The Lord of Void and Real
Chapter 628

Chapter 628: Chapter 624: Rejection Chapter 628: Chapter 624: Rejection “Does Master Jiang Liu have other commitments?” Lu Huaming immediately asked.

“Not exactly, but Master Jiang Liu has always been reluctant to leave the monastery, and his status at the Golden Mountain Temple is unique. Even the abbot cannot command him, nor can I promise anything on his behalf. How about this, I will take both of you to see Master Jiang Liu and hear what he has to say.” Elder Zhe Shi said after a pause.

Lu Huaming exchanged glances with Shen Luo, and they both nodded in agreement.

Since they had important matters to attend to, the three did not waste time drinking tea and immediately began walking towards the exterior of the temple. They swiftly arrived at the exterior of an extravagant Zen Institute.

The Zen Institute here was more luxurious than other places, its eaves made of gilded tiles and its walls built from stacked white jade. Even the doors and windows were made of superior quality sandalwood.

“This is where Master Jiang Liu resides. Master Jiang Liu has a somewhat… unique temperament, you both must always maintain manners in his presence.” Elder Zhe Shi hushedly warned the two.

Shen Luo and Lu Huaming both nodded, indicating they understood.

Seeing this, Elder Zhe Shi led the two into the Zen Institute.

As soon as they stepped in, a black object was thrown out from inside the house. It turned out to be a teapot, shattering into pieces on the ground.

“Too bland, tasteless! How many times have I said to add more honey!” A clear, yet harsh voice emerged from within.

“Yes, yes… this disciple will go and brew you some fresh honey tea.” said a white-clothed monk, who ran out of the room in a flurry.

The monk seemed extremely flustered, paying no attention to Elder Zhe Shi and the others, he paced swiftly and ran to a distance.

Shen Luo and Lu Huaming watched the scene unfold, surprise showing in their eyes as they looked towards the house.

There was a hall, empty of people. However, adjacent to the hall was a semi-open door which seemed to lead to the room where people were present.

Elder Zhe Shi sighed, he approached the door of the Zen Institute but refrained from entering. He folded his hands and said, “Jiang Liu, present here are two honored guests from Chang'an City, they come bearing the command of Duke Cheng to pay their respects to you.”

“What Duke Cheng, Duke Wang, I have to prepare for the Conference and have no spare time.” came a lazy response from that clear voice in the rear room, humming disdainfully.

Lu Huaming had great respect for Cheng Yaojin, so upon hearing such disrespectful words, an angry look immediately flashed across his face.

Seeing Lu Huaming's agitation, Shen Luo hurriedly grabbed him, signaling for him to stay calm.

“Jiang Liu, Duke Cheng is the backbone of the Great Tang, do not speak indiscriminately.” Elder Zhe Shi also noticed the anger on Lu Huaming's face and quickly chided.

The person in the room let out a soft snicker, carefully choosing to avoid saying anything overly offensive.

“These two honorable guests have urgent matters to discuss with you. Because of the previous supernatural threat in Chang'an, many people have died tragically. His Majesty has decided to hold a Water-Land Conference and wishes for you to preside over it, to help release the souls of the deceased.” Elder Zhe Shi paused before continuing.

“Water-Land Conference? I'm stationed at Golden Mountain Temple, I can't be in two places at once and as for the two outside, just please find someone else.” the clear voice decisively rejected.

“Master Jiang Liu, this matter concerns the safety of our capital, the Great Tang. We beg you to please consider leaving the temple once. If there needs to be any compensation, Master, please specify your terms.” Shen Luo nervously stepped forward, bowing with respect as he spoke.

The clear voice hummed again, the tone filled with annoyance.

“Senior Brother Jiang Liu, the deceased souls in Chang'an city are just too pitiful, let's go and release them.” At this moment, another voice emerged from inside the house.

The voice sounded much gentler compared to Master Jiang Liu, it carried a sense of compassion.

Shen Luo and Lu Huaming were taken aback, evidently not expecting someone else in the room.

“Shut up, continue copying your… Buddha's Scripture!” Jiang Liu scolded angrily.

“But…” the gentle voice seemed to want to say more.

“Quiet, or else don't bother going to Chang'an, you can directly help release the souls of our brothers here in Golden Mountain Temple!” Jiang Liu threatened sinisterly.

“Alright…” the gentle voice agreed helplessly.

“I have to prepare for the Conference's Scripture recitation, the few outside, please feel free to do as you please.” Jiang Liu's voice sounded again, followed by the half-open room door “slamming” shut.

Lu Huaming's face soured, he had previously guaranteed Shen Luo that Master Jiang Liu would certainly be willing to go to Chang'an, but now, they were ruthlessly rejected without any hesitation.

It's one thing to lose face, but delaying the Water-Land Conference and betraying the trust placed in him by Duke Cheng and the others could get ugly.

Shen Luo also wore a somber expression, he cast a doubtful glance towards the house.

“The two of you, Jiang Liu is busy. It's best we leave for now.” Elder Zhe Shi turned around helplessly, giving a bow as he spoke.

The host had already made his intentions clear to dismiss them, despite their reluctance, Shen Luo and Lu Huaming found it hard to justify staying. Alongside Elder Zhe Shi, they left, swiftly returning to the small courtyard where Elder Zhe Shi resided.

“Both of you heard it, Jiang Liu has always been like this. With him having made this decision, the prospect of going to Chang'an appears unlikely.” Elder Zhe Shi said with regret.

“Rumors state that Master Jiang Liu possesses an esteemed reputation and profoundly understands the teachings of Buddha, comparing that person to who we've seen, they're like two different entities. Is the person inside truly Master Jiang Liu?” Lu Huaming couldn't help but question.

“We monks do not speak falsehoods, naturally the individual inside is Master Jiang Liu. Does Benefactor Lu not believe the poor monk? It's essential not to blindly trust the rumors.” Elder Zhe Shi lowered his gaze.

“Naturally we both trust Elder Zhe Shi, Elder need not take Brother Lu's words to heart. There also seemed to be someone else in Master Jiang Liu's room. Who was that person?” Shen Luo hastily intervened, and then asked.

“The person is called Chan'er. He grew up with Jiang Liu and is his fellow disciple, Chan'er is Jiang Liu's personal attendant.” Elder Zhe Shi explained.

“Chan'er…” Shen Luo's eyebrows twitched.

“Amitabha, the situation is as such. Both of you, given Jiang Liu's obstinate character, once he decides on something, nobody can change his mind. You'd better start looking for another High Monk soon.” Elder Zhe Shi pressed his palms together, reciting a chant before speaking.

“This matter isn't urgent. Given that your temple is about to conduct a Conference soon, we are both quite interested in Buddhist teachings. May we stay and witness the event?” Shen Luo changed the topic and inquired.

“Of course, although Master Jiang Liu's temper isn't great, his preaching is skilled and beneficial to us monks.” Elder Zhe Shi said with a smile.

“Really? Then we will listen to Master Jiang Liu's high theory.” Shen Luo responded with a smile.

Afterwards, Elder Zhe Shi stayed to chat with the two for a while before getting up to leave and attend to the Conference preparations.

Before leaving, he advised them to stay within the Zen Institute, not to roam around and to join the crowd outside once the Conference started. There are many restricted areas inside Golden Mountain Temple which are strictly forbidden for outsiders.

Shen Luo and Lu Huaming naturally agreed.