It all started with one person becoming a shaman, but the Stand user...

If he hadn't failed to set up a statue and officially open the temple, the temple would have been a thriving place of worship.

Even so, many benefactors around him offered to donate money to the temple for blessings.

As the number of disaster victims seeking refuge continued to increase, the existing positions became insufficient, so he had no choice but to start expanding outwards to include temples and cultivate terraced fields.

Construction cannot stop; we must increase job opportunities.

Just then, a group of bald monks, looking travel-worn and dressed in tattered clothes, arrived at the Taoist temple.

Chapter 64 An Unexpected Encounter That Came to Your Door

“Amitabha, Abbot is joking.”

The leader was a middle-aged monk with a rather robust physique.

Although he looked tired and his monk's robes were covered in dust, his eyes were calm and his demeanor still showed signs of spiritual practice.

Behind him were seven or eight monks of varying ages, some of whom were injured and looked dejected.

“We, the humble monks, were originally monks of the Jingye Temple in Youzhou. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed in the chaos of war, and the monks were scattered. We, the humble monks and these fellow disciples, managed to escape, but we were wounded by weapons and lost our place to live. We had no choice but to wander here. How could we presume to claim this place?”

The burly monk leading the group looked pleading and quickly put his hands together in prayer, bowing deeply.

"We have long heard that Master Qingmiao of Fengling Yueying Temple is compassionate and generous in distributing rice porridge to help the homeless. We, the humble monks, have nowhere else to turn and have shamelessly come here, hoping that the Master can temporarily lend us a corner so that we can have a place to rest and recuperate."

After he finished speaking, the monks behind him also put their palms together in prayer, their faces showing anticipation and exhaustion.

In the midst of war, even the pure land of Buddhism could not protect itself, and these monks were clearly tormented.

"That's good."

Qinghe Miao actually knew that it was very likely not true; he was just half-joking.

Today was a day of rest for him in the main world. As soon as he crossed over, he heard that a group of monks had been waiting outside the temple for several days and hoped to meet them.

So he received the group of uninvited guests inside the temple.

It's inevitable to have unconscious wild thoughts.

Could it be that "no one cultivates the barren land, but once cultivated, people fight over it," and he painstakingly renovated the dilapidated temple into a Taoist temple?

Once the reputation spread, these monks probably came to scam people after hearing that it used to be a temple.

If you think about it carefully, you'll realize that the possibility is slim.

But why has Buddhism's reputation suffered due to the influence of various film and television works and historical materials disseminated in later generations?

With a change of heart, Qing Hemiao's face regained its composure, and he quickly instructed the guards standing beside him:

"Quickly, offer seats to all the masters, and serve some tea and snacks."

Although most of the supplies inside the temple came from the income of the surrounding refugees.

The money was used by Qinghe Miao to pay for maintaining the Fenglingyue Film Studio and the subsequent work for the refugees.

But the remaining funds were all used to support him alone, and it was still quite sufficient.

Coarse tea, dried fruit, and biscuits are always on hand to serve guests.

After the monks sat down somewhat awkwardly, and after a few sips of snacks and hot tea, their expressions softened, Qing Hemiao asked with curiosity:

"All of you masters are recluses, how did you end up in such a state? And... is it not against Buddhist rules for you to devote yourselves to my small Taoist temple?"

The burly monk at the head of the group, whose Dharma name was "Wei Hong," put down his teacup upon hearing this, sighed deeply, and put his palms together, saying:

“Amitabha, Master, you are unaware of this, but it is also due to the turmoil of this world that we are forced to endure this.”

After a proper meal and watering session, and seeing the young abbot's gentle demeanor, Abbot Huiming began to explain in detail.

Based on what he had seen and heard in later generations, Qinghe Miao roughly figured out the reason.

It turns out that this has been the case since Emperor Wuzong of Tang's "Huichang Persecution of Buddhism".

Although more than sixty years have passed, Buddhism has been restored to some extent.

However, successive regimes have always maintained a high degree of vigilance and strict control over large temples and uncontrolled itinerant monks.

Especially in such chaotic times, temples find it even more difficult to remain detached from worldly affairs.

Everyone knows these monks are rich.

When the army passed through the area, they often regarded temples as "granaries" and "labor depots," and it was common practice to forcibly requisition food and fodder and conscript monks as laborers.

Even worse, after occupying a territory, they were ruthless in looting the temples within their jurisdiction. It was common for them to melt down bronze statues to fund their army and plunder the food stored in the temples to pay their soldiers.

It can only be said that the principles are the same throughout history.

Warlords from various regions: Who researched this temple thing? It explodes with gold coins the moment it's hit.

Therefore, to avoid war and violence, monks often had no choice but to abandon their temples and flee.

The Taihang Mountains have been a natural escape route since ancient times.

The mountains are high and the forests are dense, making it easy to hide.

Since the Northern Dynasties, many grottoes and temples have been carved and built in the Taihang Mountains, although most of them are now abandoned.

But after all, that's where the foundation is!

Just along this line continuing south from the Taihang Mountains, there are Buddhist relics such as the famous Xiangtangshan Grottoes, which shows how prosperous Buddhism was in this area in history.

The chances of being taken in are always greater if you encounter fellow practitioners or believers from other temples.

Unexpectedly, the first place they encountered that could shelter them, after fleeing from north to south, was a Taoist temple.

Their reputation is pretty good!

Moreover, the journey on the run was truly unbearable, and I really didn't want to continue.

So he simply swallowed his pride and came to ask for help.

"so it is."

After listening, Qinghe Miao understood.

In chaotic times, all rules and regulations, and the distinction between Buddhism and Taoism, must give way to survival.

"Since you esteemed masters intend to stay, how do you plan to conduct yourselves?"

He tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of the seat and pondered:

"If you're just looking for a way to survive like those refugees down the mountain, that's simple; just go find a job. The Tao follows nature, and I don't discriminate against any beliefs. As long as you abide by the law, I won't make things difficult for you."

Upon hearing this, Abbot Wei Hong visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

He took a book carefully wrapped in oilcloth from his bosom and respectfully presented it with both hands:

"Abbot, you are wise. We are wanderers with nothing but this sutra. We have heard that you are not only compassionate, but also have the ability to subdue demons and monsters, and your skills are extraordinary. You must have a great love for martial arts."

He unwrapped the oilcloth, gently stroked the book cover, and introduced it as follows:

"This is a practice passed down through generations in our temple. According to the elders of the temple, it has some connection with the transmission of the Dharma by Bodhidharma after his eastward journey. The book not only contains unique interpretations of some parts of the Lankavatara Sutra, but the practice itself is also quite mysterious."

This humble monk humbly requests that the Abbot discuss this matter with us in detail. Our request is modest; we only hope that the Abbot will allow us to find a temple or cave nearby where we can take refuge.

This is what gift-giving is all about.

It's clear that the monks' escape may not have lasted particularly long.

Although he looked frightened and exhausted, he still behaved with composure and carried a few scriptures and ritual implements with him.

"I can agree to your request to find a place to settle down. Most of the land around here is naturally unclaimed land, which is not really my responsibility. However, there are some things I need to say beforehand."

Qing Hemiao's gaze lingered on the old-fashioned book for a moment, but he did not immediately reach out to take it:

"The people gathered around here are mostly refugees struggling to survive. I'm already handling things like collecting donations, lending seeds, and renting land."

Therefore, if you venerable masters wish to establish yourselves here, you need not concern yourselves with these things. Food, clothing, and daily necessities must all be provided by yourselves; even monks must work. In short, is it even possible to be self-reliant?

After drawing this dungeon, he has indeed been searching for suitable martial arts manuals to improve his strength.

Unfortunately, since ancient times, any decent martial arts techniques have been protected like their lifeblood by various sects and schools, kept tightly hidden.

Moreover, this is the era.

The ones I found through connections before were mostly generic items like the "Five Tigers Severing the Gate Knife" from various works.

It's simply not worth the time and effort to improve your proficiency.

Chapter 65 Innate Talent: The Return of All Forms to the Origin

Faced with an unexpected adventure that has come knocking on their door.

This martial arts manual, which is said to have a very impressive history, may actually have some value.

However, Qinghe Miao would never do this for a martial arts technique that didn't appear in the original work and was unknown.

This allows a new exploitative class to emerge among the refugees.

Those high-ranking officials should really be brought down and made to see what's going on.

These people have already suffered enough.

In short, gifts can be accepted, but only if the other party accepts their rules.

“Amitabha Buddha, what the Master said is absolutely right, it is the correct truth.”

Upon hearing this, the monk who called himself Huiming showed no sign of embarrassment. Instead, he pressed his palms together again, bowed deeply, and spoke in a respectful tone.

“We who have left home to become monks should not sit back and enjoy the fruits of others’ labor, nor should we add to the burden of sentient beings. It is already a great kindness to have been granted permission by the abbot to reside here. We should work together with everyone and earn our own living. We would never dare to have any improper thoughts, much less engage in any exploitative practices. This humble monk agrees to this on behalf of all my fellow monks.”

In this way, the matter of taking in these monks was initially settled.

As for whether they will have any other thoughts after they recover.

That depends on their subsequent methods.

Anyway, Qinghe Miao already warned me in advance, so don't say I didn't warn you.

When the cold bald head turns into warm experience points, you can't blame anyone else.

The monk Huiming was very respectful.

"This book is a secret of our temple. Although it is not a unique copy, it still carries the hard work of our ancestors."

Seeing that Qinghe Miao had made a promise, he handed over the book he was holding in his hands and said:

"Master, your martial arts are superb, and your knowledge is vast. Please offer your corrections to this book. If you encounter any difficulties during your future study, or wish to explore the meaning of the scriptures and martial arts principles, this humble monk, though lacking in talent and learning, will gladly assist you!"

"To correct" is a humble term; in reality, it means to present this martial arts manual.

This can be considered the first payment for accommodation and a pledge of allegiance.

After speaking, Monk Huiming placed the book on the tea table next to Qinghe Miao.

Then, after bowing again, he tactfully led the other monks out of the temple, guided by the abbot, to settle them in their temporary lodgings.

The room was now empty except for Qinghe Miao.

Instead of immediately touching the book, he picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and thoughtfully glanced in the direction the monks had left outside the door.

After a moment, he put down his teacup and picked up the old book with slightly worn edges and a textured feel.

The paper is a relatively tough bark paper, slightly yellowed, with an antique ink stain.

He carefully turned to the first page, and what came into view was not a diagram of martial arts techniques, but a Buddhist scripture introduction copied in neat regular script, the handwriting upright and powerful, exuding a calm aura.

Almost the instant his gaze fell upon the handwriting, the system's notification sounded clearly in his mind:

[You are currently viewing the martial arts manual, "The Lankavatara Vajra Treatise." Would you like to study it?]

Lankavatara Sutra

This story originates from the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, when the Buddhist monk Xuanzang returned from his pilgrimage to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures. The abbot of Jingye Temple, along with many other temples that currently benefited from the Buddhist community, went to challenge him, arguing about the interpretation of the scriptures. They took turns engaging in debate, and Xuanzang was defeated after only three punches. The abbot was then pleased with the outcome.

Therefore, based on the Mahayana Buddhism further propagated by Master Xuanzang, his in-depth interpretation and new translation of the Lankavatara Sutra, and combining the essence of existing Buddhist martial arts in the Central Plains with some training methods from the Western Regions, this method was created. It has been passed down for more than 230 years and has been improved and perfected by several generations of eminent monks.