Chapter 002: Seeking Monks at the Buddhist Temple

The sound came from below. At first, only a large bundle of branches was seen swaying as it moved forward. As the winding path curved, a person carrying the bundle climbed up, but was positioned at an angle, making it impossible to see their face due to the size of the bundle, and they appeared to be of short stature. The person bent down and poked at the grass: "Come out." A squirrel darted out from the grass and quickly climbed up a tree. "I told you I saw you, didn't I? Hehehehe." The person turned around, looking up at the climbing squirrel, laughing joyfully; it turned out to be a young monk, appearing to be only about thirteen or fourteen years old.

Following a line of monks to the backyard, Ding Buer felt a secret joy in his heart: "The atmosphere has been perfectly set for them, the good show is about to begin, but unfortunately, I cannot witness it in person. It is getting late, and it is just the right time to send this little monk down the mountain as well." With this thought, he quickly acted, pressing several acupoints on a line of monks, a proud smile appearing on his face

Hidden in the deep mountains north of Taihuai Town lies a temple, serene and mysterious. This is the Fogong Temple

Master Wuyá joined his palms in greeting: "Amitabha. There is no need for you to be polite, benefactor. May I ask what brings you to seek this humble monk?" Ding Buer glanced around and quietly asked, "There are no outsiders here, right?" Master Wuyá smiled slightly and said, "You may speak freely, benefactor." Ding Buer then began to explain, using gestures: "I came to Mount Wutai to fulfill a vow for my mother. By chance, I overheard some people discussing the Zen Temple of Buddha's True Light. Out of curiosity, I approached to listen a bit more. To my surprise, what they were talking about was not about burning incense and worshiping Buddha at all. It seemed they were saying..." Ding Buer continued to explain: "I came to Mount Wutai to fulfill a vow for my mother. By chance, I overheard some people discussing the Zen Temple of Buddha's True Light. Out of curiosity, I approached to listen a bit more. To my surprise, what they were talking about was not about burning incense and worshiping Buddha at all. It seemed they were saying... they mentioned that a few days ago they were unsuccessful, and today they intended to come under the pretext of delivering a gift... what was that term again? Oh, assassination... yes, it is assassination, to assassinate Master Wuyá."

Master Wuyá recalled the incident a few days ago when he was attacked at Qingshui River, suspecting there might be a connection. Thus, he listened even more attentively. The monks, including Yinde, had already gathered around, and upon hearing that someone intended to assassinate the abbot, they couldn't help but exchange glances with one another

Ding Bu'er said happily, "Brother, follow me, and I will take you to taste the delicious food of the world, which is a hundred times better than being a monk." Yi Xin, however, replied, "Brother Ding, I am full and need to hurry back; the firewood is still on the mountain." Ding Bu'er laughed and said, "Brother, you have already broken your vow by eating meat; how can you go back to being a monk?" Yi Xin looked puzzled and asked, "Broken my vow? What does that mean?" Ding Bu'er was surprised and said, "Doesn't your temple prohibit alcohol and meat?" Yi Xin replied, "I eat the same food as my fellow disciples every day; whatever they eat, I eat too. No one told me what I cannot eat." He stood up, clasped his hands together, and said, "Brother Ding, I must go back. Take care of yourself." "Let's go together," Ding Bu'er said as he picked up his bundle and left the restaurant with him.

A monk named Yihang asked in confusion, "Benefactor, what are you doing?" Ding Buer was startled, and after staring blankly at his own fingers, he reached out and carefully touched Yihang's body. Aside from his clothing, it seemed there was nothing else covering him, and he couldn't help but feel embarrassed as he said, "It's nothing, just playing a joke on you. Have you practiced the Golden Bell Shield or Iron Cloth Shirt?" Yihang, with a simple smile, shook his head and replied, "I do not know what the benefactor is referring to. Is it a valuable piece of clothing?"

"Amitabha, my apologies, my apologies." The monk Yinde clasped his hands together and recited a phrase, intending to step forward to assist him. Ke Laosan swiftly drew a steel knife from behind his back and, taking advantage of the momentum, swung it down towards the monk Yinde's head. The monk Yinde was taken aback, hurriedly retreating and stopping after four or five steps, he angrily exclaimed: "In the pure land of Buddhism, do you still intend to wield a knife to commit murder?" "What of committing murder? I will chop you, you bald donkey!" Ke Laosan stepped forward again, delivering another strike. Nie Shifei quickly instructed his subordinates to stop him. Those present, seeing Ke Laosan wielding the steel knife with great force, dared not step forward. The monk Yinde, upon seeing this, evaded the incoming strike, reached out to grab a long stick from a disciple's hand, and then engaged in battle with Ke Laosan.

Ke Laosan stared blankly at the old monk, momentarily frozen in place. Just a moment ago, he had exerted all his strength, swinging the knife down with both hands. Unexpectedly, the old monk effortlessly deflected it with a gentle motion. Where did this old monk come from? How could he strike so swiftly and possess such formidable skill? It is truly incredible.

A group of people was walking along the mountain path. The two in the front were engaged in conversation. The one dressed as a scholar, named Nie Shifei, was waving a goose feather fan in his hand and said to the man beside him, Ke Laosan, "Laosan, you need to temper your temper. To fight over a courtesan to the point of taking a life is excessive. If it weren't for my timely financial assistance, we might have ended up in trouble with the authorities." "Mr. Nie, I naturally remember your kindness," Ke Laosan replied, his hands empty, but a remarkably large steel knife was inserted into his back. Nie Shifei calmly continued, "I do not seek your gratitude, but I hope you will not act rashly again. We should have arrived long ago, yet we have wasted several days for no reason. When we meet Master Wuyā later, you must behave well and avoid causing any more trouble." Ke Laosan hurriedly said, "No, no. Mr. Nie, you can rest assured, this time I will listen to you completely." Nie Shifei lightly pointed at him with the goose feather fan, saying, "It is best to do so." After saying this, the two burst into laughter. Behind them, two men were carrying a large box, while two others were each holding a wooden box, following closely behind. The four men were dressed similarly, each with a steel knife inserted in their backs.

Ding Buer said: "You help me climb over that broken wall, and we will hide outside for a while. The villains will definitely not expect anyone to be hiding outside." A group of monks nodded repeatedly, helping Ding Buer to the base of the wall, first lifting him up to the top of the wall, then climbing up themselves, and finally coming down to assist him. The two of them climbed over the courtyard wall and went in search of a safe place to hide.

As Ke Laosan and Nie Shifei entered the mountain gate, they saw a short and stout monk standing in the courtyard, with a dozen disciples holding clubs lined up behind him, each with an expressionless face. Nie Shifei couldn't help but be taken aback, ordered his men to put down the box, and, while shaking his goose feather fan, stepped forward to stand before Master Yinde, cupping his fists in salute: "I am Nie Shifei, paying my respects to Master Wuyá!"

A dozen or so monks were lined up practicing with their staffs. A short, stout monk stood with his back to the main hall, empty-handed, gesturing and pointing. Suddenly, one monk in the front row froze for a moment, having been struck on the shoulder by a nearby staff, and exclaimed, "Ah!" while covering his shoulder. The short, stout monk called out loudly, "Yixing, what’s the matter with you?" The monk next to him, realizing he had injured someone, hurriedly dropped his staff and waved his hands, saying, "Junior brother, Master, I didn’t mean to!" Yixing rubbed his right shoulder and suddenly pointed at the ceiling of the main hall, shouting, "There’s someone up there!" The short, stout monk called out loudly, "Yixing, what’s the matter with you?" The monk next to him, realizing he had injured someone, hurriedly dropped his staff and waved his hands, saying, "Junior brother, Master, I didn’t mean to!" Yixing rubbed his right shoulder and suddenly pointed at the ceiling of the main hall, shouting, "There’s someone up there!"

Ding Bu'er sat up again and suddenly asked, "You belong to the printed generation, so how can you call Master Wuyá your senior brother? Wouldn't that confuse the hierarchy? Are you trying to deceive me?" Master Yin De's face showed displeasure, and he shouted loudly, "Please come down to speak!" The other monks also shouted in unison, "Come down! Come down!" Ding Bu'er paid no attention to them and continued to lie down, only shouting, "Please come down to speak!" The other monks echoed, "Come down! Come down!" Ding Bu'er ignored them completely and remained lying down.

Ding Buer nodded slightly and said: "Your great-grandfather was a good man and has great kindness towards you. So... did you end up becoming a monk or not?" Yixin replied: "I don't really know... Anyway, I currently live in the temple, sharing meals and sleeping with my fellow disciples. The difference is that I only need to chop firewood and fetch water every day, without having to recite scriptures or practice martial arts." As he spoke, he casually plucked a piece of wild grass and absentmindedly drew on the ground.

Leaving the town, Ding Buyi quickly took a couple of steps forward, blocking Yixin's path, and said: "Brother, you cannot return to the Fogong Temple, nor can you become a monk." Yixin was taken aback: "Why not?" Ding Buyi replied: "Monks cannot eat meat, cannot consume flesh, and cannot... well, there are many precepts and rules. You just ate meat, and quite a lot of it. If you were a monk, that would violate the precepts, and you would be expelled if you went back." "Ah... well, there are many precepts and rules. You just ate meat, and quite a lot of it. If you were a monk, that would violate the precepts, and you would be expelled if you went back." "Ah? What should I do?" Yixin was flustered and looked aggrieved, "I didn’t even know that was meat, and no one ever told me I couldn’t eat meat." Ding Buyi held Yixin's arm and said seriously: "Brother Yixin, you need to listen to me carefully now." Yixin stared at him blankly. Ding Buyi released him and continued: "The things that monks are supposed to do, like chanting scriptures, worshiping Buddha, meditating, and practicing martial arts, didn’t they ever invite you to participate? So no one in the temple considers you a monk; you are merely a laborer fetching firewood and water. Otherwise, how could they not even inform you of those basic precepts? If you go back, even if no one knows you ate meat, no one knows you broke the precept, what else can you do besides eating, sleeping, fetching firewood, and drawing water? You will never have a chance to stand out." "But, but..." Yixin stood there in a daze, his mind in a jumble.

Yixin was feeling bored while waiting, when Ding Buer returned, carrying a bundle in his hand. Yixin approached and asked, "What did the doctor say?" Ding Buer stuffed the bundle into his hands and smiled, saying, "It's nothing. Here, this is for you." Yixin, taken aback, held the bundle with both hands and asked, "What is this?" Ding Buer opened the bundle and lifted out some clothes, saying, "Take off your clothes and change into this." Yixin quickly waved his hands, saying, "Brother Ding, no need. I can't accept your things." Ding Buer laughed and said, "Look at your clothes; they are stained with my blood. Do you think those monks will let you in?" Yixin looked down at himself, then at the clothes in the bundle, and no longer declined. He took off his clothes and allowed Ding Buer to help him put on the new ones.

Ding Buer endured the soreness and numbness in his hands and feet, dragging his feeble body, and stumbled forward while feeling his way along the trees. Suddenly, his foot slipped, and he fell to the ground, gasping for breath, unable to help but shake his head and smile wryly: "Who would have thought that I, Ding Buer, after many years of wandering the martial world, relying solely on my lightness skill and two swift legs, would find myself in such a predicament today, stumbling and falling while walking, truly..."

Yixin descended the mountain for the first time, filled with curiosity, and was preoccupied with looking around. Ding Buer took him to a small street-side shop, where they found a table outside to sit at. The waiter approached and greeted them: "Sir, what would you like to order?" Ding Buer casually took out a piece of silver and placed it on the table: "Just bring whatever delicious food you have. As long as my brother enjoys his meal, there's no need to give me any change." "Alright!" The waiter happily accepted the silver and went inside to arrange the food and drinks.

Ding Buer was so anxious that he clenched his fists, only to be astonished to find that he could not exert any strength. He tried with the other hand, but it was the same. When he attempted to stomp his foot, he could not even stir the dust on the ground. Ding Buer was greatly alarmed and nearly collapsed. A group of monks supported him and asked with concern, "Benefactor, are you alright?" Reflecting on the earlier scene, Ding Buer suddenly realized: "It must be that old monk who was not at ease; when he touched my arm, he secretly used some method to seal my strength. Once the matter in the front courtyard is resolved, even if he makes a mistake, at most he will feign sincerity and apologize, and I will have nothing to say. I truly underestimated that old monk. I cannot wait to die here; I must first find an opportunity to leave."

After walking for two or three miles in one go, the little monk's steps gradually slowed down. Ding Bu'er felt a bit reluctant and advised, "Little master, please put me down, let us rest for a while before continuing our journey." The little monk was sweating profusely but still persisted, saying, "No, you are still bleeding, we cannot delay. Moreover, I still need to go back up the mountain to carry firewood back to the temple later." Ding Bu'er gently patted his shoulder and said, "Little master, there is no rush. You can put me down first, I want to think about how to proceed, and you can take a break in the meantime." Only then did the little monk find a place to set him down, raising his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Ding Bu'er sat on the ground, looking at the little monk, and thought to himself, "The little monk is a good person, yet I deceived him into coming down the mountain... what a sin. Once I fulfill my bet and deal with that villain from Tianshan, I must repay him well."

"Don't run, I see you! Come out!" A voice called from not far away. Ding Buer was startled and hurried to get up, but his body was not agile, so he could only struggle to crawl behind the bushes to hide.

After running for another two or three miles, Yixin paused and asked, "Benefactor, there is a fork in the road ahead. Which way shall we go?" Ding Buer replied, "Brother Yixin, please refrain from calling me 'Benefactor' all the time. My surname is Ding, and since we have been together for a while, you can just call me Brother Ding."

Nie Shifei, in a state of urgency, frantically waved his goose feather fan. Suddenly, he slapped his own head and exclaimed, "Oh dear, how could I be so foolish?" He quickly walked towards the group of monks. The monks, wary, each held their staffs defensively. Nie Shifei halted his steps and clasped his hands, saying, "I implore which master will promptly inform Master Wuyā. If we delay, it may lead to loss of life, staining the sacred ground of Buddhism." The two monks at the front exchanged glances; one nodded, and the other ran off to summon Master Wuyā. Nie Shifei expressed his gratitude with a clasped hand and stepped back.

Ding Bu'er observed quietly, thinking to himself: "To fight over a courtesan's favor to the point of taking a life, it seems they are not good people. I wonder what is contained in that box and chest; I will take the opportunity to seize it sooner or later." Hearing them mention Master Wuyá, Ding Bu'er deduced that they were also headed to the Foguang Temple, so he became even more vigilant.

The front courtyard of Foguang Temple

Ding Bu'er did not expect the young monk to carry him so easily. Worried that he might really be taken back to the temple, he quickly said, "Put me down, I don't need your help. I cannot go to Foguang Temple; my leg was broken there!" The young monk continued walking forward, saying, "You must be mistaken, benefactor. Everyone in the temple is a good person; how could they possibly hurt anyone? Don't worry, the abbot will surely heal you." Ding Bu'er replied, "The masters in the temple are indeed all good people. But today a group of people came, armed with knives, guns, and clubs, and they beat anyone they saw. Even the abbot could not stop them. That group is quite fierce, and they haven't left yet; I dare not go back." The young monk was taken aback and stopped in his tracks.

Master Ya pondered for a moment, then gently patted Ding Buer's right arm, reassuring him: "There is no need for you to panic, please temporarily go to the guesthouse in the backyard to rest; I will handle things here. Yi Xing, you accompany the benefactor there." A young monk named Yi Xing accepted the order and led the way ahead: "Benefactor, this way please." As Ding Buer was leaving, he reminded once more: "Master, be careful!"

Nie Shifei took a letter from his bosom and respectfully presented it to Master Wuyá, saying, "There is a handwritten letter from Zeng Gong here, Master will know upon seeing it." Master Wuyá glanced at him, slowly raised his hand to take the letter, and stepped aside a couple of paces before carefully unfolding it. He first listened to Ding Buer's words, feeling half-convinced and half-skeptical, and had to remain vigilant against the visitor at all times.

After twenty or thirty rounds, although Ke Laosan was quite angry, he gradually began to lose the upper hand in the fight. The monk Yin De blocked a kick from Ke Laosan with his left hand and suddenly countered with a right punch. Ke Laosan, with his right leg still raised, had no time to withdraw and was struck heavily in the chest, staggering back four or five steps before his shoulder collided with the water tank in the courtyard, causing the water inside to splash out. Nie Shifei hurriedly brought people forward to check on him.

Old Ke San was unwilling to relent, firmly stepping on the wooden stick with one foot, wielding the knife with both hands, exerting all his strength, and fiercely chopping down towards Monk Yinde... Monk Yinde had no chance of escape left, staring blankly as the heavy steel knife descended upon him...

"Shall I call you Brother Ding?" Yi Xin thought for a moment and nodded, "Alright then, Benefactor, I will call you Brother Ding." Ding Bu Er was amused by him: "Good brother, let us go to the left. I will take you to eat something good." Yi Xin asked in confusion, "Aren't we going to find a doctor?" Ding Bu Er replied, "My leg is much better, there is no rush to find a doctor. You have been carrying me for so long, you must be tired and hungry. Let us eat something first before we continue." Yi Xin had no particular opinion and was indeed hungry, so he followed Ding Bu Er's arrangement.

Master Wuyá remained calm and composed, merely instructing someone to fetch a ladder. Monk Yinde remarked, "There is no ladder of such height in the temple, but there are two long poles; I wonder if they would suffice." Ding Buer faintly heard this and shouted, "The long poles will do, hurry and bring them!" Master Wuyá then ordered someone to bring the long poles, which were propped up against the eaves. He looked up and said, "Benefactor, the long poles are now in place. You just need to hold on and slide down; there are many people below to catch you."

Ding Bu'er continued, "Of course, they won't chop down a monk, so you can rest assured and go back. Leaving me here, at least I can live a few more days, which is better than going back to be killed by them." The young monk was at a loss for what to do: "Your leg is bleeding; it really can't be left untreated. Besides the abbot... I don't know how to help either." Ding Bu'er said, "If you truly want to save me, then carry me down the mountain to find a doctor... Alas, forget it, you are so small, you probably don't have the strength to carry me down the mountain... Just leave me be, put me down, and go on your way... Let me fend for myself here." The young monk hesitated for a moment, then suddenly said, "I will carry you down the mountain to find a doctor. But... I don't know the way." Ding Bu'er was secretly delighted and said, "I know the way; I know where there is a doctor... Then I will trouble you, little master... You are truly a little Bodhisattva." The young monk carried Ding Bu'er and followed the directions down the mountain.

Yixin was indeed hungry. Hearing him say this, he no longer held back, picked up the bowl of water and took a few sips, then without distinguishing between salty and bland, regardless of meat or vegetables, he devoured the food ravenously, even causing his hat to fall off, revealing his bald head. Passersby who saw this laughed and said, "Is that boy a bald man or a monk? Drinking and eating meat is not taboo." Ding Bu'er glared at that person, put the hat back on Yixin, and comforted him, saying, "Don't listen to his nonsense, just keep eating." Yixin didn't take it to heart, rubbed his belly, burped, and said, "I'm full." Ding Bu'er asked, "Brother, how was the meal?" Yixin replied, "Delicious! Better than the vegetarian meals at the temple!" Just then, the waiter came out to serve water. Upon hearing him mention "the temple," he couldn't help but frown, secretly thinking, "What kind of monk is this?"

The monk Yinde said loudly: "If the benefactor wishes to find Master Wuyá, you should come down and wait. I will send someone to invite him here." Ding Buer replied: "You go ahead and invite him. When Master Wuyá arrives, I will come down myself." Yinde first instructed his disciple to invite the abbot, then raised his voice and said: "I have already sent someone to invite Master Wuyá. I kindly ask the benefactor to come down and speak!"

The crowd could not help but exclaim in surprise. Nie Shifei closed his eyes and turned his head, not daring to look any further. After a while, when no sound was heard, Nie Shifei opened his eyes to observe. He saw Master Wuyá holding the back of the knife with one hand and grasping Ke Laosan's arm with the other, slowly moving the steel knife away from Yinde's head. He then supported Ke Laosan's arm and guided him a few steps away before bringing his hands together in prayer, saying: "Amitabha. Well done, well done." Nie Shifei opened his eyes to observe, and he saw Master Wuyá holding the back of the knife with one hand and grasping Ke Laosan's arm with the other, slowly moving the steel knife away from Yinde's head. He then supported Ke Laosan's arm and guided him a few steps away before bringing his hands together in prayer, saying: "Amitabha. Well done, well done."

The steel knife in the hands of Ke Laosan was heavy and powerful. The monk Yinde held a wooden stick and dared not confront him directly, having to evade at every turn, thus suffering a disadvantage in terms of momentum. Once Ke Laosan gained the upper hand, he fought more fiercely, driving the monk Yinde into a corner. The other monks were all anxious for Yinde, ready to step in and help at any moment. Seeing this, Nie Shifei shouted loudly: "Laosan, stop! Do not harm his life!"

Seeing Yi Xin curiously staring at the waiter taking away the silver, Ding Bu Er estimated that he had never used silver before, so he took out a piece of broken silver and handed it to him: "This is called silver. Eating and buying things all depend on this. You give this to others, and they give you things in return; this is called spending money, spending silver." Yi Xin held the silver in his hand, turning it over and over: "Do you need to use this for eating and buying things?" Ding Bu Er replied: "Of course. You can't take things for free anywhere; you have to pay money for everything." At this point, he suddenly laughed, thinking to himself: Am I not doing exactly what I just described, taking things from others without paying?

Yinde the monk felt displeased and coldly said, "Brother Wuyah is not available to meet guests. If you have something to say, this poor monk will convey it." Ke Laosan glared and shouted, "I came to find Master Wuyah, what use is it to talk to you! Go call Wuyah out!" Yinde was even more convinced that the other party was here to cause trouble, but still managed to suppress his anger and said, "Brother Wuyah has just taken charge of our temple and is currently in seclusion, so he cannot meet outsiders. All matters will be handled by this poor monk for the time being. If you have something to discuss, please tell me. If not, please leave." Nie Shifei was afraid that Ke Laosan would cause more trouble, but still managed to suppress his anger and said, "Brother Wuyah has just taken charge of our temple and is currently in seclusion, so he cannot meet outsiders. All matters will be handled by this poor monk for the time being. If you have something to discuss, please tell me. If not, please leave." Nie Shifei, fearing that Ke Laosan would cause more trouble, quickly blocked him and pushed him outward. Ke Laosan forcefully shook him off. Nie Shifei, being frail, could not withstand him and stumbled to the side, nearly falling.

Ding Bu Er asked: "Master Yi Xin, who is your master? Is it Master Wu Ya or Monk Yin De?" Yi Xin fanned himself with his sleeve and casually replied: "I have no master." Ding Bu Er was taken aback: "How can you have no master? Does your temple not have a hierarchy?" Yi Xin sat down beside him and said: "I have been following my ancestral master since I was young. My ancestral master said that he holds a high position, and if he were to take me as a disciple, the other senior brothers would be displeased. Therefore, he placed me in the first generation but did not designate another master for me." "Ancestral master?" Ding Bu Er asked, "Why do they also call him grandfather in the monk's temple?" Ding Bu Er found it amusing.

Ke Laosan asked, "Mr. Nie, we have traveled a long way to present a gift; that old monk wouldn't possibly disregard us, would he?" Nie Shifei replied, "He shouldn't. He is new here and still finding his footing. Since Shengong has sent us to support him, how could he not show us respect? He might even be so grateful that he will treat you well." Ke Laosan was very pleased, saying, "I think so too. Hahaha. We have come such a long way, bringing gifts; wouldn't all the monks in his temple, big and small, have to... perhaps he will be so grateful that he will treat you well. Hahaha, let them serve us with fine food and drink, so my trip as Ke Laosan won't be in vain." "You," Nie Shifei lightly pointed at him with a goose feather fan, thinking to himself, "Those monks in the temple eat vegetarian food; where would they get wine and meat for you?"

The waiter, having received a good amount of silver, was particularly attentive. Soon, he laid out a table filled with the best dishes in the inn. Ding Buer handed a pair of chopsticks to Yixin and said, "Are you hungry? Go ahead and eat." He knew Yixin was sweating and thirsty, so he specifically instructed the waiter to bring two bowls of warm water. At first, Yixin was somewhat reserved, only looking at Ding Buer. Ding Buer smiled and said, "Don't just look at me; there are no rules here. Feel free to eat as much as you like, and if it's not enough, there’s more." With that, he casually picked up a piece of beef and started chewing.

After a moment, an old monk with a completely white beard emerged from the side of the main hall. The disciples ceased their shouting. Monk Yinde approached and called out, "Brother Wuyá," then briefly recounted the earlier events, pointing with his hand: "Over there!" He then raised his voice and said, "Benefactor, Brother Wuyá has arrived, please come down to speak!" Ding Buer sat up to observe closely and saw that the old monk below was small in stature, and his monk's robe appeared somewhat oversized. He then asked, "Is this Master Wuyá?" Master Wuyá nodded and said, "I am indeed Wuyá."

In the midst of the chaos, a flash of red light appeared, and a figure enveloped Ding Bu'er and flew away. The crowd was astonished, and both Master Wuyā and Ding Bu'er landed on the ground. Master Wuyā secretly felt relieved: "That was close! A moment of carelessness almost led to a disaster. It seems I was overly cautious." He quickly turned to ask, "Benefactor, are you alright?" Ding Bu'er took a while to regain his composure and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Master! Thank you, all Masters!" Master Wuyā secretly felt relieved: "That was close! A moment of carelessness almost led to a disaster. It seems I was overly cautious." He quickly turned to ask, "Benefactor, are you alright?" Ding Bu'er took a while to regain his composure and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Master! Thank you, all Masters!"

Ding Bu'er was about to speak nonsense when a young monk came running over, shouting: "Master, Master!" Master Yinde approached and asked, "What happened? Why are you in such a hurry?" The young monk, panting, replied, "Outside the mountain gate... a group of people... carrying boxes... making a great donation..." Master Yinde asked cautiously, "Do they have any weapons on them?" The young monk paused for a moment, thought it over, and nodded, saying, "Yes. It seems they are... carrying knives..." Ding Bu'er exclaimed, "They are coming so quickly! I need to hide! I don't want to die!" The monks were somewhat flustered, responding, "Outside the mountain gate... a group of people... carrying boxes... making a great donation..." Master Yinde asked cautiously again, "Do they have any weapons on them?" The young monk paused again, thought it over, and nodded, saying, "Yes. It seems they are... carrying knives..." Ding Bu'er shouted, "They are coming so quickly! I need to hide! I don't want to die!" The monks were somewhat flustered, all looking at Master Wuyou.

Master Wuyá asked, "Esteemed guests, what brings you to our humble temple?" Ke Laosan inserted his steel knife into his back and approached Nie Shifei. Nie Shifei replied, "Zeng Gong of Jizhou has heard that Master Wuyá is presiding here, and has specially sent us to offer our congratulations. Come, present the gift list." "No hurry," Master Wuyá said with a faint wave of his hand, "I am not acquainted with that Zeng benefactor, and I do not understand why you esteemed guests have gone to the trouble of coming all this way. I would ask that you, Nie benefactor, clarify the matter first."

Ke Laosan originally thought that upon arriving at Foguang Temple, he would be welcomed with cheers and treated to food and drink. However, he did not expect this scene. After hearing Yin De's words, he could not contain himself and shouted loudly: "We are here to find Master Wuyá, do not speak to the bystanders! Where is Master Wuyá? Call him out to speak!" Nie Shifei saw that he was about to act recklessly again and hurriedly turned around to dissuade him.

Inside the Foguang Temple

Ding Bu'er also came from a difficult background, having lost both parents at a young age and ended up on the streets. Upon hearing about Yi Xin's tragic past yet witnessing such warmth and kindness, he couldn't help but feel his eyes welling up, quickly turning his face away. Yi Xin asked, "Benefactor, what is wrong with you?" Ding Bu'er hurriedly concealed his feelings, saying, "It's nothing, nothing. Please help me walk, I feel much better now." At that moment, his limbs were no longer numb, and his strength had recovered by about seventy to eighty percent. "Let me carry you, it will be faster that way. If you recover soon, I can feel at ease returning home. Come on then." Saying this, he helped Ding Bu'er up and carried him on his back. Yi Xin asked again, "Benefactor, what is wrong with you?" Ding Bu'er quickly covered up, saying, "It's nothing, nothing. Please help me walk, I feel much better now." At that moment, his limbs were no longer numb, and his strength had recovered by about seventy to eighty percent. "Let me carry you, it will be faster that way. If you recover soon, I can feel at ease returning home. Come on then." Saying this, he helped Ding Bu'er up and carried him on his back.

Master Wuyá remained calm and unhurried, gently holding Ding Buer's wrist with one hand, and smiling as he said, "Do not panic, do not panic, benefactor." Ding Buer was certain that the old monk would surely intervene to save him; just now, he had let himself fall without any reservations, thus there was no flaw at all. Unexpectedly, the old monk remained expressionless and actually made another attempt. Ding Buer reacted quickly, immediately relaxing, and since his internal strength was already lacking, he naturally had no fear of the old monk's probing. Master Wuyá gradually increased the pressure in his hand, and Ding Buer pretended to be surprised as he looked at the old monk. When the moment was right, he immediately shouted, "Ouch! It hurts! It hurts! Master! Master!" Ding Buer reacted quickly, immediately relaxing, and since his internal strength was already lacking, he naturally had no fear of the old monk's probing. Master Wuyá gradually increased the pressure in his hand, and Ding Buer pretended to be surprised as he looked at the old monk. When the moment was right, he immediately shouted, "Ouch! It hurts! It hurts! Master! Master!"

Ding Buer looked down and saw that no one else was following, feeling somewhat reassured, yet puzzled: "How could a little monk appear here all alone?" "Alright, I won't play with you anymore. I should head back now," the little monk said, glancing at the squirrel again. He dropped the branch in his hand, adjusted the rope slung over his shoulder, and began to walk away. Suddenly, Ding Buer's eyes lit up; he sprang out from the bushes, lay on the ground, and shouted: "Oh no, I can't go on. Someone, help me!" He dropped the branch in his hand, adjusted the rope slung over his shoulder, and began to walk away. Suddenly, Ding Buer's eyes lit up; he sprang out from the bushes, lay on the ground, and shouted: "Oh no, I can't go on. Someone, help me!"

Less than 2 li away, Ding Bu Er lazily sat on a tree branch, looking at the Fo Guang Temple and secretly laughing, "The monks here do not know how to do business; the temple has little incense offerings. Fortunately, I came to visit today, but not to offer oil; rather, I am here to steal from its monks. I fear they have lost all face for their ancestors." He had already familiarized himself with the terrain around the temple, just waiting to make his move today. In fact, all he needed to do was to lie in ambush in a spot around the temple, find a solitary monk to capture, and he could smoothly descend the mountain as agreed. However, he was feeling playful and wanted to create a bit of commotion, leaving a remarkable mark in the martial world.

Alright. I will talk to you! Ke Laosan rushed in front of Yin De and threw a punch at him. Yin De was already on guard, dodged to the side, and then attempted to grab his arm. The two began to fight. The onlookers did not dare to step forward. Nie Shifei was anxious and did not know what to do.

Upon arriving at Yangbai Valley in Taihuai Town, Ding Buer asked Yixin to put him down, and he discovered that his hands and feet had basically recovered. Firstly, Master Wuyá had not intended to harm him, having only used about seventy to eighty percent of his strength at the time; secondly, a considerable amount of time had passed, and that force had already diminished and disappeared. Yixin exclaimed in surprise, "Ding Brother, you can stand now?" Ding Buer replied, "Yes. Thanks to my brother carrying me all the way and taking breaks, I feel much better now." Yixin was very happy, saying, "That's great! Since Ding Brother is fine now, then I..." Ding Buer quickly interrupted him, "Brother, wait here for a moment. I will go to the town with Tushu to ask the doctor if everything is really alright. You must not leave, I will be back soon." Yixin could only nod, "Alright then." Ding Buer found a secluded spot to settle Yixin and then entered the town alone.

Ding Bu'er continued, "I think that since they are plotting in secret, they must be planning to harm Master Wuyá. Although I do not know the Master, I believe I am here to fulfill a promise for my mother. If I can send a message to the Master, allowing him to be prepared in advance and preventing the evildoers from succeeding, when I return and tell my mother, she will surely be happy and praise me. Don't you think?" I may not know the Master, but I believe I am here to fulfill a promise for my mother. If I can send a message to the Master, allowing him to be prepared in advance and preventing the evildoers from succeeding, when I return and tell my mother, she will surely be happy and praise me. Don't you think?"

Ding Bu'er let out a sigh, supporting Yi Xin to stand up, and earnestly said: "Our meeting today is destined. If you call me Brother Ding, I will call you Brother Yi Xin, and we will be as close as brothers. If you follow me in the future, I will only treat you well, take you to enjoy the delicacies of the world, and do good deeds worth doing. How about it?" Yi Xin closed his eyes and stood quietly. Ding Bu'er did not press him, turning around to wait. If you follow me in the future, I will only treat you well, take you to enjoy the delicacies of the world, and do good deeds worth doing. How about it?" Yi Xin closed his eyes and stood quietly. Ding Bu'er did not press him, turning around to wait.

At that moment, a group of monks hurriedly ran over from behind, shouting, "Did we win? Have the bad guys been caught?" Master Wuyá exclaimed, "Not good," realizing he had been deceived, and quickly led his people to the backyard to search for Ding Buer

Ding Bu'er looked at Yi Xin and softly asked, "You carried me down the mountain without even having the chance to say goodbye. Will your great-grandmaster be worried?" Yi Xin fell silent for a moment, lowered his head, and quietly replied, "Great-grandmaster... passed away three years ago." Ding Bu'er felt a jolt in his heart and suddenly felt a bit guilty. After a while, he asked again, "So do you go up the mountain to chop wood by yourself every day?" Yi Xin said, "After the great-grandmaster died, it was originally arranged for a senior brother to take me up the mountain. Later, they saw that I was strong enough, so they stopped sending the senior brother, and I went up the mountain to chop wood alone. I can even carry you, so I must be quite strong, right?" Ding Bu'er felt a chill in his heart: "This little monk has no master to protect him, the old monk he relied on has no status in the temple and died three years ago, leaving him all alone and vulnerable to bullying." He then tried to ask, "If you don't recite sutras, then you don't count as a real monk; you seem more like a laborer in the temple. Now that the great-grandmaster is gone, have you thought about leaving the temple and coming down the mountain to make a living for yourself?" Yi Xin replied, "I have been in the temple since I was young; the temple is quite good. If it weren't for sending the benefactor to find a doctor, I would never have thought about coming down the mountain. After I finish taking the benefactor to find the doctor, I will go back. The firewood I chopped is still left on the mountain; if I return late, my senior brother won't be able to start a fire to cook. Benefactor, have you thought about how to go? I still have strength and can carry you." The firewood I chopped is still left on the mountain; if I return late, my senior brother won't be able to start a fire to cook. Benefactor, have you thought about how to go? I still have strength and can carry you.

The young monk turned around and saw, hurriedly unloading the bundle of firewood, he ran over and said: "Benefactor, how are you?" Ding Bu'er groaned in pain and said: "Oh, I can't take it anymore, I'm going to die." The young monk squatted down to take a look and said: "Benefactor, you are not injured, you won't die." Ding Bu'er asked: "Little master, which temple are you from? What is your name?" The young monk replied: "I am from the Foguang Zhenrong Zen Temple ahead, my name is Yixin." Ding Bu'er felt secretly delighted: "Indeed, there is no way for heaven to completely cut off a person's path! This is just the opportunity to take him down the mountain." Suddenly, he raised his hand and pointed, exclaiming: "Ah! What is that?" The young monk looked up. Ding Bu'er drew a short sword from his bosom, lightly made a cut on his left leg, then put the short sword away and concealed it.

"Alright, I will come down right away." Ding Bu'er carefully stood up, supporting himself with the glazed tiles, and took two shaky steps towards the eaves. Suddenly, he slipped and sat down on the glazed tiles, exclaiming, "Ouch, I can't do this, it's too high, I'm a bit scared. Please have them set up the ladder so I can come down." The monk Yin De coldly asked, "May I ask how you managed to get up there?" Ding Bu'er scratched his head, thought for a moment, and hesitantly replied, "I find it strange too. I woke up in a daze and somehow ended up on the roof." Please have them set up the ladder so I can come down." The monk Yin De coldly asked, "May I ask how you managed to get up there?" Ding Bu'er scratched his head, thought for a moment, and hesitantly replied, "I find it strange too. I woke up in a daze and somehow ended up on the roof."

"My apologies, my apologies!" Master Wuyá hurriedly released his grip, feeling guilty as he spoke, "I was so engrossed in what I heard that I lost control for a moment; I hope the benefactor will not take offense." Ding Buer rubbed his wrist and said discontentedly, "Master, you have quite the skill! We are complete strangers, and it is only natural for you not to trust me. Even if what I say is true, with your abilities, they likely have no way to deal with it. It is all my fault for meddling; I should not have come!" These words made Master Wuyá even more uncomfortable, as he kept repeating, "My apologies, my apologies." Seeing this, Monk Yinde hurried over to mediate, saying, "Thank you, benefactor, for coming all this way to inform us! May I ask how to address you?"

Ding Bu'er, trembling with fear, tried twice and finally made up his mind. He turned around and grasped the pole tightly. Master Wuyá instructed, "You several, lift the long pole so that it is away from the eaves, and the benefactor can come down." Yinde also went to help, and several monks exerted their strength to lift the long pole away from the roof eaves. Ding Bu'er shouted, "I'm coming! You must catch me! I'm coming!" He loosened his grip and slid down from the top of the pole. The long pole was carrying a living person, and the monks could only support it from the bottom, making it naturally unstable. Ding Bu'er shouted again, "I'm coming! You must catch me! I'm coming!" He loosened his grip and slid down from the top of the pole. The long pole was carrying a living person, and the monks could only support it from the bottom, making it naturally unstable. The long pole swayed, bumped against the eaves, and bounced and trembled. Ding Bu'er could not hold on, his hands slipped away, and only his legs remained wrapped around the pole, his hands flailing wildly, crying for help. A young monk screamed. Master Wuyá just watched quietly, showing no reaction. In the midst of the panic, Ding Bu'er almost detached completely from the pole, his upper body sprawled backward in the air. A young monk screamed. Master Wuyá just watched quietly, showing no reaction. In the midst of the panic, Ding Bu'er almost detached completely from the pole, his upper body sprawled backward in the air. He was only three or four feet off the ground, with no chance to turn over; if he fell, he would either die or be severely injured.

The monks each took up their staffs and looked up. The short and stout monk hurriedly turned around to observe. Ding Bu'er lazily reclined on the glazed tiles of the main hall, his right leg resting on his upright left knee, muttering to himself: "The weather is quite nice today." The short and stout monk stepped back a few paces, moving slightly away from the main hall, before he could see Ding Bu'er, and called out loudly: "Please do not damage the glazed tile roof, come down to speak!" Ding Bu'er sat up and asked loudly: "Are you Master Wuyá?" The short and stout monk saluted with one hand: "I am the humble monk Yinde." "Not Master Wuyá, then we have nothing to discuss. Please feel free, feel free." Ding Bu'er stretched lazily and called out loudly: "Please do not damage the glazed tile roof, come down to speak!" Ding Bu'er sat up and asked loudly: "Are you Master Wuyá?" The short and stout monk saluted with one hand: "I am the humble monk Yinde." "Not Master Wuyá, then we have nothing to discuss. Please feel free, feel free." Ding Bu'er stretched lazily, lay back down, and continued to pretend to sleep.

Yixin explained: "My great-grandmaster found me in the forest on the back mountain and took me in when I was still an infant. Every day, my great-grandmaster would carry me up the mountain to chop firewood, and along the way, he would look for food at the homes of the mountain villagers. When he encountered families with newborns, I could still have a few sips of milk." Ding Buer's smile faded as he listened quietly. Yixin continued: "Later, when I turned five, my great-grandmaster began to teach me to read and asked if I wanted to become a monk. If I became a monk, I would call him 'Master Ancestor'; if I did not, I would call him 'Grandfather.' At that time, I did not understand, and I simply said that it was fine whether I became a monk or not, as long as I listened to my great-grandmaster. He smiled, and so I continued to call him that."

A group of people walked by, chatting and laughing, completely unaware that someone was watching them from the tree. Ding Bu'er climbed down from the tree and chuckled to himself, "Do you want good wine and fine meat? Alright, just wait, I will make sure you have your fill!" He turned around, spread his arms, and took a shortcut towards the Fo Guang Temple.

Hearing that there were troublemakers coming to cause a disturbance, Master Yin De had already been harboring some anger in his heart. He also intended to earn respect in front of the newly arrived abbot, so he strongly urged Master Wu Ya to temporarily return to the abbot's quarters to rest, assuring him that he would handle everything here. Master Wu Ya understood his good intentions and returned to the abbot's quarters.

Ding Buer continued, "You have only lived in the temple for a few years; you are not truly a monk. You grew up under the care of your grandmaster, who was a good person. He adopted you and never intended for you to be a monk for life; otherwise, he would have taught you those rules. Don't you think?" Upon hearing the mention of his grandmaster, Yixin squatted down, holding his head. Ding Buer also squatted down, grasping his hand, and said slowly, "Now that your grandmaster is no longer here, think about it: is there anyone in the temple who treats you as well as he did?" Yixin stared blankly at him, unable to recall anyone.

Ding Bu'er felt regretful in his heart: "I really shouldn't have provoked that old monk. If I had just secretly taken action and gotten rid of one or two monks, where would he go to find them? Now... sigh, it's too late for regrets." He peered over the courtyard wall, still feeling very tense. Ding Bu'er secretly observed him, thinking to himself: "Although this monk is simple-minded, he is about to reach adulthood, so it won't be easy to trick him into coming down the mountain. Since I can't control him, I might as well send him away early to avoid delaying things and being found by that old monk." He then spoke up: "Listen, it seems quiet now. I think the bad guys must have been subdued by the masters. You should go take a look, and if the masters have indeed won, come back quickly to get me." "Alright." The monk happily climbed over the wall and went to check the situation ahead.

After reading the letter, Master Wuyá pondered for a long time, then glanced at Nie Shifei and Ke Laosan and finally revealed a smile on his face, saying gently: "Well done, well done. Please, all of you benefactors, follow this old monk to the room to speak." Nie Shifei felt completely reassured at this point, and with his subordinates, he carried the gifts and followed the monks inside.

The monk Yinde joined his hands in prayer and said: "Amitabha. I am the humble monk Yinde. May I ask what brings you to seek Brother Wuyah?" Nie Shifei was taken aback for a moment, then hurriedly bowed and said: "Oh, it is Master Yinde. I have long admired you. May I inquire if Master Wuyah is available? Could you take us to meet him?" The monk Yinde, with a neutral expression, replied calmly: "Brother Wuyah is currently in quiet meditation and is not available to see guests. If you have matters to discuss, you may speak with me."

Ding Buer let out a sigh and thought to himself: "This place of right and wrong cannot be lingered in for long. Even if the old monk is compassionate and unwilling to make things difficult for me, the group led by Ke will still come to settle the score with me. I can no longer care about the outcome of the bet; escaping with my life comes first." With his weary body, Ding Buer made his way into the forest.

"Do not be afraid, benefactor, it is just a squirrel, it will not bite you. Ah, blood!" The young monk turned his head and suddenly saw blood flowing from Ding Buer's leg, exclaiming in surprise. Ding Buer pretended to moan, saying, "My leg is broken, I am going to die here." The young monk comforted him, saying, "Rest assured, benefactor, you will not die. I will carry you back to the temple right away to find Master Zhuchi for treatment." Saying this, he helped Ding Buer up and immediately carried him on his back.

Ding Buer placed a small hat on his head and said with a smile, "Look, brother, how spirited I am now! Much better than wearing that!" Yixin touched the hat on his head, feeling a bit curious, as he had never worn a hat before. Ding Buer pointed to the old clothes on the ground and asked, "Do you want this?" "Yes! I will wash it well when I get back, and I can still wear it," Yixin replied eagerly, squatting down to pick up the old clothes, wrapping them in a bundle. Then, with his hands clasped together, he bowed and said, "Brother Ding, your injury has healed, I should go back now." Ding Buer quickly grasped his arm and said, "I have already promised to take my brother to eat something good, how can I go back on my word! Let's eat our fill first!" After saying this, he pulled Yixin and walked towards the town.

Master Wuyá smiled faintly and said, "Well done, well done. It is rare for you, benefactor, to show such filial piety towards your mother. The old monk is also grateful for your coming to deliver the message. However, how did you end up on the top of this grand hall?" Ding Buer replied, "Let me explain. I was listening there, and somehow, I was discovered by them. They came up and knocked me out with a stick, and when I woke up, I found myself on the top of this grand hall. Ah, this is not good. Since they were able to throw me here, they must have been ambushed beforehand, and there must be someone hiding in the temple..." As he spoke, he anxiously looked around.

The monk Yinde regained his senses, straightened up, and stepped forward to call out, "Brother Abbot." Nie Shifei quickly approached, clasped his fists in salute, and said, "I am Nie Shifei, here to pay my respects to Master Wuyou!" Master Wuyou gently extended a hand to support him and smiled, saying, "There is no need for excessive courtesy, benefactor." At this moment, Ke Laosan also came to his senses and awkwardly clasped his fists, saying, "Master, Ke Laosan pays his respects."

After a long time, Yi Xin opened his eyes, tossed the bundle in his hand aside, and said firmly: "Brother Ding, I will go with you!" Ding Bu'er stepped forward and tightly grasped his hand, saying excitedly: "That's great, Brother Yi Xin!"

Ding Bu'er felt a surge of emotion, thinking about how he would repay the little monk in the future. After walking for half a mile, Ding Bu'er suddenly said, "Yixin, I just remembered that I once heard someone mention a trick for walking that is both fast and light. Seeing how hard it is for you to carry me, why not let me teach you to try it? It might be useful." Yixin was very curious: "Sure! This is the first time I've heard that there are tricks to walking." Ding Bu'er then leaned in close and whispered a few phrases of the mantra to him, as if afraid someone might be eavesdropping. Yixin found it interesting and followed his instructions to get into position, trying a few steps. He couldn't help but exclaim, "It really seems to work! This is so much fun!" Ding Bu'er laughed and said, "You just tried it, so you're not familiar with it yet. Take your time to experience it, and you'll discover that this is a great skill. Let's walk!" "Alright!" Yixin lifted Ding Bu'er a bit, got into the right posture, and then started running, truly feeling much lighter. Ding Bu'er proudly said, "This is called the Wind-Chasing Stance. How is it? Isn't it magical?" Yixin ran excitedly, "It's amazing! The Wind-Chasing Stance, great! Let's chase the wind!" Ding Bu'er grew fonder of this little monk.

Ding Bu'er had a monk from the line help him sit down in the courtyard, his mind racing with thoughts of escape. Seeing the dilapidated courtyard wall to the west, Ding Bu'er had a sudden idea and said to the monk, "I wonder how things are ahead. It would be best if Master Wuyá has already captured all the villains. If a few of them manage to slip through and come here, can you protect me?" The monk, rubbing his shoulder that had just been hurt by his senior brother's stick, shook his head foolishly and said, "I can't do it." Ding Bu'er, in a panic, exclaimed, "What should we do then? I don't want to die here! You must protect me!" The monk was also frightened and felt uneasy, nervously looking towards the front courtyard, fearing that villains would come rushing in at any moment.