered, "Uh... this?"

He was a little flustered, unsure whether he should say it or not.

Li Xiuyuan said calmly, "Well, Buddhists don't lie. Don't you know the precepts?"

As she spoke, a cold light flashed in her eyes, as if she wanted to see right through him.

Upon hearing this, large beads of sweat streamed down Master Liaokong's forehead. He was completely devoid of his previous composure and finally spoke, "Disciple was mistaken. The He Shi Bi is currently in Cihang Jingzhai."

As he spoke, he clasped his hands together and bowed in greeting.

It should be noted that if Li Xiuyuan did not display his martial prowess, ordinary people would naturally not know his level of cultivation, as he practiced the Great Sun Tathagata Sutra.

That's why Zen Master Liaokong was so nervous. Although he understood the principles of Buddhism, it was simply unacceptable for him to try to hide the truth, so he had no choice but to admit his mistake.

Cihang Jingzhai and Jingnian Chan Sect are known as the two great holy sites of the Tang Dynasty, and are secretly the leaders of the righteous martial arts world.

Whenever the Central Plains were in chaos, he would send out his men to search for the true Son of Heaven and restore order to the world.

Li Xiuyuan replied, "Oh, if I have the time, I would like to see it for myself."

He spoke with great interest.

Master Liaokong said, "Of course, if Your Excellency wishes to see it, you can wait for the people from Cihang Jingzhai to arrive, and they will bring the He Shi Bi jade."

He then bowed again.

Talking to someone of such high seniority is so tiring that even standing up hurts your back; how come he never noticed this before?

Upon hearing this, Li Xiuyuan remained calm and said indifferently, "Forget it, who knows how long it will take for them to arrive. Besides, Cihang Jingzhai is one of the two major forces of our Buddhist sect at the end of the Sui Dynasty."

"I've already visited Jingnian Temple. Why don't you accompany me to Dita Peak for a stroll?"

He couldn't wait that long, and besides, Emperor Peak was considered the leading righteous force in the Tang Dynasty, and with the Cihang Sword Manual, he was interested in seeing it.

Upon hearing this, Zen Master Liaokong's expression changed drastically, and he stammered, "This...this?"

Beads of sweat dripped from his forehead as he thought to himself, "Why is he leaving so soon after arriving? Was it because I didn't take good care of him?"

Seeing Kong's hesitation, Li Xiuyuan pressed on, "Don't you want to?"

Upon hearing this, Zen Master Liaokong naturally dared not disobey and immediately replied, "No, this disciple is willing."

Li Xiuyuan said calmly, "That's good. Let's set off in three days!"

He didn't say he would take him there immediately. After all, having just arrived at Jingnian Temple, he preferred to stay with the nuns at Cihang Jingzhai rather than the monks in the temple.

At least it's pleasing to the eye!

While letting out a sigh of relief, Zen Master Liaokong replied, "Yes, please rest in the hall, Venerable One. I will go and prepare some vegetarian food."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiuyuan said calmly, "Yes, go quickly! Oh, and remember to prepare plenty of wine and meat."

Master Liaokong exclaimed in surprise, "Venerable one, this is a violation of the precepts."

Li Xiuyuan remained calm and said in a serious tone, "As the saying goes, 'Wine and meat pass through the intestines, but Buddha remains in the heart.'"

As long as you have Buddha in your heart, that's enough.

Moreover, since I have been reincarnated into the human world this time, I will naturally experience the suffering of all living beings and try them out one by one.