Infinite Professions

Chapter 398: Chapter 207: Painted Wall

Several days later, in the countryside, three horse carriages moved slowly.

Inside the carriage, a few people sat together, chatting and laughing.

"Is the Red Lotus Temple truly as mystical as they say?"

"Of course, the Red Lotus Temple is renowned far and wide, over a thousand miles, across more than a dozen counties, who doesn’t know of it?"

"I heard that the temple houses a High Monk, who not only has profound knowledge of the Buddhist Technique but also is skilled in the Qihuang Skill, able to revive the dead and heal bones, not to mention curing minor ailments with ease."

"Last time, Brother Feng obtained a magical remedy here, and after returning, he was invigorated, making a great show at the Spring Breeze Pavilion, even those battle-hardened courtesans couldn’t withstand him and begged for mercy!"

"Such a thing?"

"So that’s why you, Brother Zhang, suddenly had the idea to visit the temple; the key lies here!"

"With such good fortune, you should have shared it with us friends sooner; you deserve a penalty, a penalty indeed!"

"Next time, Spring Breeze Pavilion, it’s on you!"

"Hahaha..."

Inside the carriage, everyone’s laughter echoed, revealing all were young aristocratic youths, seemingly noble, although their speech carried a hint of playfulness.

Thus, the horse carriages moved slowly and finally came to a stop.

The group looked outside and saw a mountain gate, inside were steps that led directly to a Lanruo.

The Lanruo Temple, ancient and elegant, with the sound of bells and drums echoing softly, revealed a grandiose atmosphere.

"Hmm!"

The leading young master lightly coughed, reminding his friends, "This is a sacred place of the Buddhist Sect, everyone should not be disrespectful or intrude. Angering the Buddha would bring consequences..."

"Rest assured, Brother Zhang, we understand!"

These young aristocrats understood matters of the mystical, thus curbing their playful demeanor, tidying their clothes, wearing serious expressions, before stepping onto the steps with their servants in tow.

Ascending the steps, they reached the temple entrance where the Guest Monk greeted them.

"Amitabha Buddha!"

The Guest Monk softly chanted the Buddha’s name, welcoming the group, and addressed Young Master Zhang, "Young Master Zhang, here to offer incense again?"

"Indeed!"

Young Master Zhang nodded, glancing into the temple, "Is Master Budong here?"

Saying this, he signaled to his servant.

The servant understood, stepped forward, took out a money pouch, and discreetly handed it to the Guest Monk.

The Guest Monk, experienced as he was, smoothly accepted the pouch without leaving a trace and told Young Master Zhang and his companions, "Martial Uncle Budong is preparing to deliver a sermon, would you like to attend?"

Young Master Zhang immediately nodded, "We wouldn’t miss Master Budong’s sermon!"

"Honored guests, please follow me."

With that, the Guest Monk led the group into the temple.

Soon after, they arrived at a hall, already populated by many, though not monks of the temple, but noble patrons from outside, all dressed appropriately, clearly wealthy, not ordinary folk. The gathering largely consisted of young aristocrats and middle-aged gentry.

"Please wait; Martial Uncle Budong will arrive shortly!"

The Guest Monk halted, informing the group before stepping aside.

Young Master Zhang, familiar with the procedure, dismissed the Guest Monk and informed his friends, "Master Budong is the revered monk who gave Brother Feng the remedy. After his lecture on the Buddhist Technique, we’ll seek his counsel."

The group nodded, glancing around, noticing many were engrossed with the Painted Wall. Out of curiosity, they approached to view it.

On both the eastern and western walls, were exquisite paintings; the east wall depicted the Flower-Scattering Celestial Maiden, each figure lifelike, with distinct expressions, marvelously crafted.

Even though these young aristocrats had experienced many spectacles and appreciated countless fine artworks, they found themselves humbled before these paintings, stopping in their tracks, absorbed by them.

Thus, despite the hundreds gathered in the hall, there was not a single noise, befitting the peaceful atmosphere of the Buddhist Sect.

Among them was Zhu Xiaolian.

He hailed from Jinyang Prefecture, renowned as a talented scholar, becoming Prefecture Champion at a young age, earning the title of scholar. He was invited by friends to visit the Red Lotus Temple to worship and listen to teachings.

A scholar of the Confucian Sect, he initially didn’t believe in the Buddhist Dao, often dismissing it as trickery.

However, upon visiting the Red Lotus Temple, his beliefs began to waver.

Standing before one painted wall, he noticed a girl, youthful, holding a flower with a gentle smile, lips slightly parted, eyes alive with expression, incredibly vivid, not like a mere painting, capturing his attention.

Mesmerized, Zhu Xiaolian found himself feeling as if the girl had stepped out of the painting, standing before him, almost within reach.

Just as he lost himself in thought, a sudden commotion broke the silence, only to quickly return to calm.

A start, Zhu Xiaolian glanced back to the painting, finding it had lost its previous magic, leaving him yearning.

Looking around, he saw people gathered around a high platform, atop which stood a White Eyebrow Elder Monk, delivering a sermon.

Zhu Xiaolian searched but did not find his friends among the crowd. Finding the sermon perplexing and dreary, he turned his focus back to the Painted Wall.

Yet he found someone standing in his original spot, admiring the painting.

A young man, with a commanding, upright presence, clad in a green robe, serene and refined, exuding a sense of transcendence and purity.

Such charisma could only belong to an extraordinary person.

Zhu Xiaolian, feeling a sense of fondness, approached, whispering, "Brother..."

"Hmm!?"

Before the words were fully spoken, the young man turned, revealing a highly distinctive face; sword-like brows and starry eyes, a mix of scholarly elegance and warrior strength, seeming like a scholar, yet also a knight, radiating an aura of subtle strength even without wielding a sword.