The Lord of Void and Real
Chapter 627

Chapter 627: Chapter 623: Hidden Secrets Chapter 627: Chapter 623: Hidden Secrets “Dear Daoist friends, is what Hui Ming said the truth?” Elder Hall Master Shi's expression became serious as he looked at Shen Luo and his companion.

“Elder Hall Master Shi, you are mistaken. The reputation of the Golden Mountain Temple reverberates far and wide, respected by people all around the world. We two would not dare to disrupt your temple's Dharma Assembly. We were entrusted by others to deliver this Treasure Canopy to Elder Zhe Shi of your esteemed temple. That's why we didn't hand it over to the Purple-robed Master earlier. We ask for your understanding.” Shen Luo quickly composed a response, intentionally raising his voice a bit as he spoke.

The worshipers nearby heard the voices and cast their gaze over, murmuring among themselves.

“Since you two Daoist friends are here to deliver the Treasure Canopy on behalf of others, please enter the temple. Hui Ming, go and invite Elder Zhe Shi.” Elder Hall Master Shi glanced at the nearby worshipers and spoke to Shen Luo and his companion.

“Thank you, Elder.” Shen Luo expressed his gratitude, gave Lu Huaming a look, and they followed Elder Hall Master Shi and the Purple-robed Martial Monk into the Golden Mountain Temple.

Immediately inside the temple gate was a gigantic square paved with white jade bricks. Its glittering radiance humbled all who looked upon it. In the center of the square, there were nine bronze dings, each towering over two persons high, arranged in three rows, with three dings in each row. each Ding was emanating green smoke. The thick scent of sandalwood lingered in the square, indicating that the area was used for preaching on ordinary days.

Not only the square, but the rest of the Golden Mountain Temple was also constructed with grandeur; the ground mostly paved with white or green jade, the temple buildings exquisitely crafted– a far cry from usual Buddhist temples.

Upon seeing this, both Shen Luo and Lu Huaming were taken aback.

Upon entering the temple, the Purple-robed Martial Monk shot Shen Luo a covert glare, then quickly walked deeper into the temple, presumably to fetch Elder Zhe Shi.

“Where are you two Daoist friends from, and what brings you to our Golden Mountain Temple?” After the Purple-robed Martial Monk had left, Elder Hall Master Shi turned his attention back to Shen Luo and his companion, his voice holding a hint of frost.

“Why would you say that, Master? Didn't I just explain? We two admired the grace of the Golden Mountain Temple and came to visit. Meanwhile, it just so happened that we agreed to help a coachman from the foot of the mountain deliver this treasure canopy here.” Shen Luo smiled and responded.

“Both of you who have reached the Nascent Soul Stage wouldn't really help transport goods for a mere mortal, would you?” Elder Hall Master Shi said coldly.

“Insects, cattle, sheep, immortals, and mortals, they are all sentient beings. Why can't we two do a favor for the coachman and deliver this treasure canopy?” Shen Luo rebutted with a smile.

“This…” Elder Hall Master Shi was taken aback by the question and was left speechless.

“Who exactly are you two? If you attempt to stir up any further trouble, don't blame me for being discourteous.” Elder Hall Master Shi was evidently quick-tempered; his expression darkened.

At the same time, a golden light flashed beneath his foot, and the skin on the sole of his exposed foot suddenly turned golden as though cast from the metal itself, and heavily stamped on the ground.

The ground rumbled, and the nearby buildings shook.

“Master, your powers are admirable. This must be the Vajra Subduing Demon Great Method of the Golden Mountain Temple. It's indeed overwhelmingly mighty. But, is this how you treat all your guests? Resorting to violence at the slightest disagreement?” Lu Huaming was annoyed by the continuous questioning but did not reveal his identity; he simply responded coldly.

Shen Luo frowned, knowing that if he got into a fight with this fat monk, regardless of the outcome, it was likely to lead to a falling-out with Golden Mountain Temple.

The Golden Mountain Temple seemed to be full of weird things; that's why he did not reveal his identity immediately, wishing to explore the situation first before inviting Master Jiang Liu. However, under the current circumstances, if they continued to hide their identities, it could potentially make things worse.

Thus, he cleared his throat, preparing to speak.

“Amitabha, Elder Hall Master Shi, since these two benefactors are looking for me, why don't I attend to them?” A chant echoed through the hall as a tall middle-aged monk walked over, the previously gloomy Purple-robed Martial Monk trailing behind him.

“Junior Brother Zhe Shi.” The Hall Master Elder glanced at the newcomer, a faint frown on his face.

Shen Luo looked at the newcomer and saw that the middle-aged monk had a deep and profound aura, obviously a Nascent Soul cultivator. However, his tall and thin figure, with his yellowish face, made him appear like a ghostly figure suffering from tuberculosis. Nevertheless, his face was full of smiles, giving people a very kind impression.

“Senior Brother Hall Master, the preparations for the Dharma assembly are not yet complete. Master Jiang Liu has already urged us. If we delay further, I fear we may miss the auspicious time.” The middle-aged monk walked up to the Hall Master Elder and whispered.

“Very well then, these two are in your hands. Should any problems arise, you will be held accountable.” Upon hearing this, the Hall Master Elder fell silent for a moment, then coldly huffed, shook his sleeves, and left.

The purple-robed martial monk hastily followed. The two soon left.

Upon seeing this, Shen Luo couldn't help but feel a stirring in his heart. It seemed that even within the Golden Mountain Temple, there were some power struggles. This only made him more cautious.

“Elder Zhe Shi, we encountered a coachman on the mountainside. His carriage was damaged and he entrusted us with delivering this treasure canopy. Please accept it.” He stepped forward and handed over the treasure canopy he was carrying.

“Thank both of you, benefactors. I was worrying about this treasure canopy. Fortunately, you two have delivered it in time.” Elder Zhe Shi took it, examined the treasure canopy with a quick glance, and nodded slightly.

“If the two benefactors have no pressing matters, would you like to join me for a cup of hot tea in my room?” He then looked at Shen Luo and the other with a friendly smile.

“We would be delighted.” Shen Luo readily agreed. Lu Huaming had no objections.

So, Elder Zhe Shi led the two of them into the temple. They soon arrived at a Zen institute.

This small courtyard was completely different from the magnificent, gilded temple outside. It had no ostentatious flair – only blue bricks and grey tiles, very clean and simple.

Elder Zhe Shi called a disciple over, handed him the treasure canopy, and then led Shen Luo and Lu Huaming into the building.

“The two Daoist friends are highly skilled cultivators, and your demeanor is extraordinary. Surely, you must not be just any unnamed persons. May I know your names? And what brings you to our Golden Mountain Temple?” After personally brewing three cups of hot tea, Elder Zhe Shi finally asked.

“I am Shen Luo, a freelance cultivator, and this is Lu Huaming, a disciple of Duke Cheng from the Great Tang Dynasty Government. We rudely visit the Golden Mountain Temple today intending to meet Master Jiang Liu. I apologize for our previous impudence. I hope Elder Zhe Shi doesn't take offense.” Shen Luo didn't hide anything but revealed their identities and intentions.

“So it's Daoist Shen and Brother Lu. May I ask, for what purpose do the two of you wish to see Master Jiang Liu?” Elder Zhe Shi cast another glance at Lu Huaming before asking.

“Brother Lu, as you are part of the Grand Tang's Government, it would be better if you speak on this matter.” Shen Luo glanced at Lu Huaming and communicated through a sound transmission.

Lu Huaming nodded, stepped forward and said, “Although Elder Zhe Shi has lived in Jiangzhou for many years, I'm sure you must have heard about the ghost chaos in Chang'an city some time ago?”

“The news of that event has already spread throughout the world. Of course, I have heard.” Elder Zhe Shi nodded.

“A few months ago, the Refining Body Altar colluded with ghosts to cause havoc in Chang'an. The Great Tang Dynasty Government and fellow Daoists joined forces to fight. Though we neutralized the crisis, many Chang'an people tragically died, leaving many aggrieved souls lingering. His Majesty, for the sake of Chang'an's people, decided to hold a Water-Land Conference in Chang'an soon. Currently, we are still lacking a distinguished high monk to preside over it. I have long heard that Master Jiang Liu is the reincarnation of Jinchanzi with profound Buddha Dharma. Daoist Brother Shen and I are here to invite Master Jiang Liu to Chang'an to give a Dharma lecture and help the aggrieved souls pass on.” Lu Huaming sincerely stated.

“His Majesty is compassionate towards his subjects, which is a blessing for all living beings. However, Master Jiang Liu, he…” Joining his hands in a gesture of respect, Elder Zhe Shi praised, his face instantly becoming hesitant.

Seeing Elder Zhe Shi's expression, Shen Luo furrowed his brows.