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墨書 Inktalez
In today's environment, the monks of Qingliang Temple seem to still uphold the beliefs of a Buddhist sect, which is why the temple is enveloped in a radiant aura of Buddha light.
"Esteemed benefactor, how may I assist you?" A monk from the main hall noticed Jiang Chen standing before the statue, lost in thought. Assuming Jiang Chen had some inner turmoil, he approached and spoke.
The Buddhist philosophy emphasizes the salvation of all beings; by helping others, one also helps oneself. Thus, the monks of Qingliang Temple are compassionate and warm-hearted.
"May I meet your Abbot?" Jiang Chen withdrew his gaze from the statue and asked with a gentle smile.
"Uh, esteemed benefactor, I’m afraid our Abbot is currently meditating on the back mountain and cannot meet with you. If you have urgent matters, you may leave a note, and I will convey it to him once he finishes his meditation," the monk replied.
Zheng Ding is one of the Eightfold Paths in Buddhism, focusing on correct meditation to achieve a state of purity. Although it was indeed inappropriate to disturb the Abbot during his retreat, Jiang Chen felt that since he had come all this way, he should not leave without at least trying to meet him.
However, given that this was a sacred Buddhist site, Jiang Chen did not want to force his way in. After some thought, he decided to "become invisible" and visit the Abbot on the back mountain.
"Thank you. Since the Abbot is in retreat, I won’t disturb him. I’ll linger for a while before leaving. Please excuse me," Jiang Chen said politely with his hands clasped together.
The monk returned the gesture and then moved on to assist other patrons.
Jiang Chen took another look at the main hall and was about to leave in search of a secluded spot to use his skills when suddenly a middle-aged couple rushed into the main hall with a girl around seventeen or eighteen years old.
The girl wore a mask, but her delicate features were evident from her eyes. However, she was surrounded by Sha Qi, appearing weak and listless.
"Esteemed patrons, please follow me to the back courtyard," said the monk who had spoken with Jiang Chen earlier. He seemed to recognize the middle-aged couple and led them into the back courtyard.
Jiang Chen smiled; it seemed unnecessary to "become invisible" now. Since others could enter the back courtyard openly, he would take a look as well. Even if he did not meet the Abbot, perhaps he could encounter other high monks.
With a cheerful demeanor, Jiang Chen followed closely behind the couple and the girl. Noticing Jiang Chen's sudden approach, the monk did not change his expression but politely said, "Esteemed benefactor, it’s truly inconvenient for the Abbot to meet you right now. Perhaps you could come back another day?"
"I don’t mind not seeing the Abbot; I merely passed by and saw Buddha light shining through the mountains and forests. I wanted to take a look before leaving; I hope you can accommodate me," Jiang Chen replied courteously.
The monk regarded Jiang Chen and noted that although he was young, he carried himself with remarkable poise. The back courtyard of Qingliang Temple was not entirely off-limits; it was simply less frequented by visitors for tranquility's sake. However, if a patron insisted on entering for a visit, monks typically would not obstruct them.
For a Buddhist sect, everything is an illusion; allowing someone to tour the temple is hardly significant.
"Then please come along," said the monk, seemingly unable to refuse.
The middle-aged couple furrowed their brows slightly, clearly reluctant for Jiang Chen to join them. However, since their host had spoken so kindly, they felt it inappropriate to voice their objections.
The back courtyard of Qingliang Temple was spacious and connected to the back mountain. It served as a place for monks' daily practice. As for the back mountain itself, it was considered a true forbidden area of Qingliang Temple; under normal circumstances, even monks were not allowed entry without special permission due to the Abbot's meditation practice—disturbing him would be improper.
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