Tao Qian heard the chant and felt that Shenxiu spoke well of Buddhism, simple and easy to understand, leading people gradually into the Buddhist Sect, providing a glimpse into the Sublime Dharma.
But if one were to say it was profound, it would not count as such, for cultivators like Master Tao who were only a step away from the "Ultimate Happiness Realm," it would not yield much gain.
Rather, it was the Mortals or those with low-quality root who, each and every one of them, showed joy in their expressions, surprised and delighted beyond measure.
Whether it was within the provincial city or before the Spirit Mirrors in the secret sites of the Seventy-two provinces, everyone began to exclaim:
"What a great master, as he has granted me a Magic Skill [Arhat Fist], powerful and vigorous, which is just right for Demon Suppression."
"Many thanks to Master Shenxiu for bestowing the Divine Abilities, I have also received a power called [Heavenly Dragon Swordsmanship], 108 forms, mysterious and unparalleled."
"Ha ha ha, I've obtained a Magic Skill [Free Serenity Technique], now I don't need to mutate, the master is truly my lifesaver, from today onward I will head to Free Temple, not asking to be admitted into the temple, but happy to be a farmer at the foot of the mountain."
"The master is truly compassionate and generous, my hometown is currently plagued by a beast disaster, and now being granted with this [Burning Wood Blade Technique], I can return home to save people and alleviate the calamity."
"I have also gained something, [Rebirth Mantra], able to transcend the souls of the deceased, how virtuous and good."
"He he, the Magic Skill I obtained is the best, called [Red Desire Stealing Fragrance Technique], don't misunderstand, although it sounds like the Joyful Zen Magic Skill, the Buddhism within it leads people toward goodness."
For a time, the name Shenxiu echoed throughout the provincial city and every place in the Seventy-two provinces.
Others might not see it, but Tao Qian saw it clearly.
Quite grandiose, strands and threads of golden Fortune came from all directions, flowing into Shenxiu's body.
It wasn't Human Dao Destiny, but something else.
With this wave of spreading the Divine Abilities to all living beings, Shenxiu instantly received vast amounts of merit.
Quite a few powerful individuals recognized this happening, but none envied him.
Even though at that moment, a rare look of joy floated on Shenxiu's otherwise unappealing face.
"Spreading transcendent Magic Skills to the ignorant masses and bestowing them, though it brings merit, the backlash that will come later will not be small. Little accumulates to more, the merit and evil power cancel each other out, overall he is at a loss."
"Of course, looking at it from a fishing perspective would be different."
"It offers greater benefits to the Free Temple."
After Tao Qian discerned the inner cause and effects, he did not act but simply watched Shenxiu perform.
This is a good thing, to be supported.
About 15 minutes later, Shenxiu stopped chanting.
Instead, with a joyful expression, he raised his hand and thanked Tao Qian: "Many thanks to Wu Gou for helping me achieve this."
Seeing that the Wu Gou Buddha Son in front of him did not stop him from spreading the Buddhist Law, Shenxiu became more certain of his guess, secretly thought: "Wu Gou must have his own way of saving, being connected with the Three Arhats of the Demon Buddha Temple, I should not overtly help him, but without revealing all my cards or giving my full effort, there should be no problem, tomorrow, the battle between the Great Abyss Zen Master and Cheng Arhat, there's an eighty to ninety percent chance of winning, thus there are no worries."
Confident in his own eyesight and Divine Abilities, Shenxiu regarded the Wu Gou Buddha Son, disguised as the real Master Tao, as a good figure.
Deeply admiring, he planned to go easy in the upcoming confrontation.
Tao Qian, of course, was unaware of these things; his original plan was to act according to the plan and ambush this high monk.
Seeing Shenxiu's operation, he also came upon an inspiration.
Quite a bold inspiration!
His overly handsome face also revealed a smile, replying:
"Master spreads salvation to the ignorant masses, how could Wu Gou stop it. Please don't be so polite."
"Just right, seeing any person free of blemish, all are people of destiny."
"Wu Gou offers flowers in the Buddha's name, and also gifts something to all."
With that, Tao Qian also began to preach.
The very first sentence involved his own master, and he said: "My master Qingjing Zen Master once made a verse: A thousand feet of silk line hang straight down, one wave makes ten thousand follow. In the cold water at night, fish do not bite, an empty boat returns under the moonlight..."
Initially, everyone could tell the profound Buddhist Law pervading the sermon, assuming Wu Gou was upset with Shenxiu Monk stealing the limelight and thus decided to compete.
However, unlike Shenxiu, Wu Gou spoke of Zen, of reason.
This was not pleasing, as all living beings seek Magic.
Thus, at this moment, everyone was smirking and dismissive.
Until suddenly, they heard the Wu Gou change his tone and began narrating various small Buddhist Scripture stories, most involving serendipitous treasures and fortunate encounters with wise masters. The circumstances of those in the stories were enviable.
But soon, the audience heard the endings of those protagonists.
Instantly, those who had just received Magic Skills, the ignorant, those of low-quality root, each one turned pale and broke into cold sweat.
They understood, what Wu Gou was telling was a series of "fishing stories."
The central theme was extremely cruel, summarized in eight words:
"Beneath enticing bait, there must be a sharp hook."
At this point, all those who had been granted Magic Skills glared angrily at Shenxiu.
Clearly, they all had received a revelation, some of the more impatient ones directly cursed: "What an ugly monk, using us as fish for bait."
Seeing this, everyone from the Demon Buddha Temple burst into laughter.
Completely drenched in the fragrant oil, Cheng Arhat, with his greasy large hands thumping his chest, fervently praised: "Nephew Wu Gou the monk is truly a distinguished disciple of Qingjing Zen Master, profound in Buddhist Law, skilled in Divine Abilities, knew from last night's scripture debate that we should have let the nephew speak, guaranteed making those nuns from Guanyin Temple speechless."
Shenxiu was planning to go easy, never expecting to be betrayed by the high monk and Buddha's son in his heart.
As the Buddha witnesses: other monks and Daoists spreading Divine Skills might consider this fishing business, but not him, Shenxiu.
Although Shenxiu was mentally resilient, suddenly being accused in this way, he couldn't help but be momentarily stupefied.