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Once again entering the world of "Baolian Lantern," Bai Tang was entrusted by Master Hua and Madam Hua to bring some items to Hua Man Lou. Although Hua Man Lou, now a disciple of the immortals, lacked nothing, those items were filled with the deep care and longing from parents and older siblings for their son and brother. When Bai Tang arrived at Baihua Island, she did not find Hua Man Lou. According to the Floral Fairy, Hua Man Lou had exceptional talent, and there was little left for her to teach; only through his own comprehension and accumulation could he achieve immortality. Currently, Hua Man Lou was experiencing the mortal world, seeking opportunities for ascension.
Bai Tang scratched her head and said, "His parents have entrusted me with some things to give him. Where should I go to find him now?"
Hearing this, the Floral Fairy took out a bundle of Orchid flowers and handed it to Bai Tang, saying, "Each flower can communicate with Seven Children once."
Bai Tang thanked the Floral Fairy and curiously pinched one of the flowers on top. The flower emitted a faint white light, and then a pleasant and warm voice came from it: "Master?"
"It's me! Seven Children," Bai Tang replied to the flower.
Hua Man Lou's joyful voice came through again: "Tang Tang, you've come to this world?"
Bai Tang smiled back, "Yes, Uncle and Aunt entrusted me to bring you some things. Where are you? I'll come find you!"
Hua Man Lou replied, "I'm at Fei Fu Temple on Qingcheng Mountain. Where are you? I'll come pick you up."
Bai Tang said, "No need, I'll come find you. Hurry up."
As Bai Tang rushed towards Qingcheng Mountain, she kept an eye on the situation with the main characters. Guankou was right next to Qingcheng Mountain, and the matter between Erlang Shen and Agarwood had caused quite a stir; any Land God or fairy could provide news about them. Without Wild Lilac, Eastern Sea Eight Princes, and Floral Fairy Zhu Bajie’s involvement, Agarwood's support had diminished significantly. However, he was someone who was tough on himself; adhering to the spirit of "fighting fiercely even if it means getting hurt," along with Yang Jian's leniency towards him, Agarwood stirred up chaos in the court. Erlang Shen and Howling Dog were also sent down to the mortal realm, severely injured, exhausted, hungry, and stripped of their powers—completely in disarray.
When Bai Tang arrived at Guankou, she spotted Yang Jian sitting in a corner in black clothes, lost in thought. She sat across from him in a nearby tavern for a while before packing two jars of good wine and leaving. Although Yang Jian looked pitiful now, it was all his own doing. It was part of his plan; he foolishly sought help from others. The idea of a beauty saving a hero did not suit someone as resolute as Yang Jian; he might even suspect her intentions—she didn't want to make herself look foolish!
After Bai Tang left, Yang Jian raised his head; there was no trace of despair in his sharp gaze. He had long noticed someone observing him. Bai Tang's actions and appearance had already registered in his third eye. He remained wary of this unfamiliar woman until she departed, at which point he finally relaxed.
"Pinglin dew layers on cliffs alone; atop stands a solitary temple. Many immortals ride flying chariots often come here. The wind stirs banners wildly; as sunset rings sound clear. Who can be called a poetic genius? When inspired, they chant thousands of verses." This was written by Song Dynasty poet Wen Tong in "Continuation of Four Poems on Qingcheng Mountain: Fei Fu Temple." After reading it, Bai Tang felt puzzled. Wasn't Qingcheng Mountain a Taoist sacred site? Why was there a monk's temple within? Moreover, she had lived in a Taoist temple on Qingcheng Mountain for quite some time; how had she never heard of Fei Fu Temple? To resolve this confusion, Bai Tang decided to ask Hua Man Lou and others who might know about it when she reached Fei Fu Temple.
Standing halfway up the mountain looking around, Bai Tang saw steep cliffs rising sharply with ancient trees densely packed overhead blocking out sunlight. The path wound through the forest sea with the temple hidden amidst the misty haze; the sound of bells rang clearly in her ears.
"The incense here is quite prosperous." Bai Tang observed the swirling incense and the monks and Taoists coming and going in the mountains, unable to help but ask, "Isn't Qingcheng Mountain a Taoist holy site? Why is there a monk's temple here? And it seems so harmonious?"
Hua Manlou, accompanying Bai Tang, heard her question and replied, "It's only temporarily harmonious. The conflict between Feifu Temple and Changdao Temple once escalated to the capital, Chang'an, becoming a sensational case."
"Really?" Bai Tang exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. She knew about Changdao Temple; it was the predecessor of Shidong, said to be where Zhang Ling, a Taoist master from the Eastern Han Dynasty, preached. From their current vantage point, they could see the grand and solemn buildings on the mountainside, shimmering with gold and jade, surrounded by lush greenery and shaded by trees. Behind the temple was a cave with a stone statue of Master Zhang inside. In front of the temple stood an ancient ginkgo tree, said to have been planted by the master. "What exactly happened? Can you tell me more?"
"Of course!" Hua Manlou opened her folding fan and waved it lightly. "The conflict between Feifu Temple and Changdao Temple is actually a specific manifestation of the struggle between Buddhism and Taoism. Taoism rose during the early Tang Dynasty. It is said that in Fushan County of Jinzhou, there was a mountain called Yangjiao Mountain, where a woodcutter lived at its foot. One day, while cutting wood on the mountain, he encountered an old man who claimed to be the Supreme Elder Lord riding a cow over Hangu Pass. Naturally, the woodcutter did not believe him. The old man then told him that he was born in Qurenli of Maizhou, where there was an ancient tree that had died for eighteen hundred years but had come back to life as proof of his divine presence. He also claimed to be an ancestor of the Tang Family and had come to see his descendants who had become emperors. The resurrection of that dead tree signified that the Li Family's reign would last forever!"
Bai Tang chuckled softly, "This is the first time I've heard that the Li Family is a descendant of the Supreme Elder Lord. The person who made this up is quite clever; I'm sure the Li Family emperor would be thrilled to hear this. It's no wonder Taoism flourished as a result. But isn't he afraid that Lao Jun will punish him for such fabrications?"
Who is the Supreme Elder Lord? Indeed, he is the founder of Taoism, known as Taiji Dao De Zun, formed from primordial energy into three pure ones—Taiji residing in the great red celestial realm—an embodiment of pure energy from Pangu himself, the ancestor of primordial energy and the foundation of earth. What does he have to do with the Li Family?
Hua Manlou smiled and said, "Lao Jun is magnanimous; he wouldn't hold grudges against mortals. Besides, this person is doing this for the greater good of Taoism."
Bai Tang asked curiously, "Do you know the Supreme Elder Lord?"
Hua Manlou replied, "I once accompanied my master to Daosheng Palace and met Lao Jun there. He was very kind and bestowed upon me a bottle of golden elixir and a magical artifact."
"You're quite lucky!" Bai Tang said enviously; she really wanted to meet the Supreme Elder Lord! After all, he is one of the Three Pure Ones!
"What happened next?" Bai Tang inquired.
Hua Manlou continued her story: "At that time, Tang Zi was none other than Emperor Li Yuan, who was delighted upon hearing this news. He thought: wasn't there someone who criticized my Li Family for being foreign barbarians unworthy to rule Central Plains? Now it's different; Lao Jun has shown his divine presence. The Li Family is descended from Lao Jun! From now on, I will use Taoism designated by my ancestors to win people's hearts and govern well; surely my dynasty will be stable for generations! Thus he decreed that Yangjiao Mountain be renamed Longjiao Mountain and ordered extensive construction on it to build Xingtang Temple. For a time, Taoism became the state religion of Tang Dynasty. However, during Emperor Taizong Li Shimin's reign, because thirteen monks from Shaolin saved him, he promoted Buddhism by building temples across various regions after receiving scriptures from Xuanzang upon his return from India. Buddhism grew increasingly popular. Later on, Wu Zetian used Buddhist followers like Huaiyi to forge false scriptures like the Da Yun Jing to claim legitimacy for her usurpation as Maitreya's chosen one and built large Yun Temples across various states. She publicly declared 'Buddhism first, Taoism second,' establishing Buddhism as the state religion. Under such circumstances, Changyun Temple was suppressed by Feifu Temple. Originally Feifu Temple was at the foot of the mountain while Changyun Temple was halfway up; they did not interfere with each other until Wu Zetian's support gave Feifu Temple confidence to seize Changyun Temple's land and drive out its priests."
"As they say: 'The sea changes into mulberry fields.' Life is unpredictable! More than ten years later, circumstances changed again. In the Baoyuan era, newly ascended Emperor Xuanzong Li Longji inherited his ancestors' legacy and particularly revered Taoism. He held grand ceremonies to honor Zhuangzi as Nanhua Zhenren, Wenzi as Transcendent Master Tongxuan, Liezi as Chongxu Zhenren, and Gengsangzi as Dongxu Zhenren; their writings were all regarded as true scriptures which elevated Taoism once more. Thus Changdao Temple gained an opportunity for revival. The conflict between Buddhism and Taoism over territory led to significant disputes that escalated into violent incidents which local officials could not resolve; lawsuits reached Li Longji himself. He decreed 'Do not let them encroach upon each other; restore Changdao Temple to Taoism while keeping Feifu Temple outside its original location so both can coexist separately,' inscribing it on stone tablets. This became known as the famous 'Stele of Emperor Martial of Great Tang,' which still stands in Changdao Temple's Sanhuang Hall today."
Hua Manlou spoke clearly and engagingly, leaving Bai Tang wanting more: "Seven Children truly are knowledgeable! You've only just arrived at Qingcheng but are already so familiar with local legends and historical accounts! I would like to explore Qingcheng Mountain; could you be my guide?"
"Tour guide?" Hua Manlou thought for a moment, "Is it a guide for sightseeing?"
Bai Tang nodded vigorously.
Hua Manlou found it amusing. After all, he was also wandering through the mortal world now with nothing else to do, so he nodded in agreement: "It's getting late today. Let's rest in the temple for the night and continue our exploration tomorrow!"
The two returned to Fei Fu Temple to seek lodging. The Abbot Huiyuan of Fei Fu Temple was a high monk who could see that the two were not ordinary people, so he instructed the novice to properly attend to these esteemed guests. Bai Tang was momentarily taken aback when he saw the kind-faced Abbot; according to the system display, there was a note next to the name Huiyuan Abbot that read "Ashi Duo Zunzhe."
Bai Tang said to Hua Manlou, "The Abbot has an extraordinary background."
Hua Manlou raised an eyebrow in confusion.
Bai Tang continued, "The Abbot must be a reincarnation of a great being. You are more familiar with Buddhism; do you know who Ashi Duo Zunzhe is?"
Hua Manlou replied, "Ashi Duo Zunzhe is one of the Sixteen Arhats. The Sixteen Arhats are disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha. According to the scriptures, they were instructed by the Buddha not to enter Nirvana but to remain in the world, receiving offerings from people and providing blessings for all beings. Based on the 'Record of the Great Arhat Nandi' translated by Tang Xuanzang, they are: 1. Bin Duoluo Tuo Zhe, 2. Jiano Jue Fa Tuo, 3. Jiano Jue Ba Li Tuo Zhe, 4. Su Pinduo, 5. Nuo Ju Luo, 6. Ba Tuo Luo, 7. Jiali Jiao, 8. Fa Jiao Luo Fo Tuo Luo, 9. Shu Bo Jia, 10. Ban Tuo Jia, 11. Luo Hu Luo, 12. Na Jia Xi Na, 13. Yin Jie Tuo, 14. Fa Na Po Si, 15. A Shi Duo, and 16. Zhu Tu Ban Tuo Jia. Ashi Duo Zunzhe is well-versed in knowledge; his secular name is Lang Baojin and he once married the daughter of the Persian King, Princess Duguo Jin. Later, they both visited Shakyamuni at Jeta Grove and converted to Buddhism; Ashi Duo attained Arhat status and became one of the Sixteen Arhats. Shakyamuni favored this disciple and once said, 'My disciple Bhikkhu Ashi Duo is outstanding among all Shandha people.'"
After finishing his explanation about Ashi Duo, Hua Manlou asked, "Could it be that the Abbot is Ashi Duo Zunzhe?"
Bai Tang nodded.
Hua Manlou sighed, unsure of what to think. This world truly lived up to its reputation as a mythical realm; could one encounter deities and bodhisattvas everywhere? Just a few encounters ago he had met Ximen Chui Xue and his master; unexpectedly, Ximen's master turned out to be Lü Dongbin from the Eight Immortals.
"Esteemed guests, the vegetarian meal is ready; please follow me to the dining hall," said the novice as he invited them into the dining hall. There were not many laypeople inside; aside from them, there were only two young men and women—one handsome and one beautiful—whose outstanding appearances made Hua Manlou glance at them a couple more times. He and Bai Tang also had striking looks that caught the attention of the two young people. However, Bai Tang recognized them; they were none other than the Fourth Princess of Donghai and the Eighth Prince. Now Aochun showed no trace of her former heroic demeanor; her face was pale and she appeared much thinner than before—a delicate scholar-like figure.
The four of them happened to sit at one table. Seeing the two sitting across from him and beside him, Hua Manlou politely bowed: "I am Hua Manlou; this is my friend Bai Tang. May I ask your esteemed names?"
Although Aochun's health had deteriorated, her cheerful nature and love for making friends remained unchanged as she smiled and clasped her fists in return: "I am Aochun; this is my sister Ao Tingxin."
Hua Man Lou smiled slightly. Although he did not know Aochun, the name Aotianxin clearly sounded like it belonged to a sister of Aocunxin!
"So you are the princess and prince of the East Sea Dragon Palace. I apologize for my rudeness."
"You know us?" Aotianxin asked. She had a good impression of this man who radiated warmth.
Hua Man Lou once again offered a polite and warm smile: "I am Master, known as Floral Fairy, and I have had the fortune to meet Western Sea Third Princess."
"So you are the outstanding and exceptional disciple that Sister Baihua spoke of!" Upon hearing this, Aotianxin carefully examined the man in front of her. He was handsome and elegant, with a gentle demeanor, like a cup of tea that had settled, exuding a fragrance from within. Truly, "a person on the road like jade, a gentleman unmatched in the world." No wonder Floral Fairy praised this disciple so much; he was indeed a dragon among men.
Hua Man Lou humbly replied, "Master has praised me too much. May I ask how the princess and prince came to Qingcheng Mountain? Are you here for leisure as well?"
Aotianxin sighed: "I and Aochun have come seeking medical help. I heard that Huiyuan Abbot is an incarnation of an Arhat, with exceptional medical skills. We wish to ask him to treat my Aochun."
Hua Man Lou looked at Aochun. Given his frail appearance, he indeed needed proper treatment.
"May I ask what illness Eight Prince is suffering from?" (To be continued)
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