Liuxuan Temple was much smaller than people had imagined.
The temple seemed to have been around for a very long time, with the wooden structures showing significant signs of decay. However, the small courtyard was very clean, with not a speck of dust in sight. The old elm tree in front of the courtyard was quite aged, with a thick trunk and dense foliage, almost enveloping the entire Liuxuan Temple.
A sweeping monk at the entrance looked at Zanxing and her group with a puzzled expression. Qiong Niang stepped forward, bowed slightly to the monk, and said, “They are here to see Master Mingjing.”
“Master Mingjing?” The monk glanced at the group, put down his broom, and went inside the temple. Shortly afterward, a young monk in gray robes emerged from the temple. He stepped forward, joined his hands in a gesture of greeting, and said, “I am Mingjing.”
Zanxing raised an eyebrow slightly.
This monk named Mingjing appeared very young, around twenty years old, and looked exceptionally refined. There was an ethereal and detached air about him that instilled a sense of calm in anyone who looked at him. He wore a string of black prayer beads around his neck, imbued with spiritual energy, and held a meditation staff, which was clearly a high-level magical artifact.
He was a young Buddhist cultivator, or rather, he looked like a young Buddhist cultivator.
Zanxing took a step forward and spoke gently, “Master Mingjing, I am Zanxing. We have come because we heard that you saw Gui Yansheng entering the Five Wheels Pagoda.”
Master Mingjing lifted his gaze to Zanxing. Upon seeing Zanxing’s face, the monk seemed momentarily lost in thought, but he quickly lowered his gaze and said, “Yes, about half a month ago, I saw that golden-eyed youth in front of the Five Wheels Pagoda.”
The group paused. Someone from the Demon Extermination Army couldn’t help but question, “And then? Did he enter the pagoda? Why didn’t you stop him?”
The members of the Demon Extermination Army had no fondness for Master Mingjing. Knowing that Mingjing was an old acquaintance of the Demon Queen, they naturally viewed him with disdain, as he was associated with the demon race. Hence, their tone was not very polite when speaking to him.
Master Mingjing, however, clearly had a good temperament. Even when faced with such rude questioning, he merely replied calmly, “I cannot prevent people from entering the Five Wheels Pagoda. Those who can enter the pagoda are all recognized by the Buddha.”
“But he’s a demon!” A disciple from Yinfeng Sect could not help but say, “If a demon manages to enter the fifth level of the pagoda and pass the trials to receive rewards, it’s possible that this demon could greatly increase their power and harm more people. Is this the so-called compassion of Buddhism you speak of?”
Mingjing answered calmly, “At that time, there is no distinction of male or female, high or low, or any other differences. All living beings share this world. Whether human or demon, all beings are equal and can become Buddhas.”
“Why are you wasting your breath on him? Anyone connected with demons must be up to no good. Who knows if that demon was deliberately allowed in by him? No one knows what sinister plans he has in mind!” A disciple from Chihua Sect sneered.
Zanxing glanced at the speaker and said with a smile, “You speak with such righteous indignation. I’m sure if it were you, you would definitely step forward to stop him, wouldn’t you?” Before the person could respond, she continued, “Great. When we enter the pagoda and see Gui Yansheng for the first time, we all look forward to your performance.”
The person was momentarily speechless, his face flushing with anger.
“Hahaha,” Mountain Spider laughed aloud, “Little Princess, you don’t know this group of people—they’re all talk, like sparrows with dumplings in their heads—full of noise and empty words! When they actually see Gui Yansheng, they’ll surely run faster than anyone. Their current bravado is just like barking at the sun—empty and vain!”
His excitement led him to use two idioms in a row.
While the commotion continued, Gu Baiying furrowed his brows and asked, “What does it mean to be recognized by the Buddha?”
The Five Wheels Pagoda was well-known to be more of a trial ground than a true Buddhist pagoda, with the specifics of the trials within remaining unknown.
Mingjing answered patiently, “Not everyone can enter the pagoda. Only those who meet certain conditions are allowed to enter the Five Wheels Pagoda.”
“What are the conditions?”
“Ah…” Master Mingjing paused and looked at everyone with a hint of helplessness. “If you wish to enter the pagoda, you will understand the conditions when you arrive at the Five Wheels Pagoda.”
The group exchanged glances. The rumors about the Five Wheels Pagoda were already varied and conflicting, and Mingjing’s cryptic words only increased their suspicion.
Xiao Shuang smiled and asked, “Master, since you saw Gui Yansheng enter the pagoda, did you see him come out?”
Mingjing shook his head slowly.
“He only saw him enter, but not come out,” Tian Fangfang said optimistically, “Could it be that he didn’t pass the trials and has already perished inside?”
“Probably not,” Mingjing said, looking towards the direction of the Five Wheels Pagoda. “Last night, I heard some commotion inside the pagoda. If I’m not mistaken, he should have already reached the fifth level by now.”
“So soon?” Mu Cengxiao tightened his grip on his God-Slaying Blade, looking more anxious.
Gui Yansheng’s entry into the Five Wheels Pagoda must be for the reward on the fifth level. Given his importance to him, the reward on the fifth level must be extraordinary. If he were to perish in the pagoda, it would be ideal. However, if he passed the trials and obtained the reward, Gui Yansheng’s destructive tendencies would undoubtedly bring disaster to the entire Duzhou Continent.
Even if they entered the pagoda immediately, they might not be able to stop Gui Yansheng. But if they didn’t enter, a more powerful Gui Yansheng would only become harder to deal with.
Zanxing pondered. With the Demon Extermination Army and the demon race already encountering each other at the pagoda, trying to gain an advantage was no longer possible. Fortunately, this Demon Extermination Army was led by Gu Baiying, who, despite his arrogance, was not reckless. He understood that a direct confrontation with the demons would result in mutual destruction, so he was unlikely to start a fight here.
Given the situation, it would be better to temporarily form an alliance to deal with Gui Yansheng together. After all, the two previous teams had cooperated before, so another collaboration would not be fatal.
Zanxing considered for a moment and said earnestly to Master Mingjing, “Master, we want to enter the pagoda. However, this is our first time coming to Yue Mountain, and we are unfamiliar with the taboos related to the Five Wheels Pagoda. You have lived here for many years and must have a good understanding of the pagoda. Could you please offer us some guidance?”
The Buddhist cultivator appeared to have a profound demeanor, and he might be key to overcoming the trials.
Zanxing expected Mingjing to refuse or hesitate, but to her surprise, the monk in gray robes immediately nodded and said, “Of course. I would be happy to help.” His attitude was very friendly.
Zanxing felt relieved. With Master Mingjing willing to assist, many matters would become much easier. She then turned to Gu Baiying and asked, “What about you? Do you want to join us?”
Her tone was natural, as if discussing this before taking action was a routine occurrence.
Gu Baiying was momentarily stunned, and Meng Ying’s words seemed to echo in his ears:
“You had deep feelings for her, feelings as deep as the sea.”