Chapter 161 - Mister Sea
For cultivators, spiritual wisdom and talent were equally important.
Most people thought that spiritual wisdom was an inherent gift. If one was smart, he would be smart; if one was foolish, he would be foolish. Between the two lied a heavenly moat.
Nonetheless, this was not the truth. Buddha had left behind Buddhist doctrines while Daoists had moralistic proverbs. Scriptures, as well as works of philosophers and One Hundred Saints, also existed. If one truly understood the meaning of these scriptures, even foolish living creatures could obtain spiritual wisdom.
Talent can be destroyed but spiritual wisdom cannot be lost.
Not many managed to gain enlightenment solely through the use of these scriptures. However, if there were figures like Huike who could lecture such sophisticated content with simplicity, it would be different.
If Daoists who could lecture about Cultivation of Daoism and the process of seeking one"s true self were powerful enough, even stubborn rocks would nod. However, for the Daoist himself, this ability was not necessarily advantageous. As for some people, this ability meant extreme viciousness and they were deemed as disruptors of order.
Baoyue the Venerable might not have the intention to make Huike feel uneasy. Nevertheless, this debate has become the only life-saving solution for those monks of ancient Buddhism around that region.
After Shen Lian had understood this information, he experienced a fresh new feeling toward Huike. Such a feeling cannot be felt during his first meeting with Huike at the sea.
One cannot understand a person even better than comprehending his deeds.
Conversations could only divulge one"s temperament or the temperament the speaker wanted to show. However, a person"s deeds could inadvertently disclose his true nature.
Suddenly, Shen Lian asked, "Daoist in green, do you know the whereabouts of Great Master Huike?"
Song Qingyi lowered his voice and said, "I am not sure about that. However, it is not troublesome to know her whereabouts."
Subsequently, he waved his sleeve and a joss stick appeared in his hand. He told Shen Lian, "Brother Shen, may I trouble you to lend me a helping hand?"
Song Qingyi knew about Shen Lian"s eight Qi of Taixu. It contained the sky, earth, mountain, swamp, water, fire, wind, and lighting. Small flames could be produced by one"s own will, it was very convenient.
Shen Lian would not reject his plea. However, he did not know what Song Qingyi wanted to do.
When he flicked his finger, flames started to fly out from his finger. The flame landed on the tip of the joss stick. The joss stick was instantly ignited. Even the way he ignites the joss stick was unique. At this moment, snowflakes started to whirl around. Of course, these snowflakes did not come into contact with three of their bodies. However, Song Qingyi managed to insert the ignited joss stick into the snow on the ground. The incense smoke curled upwards and was not hindered by the wintry wind.
Song Qingyi cupped his hand in the other before his chest with respect and muttered, "Honored master, if you are currently available, may I trouble you to count so as to determine the whereabouts of Vidyaraja Temple"s Huike?"
Shen Lian"s lips twitched slightly. He never thought that Song Qingyi would use such a method.
After some time, the joss stick was completely burnt. It turned into a pile of ashes which coincidentally formed a line of words- to be found at the Abode of Drunken Celestial.
Song Qingyi clapped his hands and said, "It seems like my fortune is good. My honored master was free to help us. However, where is this Abode of Drunken Celestial?"
Qixiu said slowly, "I know where it is."
Song Qingyi was surprised and said, "So Qixiu have been to the Abode of Drunken Celestial before. You are a monk, how could you drink?"
Qixiu blushed and said softly, "I have walked past that place before. But, Brother Song did not notice my presence."
Song Qingyi said, "Well since you know its whereabouts, it will be rather convenient. Show us the way, Qixiu."
Shen Lian was rather impressed. This truly showed how other people"s elder teacher was like. He was astonished by Lu Jiuyuan"s supernatural power. His power has reached such an unbelievable stage insomuch that he could receive Song Qingyi heart"s plea.
Legends stated that once people think of Daoists and Buddhas in their hearts, they would receive responses. Though Lu Jiuyuan still depended on joss stick as a conduit to receive Song Qingyi"s plea, he was already honing such ability. He has indeed lived up to his name as the greatest man in the world.
Shen Lian did not know how long more would he require to obtain such astonis.h.i.+ng supernatural power and mana.
At this period of time, although Shen Lian was unable to reach such a level, he still aspired to achieve it. Nonetheless, Song Qingyi was already used to witnessing his honored master"s astonis.h.i.+ng powers and hence, he did not have many feelings.
The Abode of Drunken Celestial welcomed three guests. Two were young Daoists while the other was a pure and innocent nun.
There were a lot of people in the Abode of Drunken Celestial today. Its atmosphere was bustling and lively. No one noticed the backgrounds of these three people. There were tradesmen and soldiers as well as sheriffs and aristocrats. Everyone was seated at their own place.
Shen Lian saw Huike. He was as simple as always. Surprisingly, his pair of tattered shoes was not completely spoilt.
Zen tunes rang through every corner of the main hall. Huike was debating with a group of monks.
He was calm and poised. However, those monks who were facing him looked dejected. Some even seemed genuinely convinced.
Nevertheless, it was rumored that this debate would continue till dusk. Hence, there was still some time.
Clearly, Shen Lian and his acquaintances did not want to just stand and wait. However, there were no more empty tables to occupy.
The shopkeeper was also in a dilemma. After all, the golden leaf in Shen Lian"s hand was much more attractive than any other dharma. Nevertheless, he was unable to provide them with an empty table.
He could not chase other customers away as well. He was not foolish. The Abode of Drunken Celestial"s reputation was much more valuable than this piece of golden leaf.
At this moment, a waiter walked over and whispered to the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper smiled joyfully and said, "Dear guests, there is a table which was seated by a single guest. I have ordered my staff to negotiate with him. He is willing to be seated at the same table with the three of you. I have put in much effort in this negotiation." After he has finished talking, he reached out to obtain the golden leaf.
However, Shen Lian kept this golden leaf.
The shopkeeper asked, "Guest, what do you mean?"
Shen Lian smiled and said, "This guest invited us to sit with him. I don"t think you have anything to do with this."
The shopkeeper was startled. He did not know how Shen Lian has found out the truth. In fact, all the whisperings between him and his staff could be clearly heard by Shen Lian if the latter wanted to.
Moreover, Shen Lian was not a wholly rightful person.
He lifted up his head and looked toward the table which was situated close to the railings on the second floor. Only one person was seated at that table. It seemed as if this person was in his early twenties. He was clad in a set of gold garment. The material of his garment remained unidentifiable. Yet, it instilled in others a sense of luxuriousness.
The person saw Shen Lian smiling. Subsequently, he gestured to invite him up.
Obviously, the three of them had nothing to fear of. Song Qingyi was the first who reached the table and sat down casually. Shen Lian then sat opposite of this man, while Qixiu sat at a corner.
Song Qingyi spoke first, "Friend, thank you for your invitation. May I know your name?"
The young man who was clad in luxurious and golden garment said slowly, "You can call me Mister Sea."
Song Qingyi answered casually, "I am Song Qingyi. This is Shen Lian while this young master"s religious name is Qixiu."
Mister Sea nodded to acknowledge Qingyi"s introduction. Lastly, his gaze landed on Shen Lian. There was a jade hairpin on Shen Lian"s head. Meanwhile, strands of long hair hung loosely by the sides of his ears. His looked handsome and graceful.
Even ordinary descendants of dukes and royalties do not have such an aura.
When Shen Lian heard the name "Mister Sea", his feelings were stirred. He recalled an incident that happened years ago where he killed a female snake demon. The owner of this snake demon was also called Mister Sea.
Nonetheless, many people in the world share the same name and surname. Hence, Shen Lian did not know whether this person was that Mister Sea.
In addition, this person did not have demonic Qi nor mana.
Mister Sea observed Shen Lian for awhile before he directed his attention toward the spectator"s grandstand. At this moment, Huike has convinced another monk, and the latter exited the grandstand subsequently.