6kv Chapter 122 Returning to the Origin
Chapter 122 Returning to the Origin
The setting sun spread across the edge of the world, its rosy rays casting a dim glow.
The long procession stretched to the end of the path, with birdsong and insect chirps echoing around them, and the faint roars of tigers and leopards audible. Yet no one uttered a sound of alarm; silence and stillness enveloped the procession.
"Master, I have exhausted all my strength..."
The others were also deeply moved by what they heard, but they dared not say anything more. They simply stared wide-eyed at Huiyin's back.
For people who haven't had a full meal in a long time and have to trek through mountains and rivers, traveling dozens of miles at a brisk pace is indeed a tremendous difficulty.
However, Fang Hongxuan and Daoyuan, who were at the back of the group, still seemed relaxed, as did Dou Yan'an beside them. Seeing the old man's rosy complexion, calm heartbeat, and even his lack of shortness of breath, Fang Hongxuan was slightly taken aback.
Seemingly noticing Fang Hongxuan's confusion, Dou Yan'an simply smiled slightly and then whispered an explanation to the two of them.
"Although I don't have the talent for cultivation, I have been practicing the breathing techniques passed down in my family every day without fail. In addition, I often travel over mountains and valleys, so these dozens of miles of mountain road are really nothing to me."
...
The listless procession could no longer contain their pent-up fatigue. First, some people slumped to the ground, and then more and more people stopped to rest. As for Huiyin, whose expression kept changing at the front, no one paid any attention to him.
"Amitabha, then let's rest for a while."
To save face, Huiyin had no choice but to back down by saying something like, "I'll just say it again."
"Besides the novice monk connected to the Great Temple and that young man, only the old man, exhausted and nearing death, is somewhat passable. Damn it... how could the quality of this batch of consumables be so poor? How can we even select them?!"
As for the other eighteen monks, seeing Huiyin's suppressed anger, they dared not utter a sound for a moment. They could only stand there with their eyes downcast and silently surround the thirty-six people.
'Bang...bang...'
The deep drumbeats echoed around, startling everyone to their feet. They looked at Huiyin, who remained expressionless and indifferent, with suspicion and uncertainty.
"Master, what has happened now?"
The monks set off first, bowing in reverence to the large drum located halfway up the Golden Summit Mountain.
"Amitabha Buddha, it's already the hour of You (5-7 PM)."
"Esteemed benefactors, you must hurry on your way. Otherwise, you will miss tonight's vegetarian meal."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed, and they all stood up and headed towards the mountain gate of Daruo Temple.
...
Cross the ridges of the field and climb the blue brick steps.
The first thing that caught the eye was the two Vajrapani guardians, their faces contorted in a ferocious grimace, their imposing presence terrifying. Faced with these two menacing guardian deities, even the more timid members of the crowd retreated in disarray, nearly falling over.
Below the three powerful and vigorous characters of Da Ruo Temple stands a large archway and two smaller archways, with two monks standing in meditation beside the archways.
Such a commotion naturally woke up the two guards at the mountain gate.
"Uncle-Master...you're back..."
Huiyin nodded slightly without expression, then, ignoring everyone's expressions, quickly left the place and went straight to the disciplinary hall where he was the abbot.
Huiyin naturally needed to thoroughly investigate Daoyuan and Fang Hongxuan, two disciples suspected to have been taken in by Huikong during his travels. Given the precedent of Zongdu returning to his original sect, Huiyin dared not be careless.
The two gatekeeper monks looked at each other in surprise, but then calmed down.
"Uncle-Master Huiyin is usually taciturn, so his actions this time shouldn't be directed at us..."
As for receiving those supposedly destined to receive the offerings, the two monks at the entrance were already well-acquainted with them. They simply put their hands together in prayer and murmured Amitabha Buddha's name.
"The kitchen has already prepared food... Please follow us..."
As for the eighteen monks who were escorting everyone, they split into two groups and disappeared on the side path before they arrived at the mountain gate.
"Master, is this really not a trap to lure you into?"
"Amitabha Buddha, may you find peace of mind, benefactor. All is well with this humble monk..."
...
'Thump...thump...thump...'
The urgent tolling of the bronze bell echoed through the mountains once more.
"What important event has occurred this time that warrants the ringing of the bell?!"
The other five abbots all frowned. Although they were displeased, they all stepped out of their rooms and gathered towards the main hall.
In just half an incense stick's time, the six of them reunited.
"Huiyin, what is the purpose of summoning us here?"
The first to speak was Huidu. He was practicing with two consorts chosen from among the believers, and at a crucial moment, he was interrupted by the urgent sound of the bronze bell. How could he be angry?
The other abbots were in similar situations, all staring at Huiyin with unfriendly expressions. If he couldn't give a reasonable explanation, they would not let it go.
"Among those thirty-six destined people who went down the mountain this time, two people who claimed to be lay disciples of Huikong came to my door."
"They have never eaten a single grain of rice offered as alms, and they know all the rules and regulations by heart. The reason we have summoned you here is to discuss how to deal with these two people."
Although Huiyin was burly and rugged, his mind was exceptionally clear; otherwise, he wouldn't have survived to become the abbot of the Disciplinary Hall. He first glanced around at the reactions of the other four people, then fixed his gaze on Huidu, whose expression was inscrutable.
"Whether it's true or false, they have to be fake..."
The first to speak was Huiming from the fasting room. He fiddled with the prayer beads in his hand, his face unusually fierce.
The reason for this is nothing more than that he had a great grudge against Huikong, who had been missing for decades. Now that he saw a disciple who looked like him, Huiming would naturally not let him go.
"Is it possible that Venerable Daoyuan was in disguise?"
Although Huijing spoke softly, her words exploded in everyone's ears like a thunderclap.
In an instant
All five eyes converged on Huijing's calm and composed face.
"Why do you say that?"
Hui Du narrowed his eyes, a hint of murderous intent flickering within them.
"More than half a month has passed since we captured Uncle Zongdu. Venerable Daoyuan cannot possibly be unaware of this matter. Although the Venerable has not yet returned to his position, given his nature, how could he possibly take us seriously? Furthermore, with the binding effect of the 'Chapata Thangka Mantra,' how could he not come to settle scores with us?"
"Huijing is right. Why not summon them both to the hall and confront them face to face? If it is truly the Venerable One who has returned, and his strength has not yet recovered to its full potential, we will have a chance of winning. If not, then we will kill them both on the spot."
Huiwu, who had been silent for a long time, also spoke at this moment.
However, Huiyuan, who was usually silent, interrupted the five people.
"Never forget the vow we made before Huikong left, the 'Oath of the Vow ...
"..."
The noisy hall fell silent for a moment before Abbot Huidu spoke.
"Then summon them to the palace, and we'll question and observe them..."