Chapter 3, The Old Monk
At this moment, you actually want me to go and take a dump. What if that little thing explodes my rear end? Forget it, I’ll just hold it in and head to the public restroom in the community. I must resolve this matter as soon as possible; otherwise, I’ll have to run downstairs every time I need to use the restroom. Zhang Chen was both angry and scared, so he had no choice but to grab his gear and head downstairs towards the school
"Wait a moment, sir, may I ask what happened to that man in black?" Zhang Chen immediately inquired as he saw the police about to leave.
Zhang Chen had no choice but to take a gamble, so he pretended to be deep in thought and said
Zhang Chen naturally realized something and quickly pretended to be a curious good student, running up to a police officer who was around 30 years old and had an average face.
The time spent running errands passed quickly, and it was soon time to finish school in the afternoon
"Do you think I am talking nonsense, Master?" Zhang Chen said, feeling embarrassed after speaking.
I am quite frustrated; why must the washbasin be constructed together with the toilet? Once I earn money, I will definitely separate the washbasin from the toilet when I buy a house. Damn it, I won't care anymore; if that little thing comes out again, I will eat it.
Zhang Chen nodded and left the temple
In less than 5 minutes, Zhang Chen arrived in front of Jingshui Bridge. The man in black did not see him, but he did see the police officer in blue. Since it was still early, apart from the police, there were only Zhang Chen and a septuagenarian.
Could it be that the heart has really been removed? I remember that the heart is the central hub for the circulation of blood throughout the body. Without the heart, blood cannot flow at all. Although I have only casually studied, I am aware of this basic knowledge. Am I now supposed to use that black orb as a substitute for the heart? Zhang Chen felt like he was going crazy, as he could hardly bear what had transpired in just a few hours today
Zhang Chen, having received the answer he desired, did not linger and headed straight to the school. The large bowl of pig intestine noodles from the aunt at the school gate was his favorite. Starving, Zhang Chen ordered a large bowl of pig intestine noodles as soon as he arrived. After a few bites, he let out a satisfied burp and patted his belly, yet he still felt a strong sense of hunger, even though he was clearly aware that his stomach was already full. To explain it slightly, it was as if "the physical hunger was satisfied, but the spiritual hunger remained unfulfilled."
"There is nothing going on, hurry to school," the police officer replied dismissively upon seeing Zhang Chen in his school uniform
There is no need for further words. Considering how the young benefactor was deeply engaged in worship when he first entered the treasure hall, I am giving you this peace talisman. This talisman can only provide temporary relief; the rest depends on the young benefactor himself. It is getting late, so it would be best for the young benefactor to return home quickly. After the old monk finished speaking, he took out a piece of yellow talisman paper and a small pouch from his monk's robe, folded the talisman paper, and placed it into the pouch, handing it to Zhang Chen.
"Young benefactor, do you know why, with so many temples across the country, there are times when the Buddha manifests in various places?" the old monk asked again
"Oh dear, thinking about going online this afternoon, my second brother and I decided to go back and rest. We agreed that when the time comes, each of us will contribute one yuan to buy a can of cola for Brother Chen to ease the shock." As Tan Fei spoke, he patted Zhang Chen's shoulder repeatedly, which was quite disgusting. On the other hand, Erwa stood by silently, seemingly finding the banter between the two quite amusing.
After Zhang and Chen returned to their positions, they no longer spoke much and began to consider the itinerary for the afternoon
... ...
Zhang Chen scratched his head again, took the small pouch and placed it in his backpack, not insisting further. He said, "Thank you, Master," and with a bow, he left. Halfway through, he suddenly remembered something and turned around to ask.
"I have something to attend to this afternoon, so the two of you can go ahead," Zhang Chen suddenly said
Is it possible that if I quit gaming and focus on my studies, I could have a chance with Wang Banhua? If only..." After finishing his daydream, Zhang Chen realized that the person he had been looking at was no longer there. He smiled to himself, patted his head, and left the classroom with his backpack.
"This man in black is actually not a ghost; he really committed suicide. So how did I get back to the bridge from the water?" Zhang Chen was stunned for a long time and then hurriedly asked, "Uncle, did he really commit suicide?"
Zhang Chen habitually sat up from bed; it was now 6:30, and the spring day had yet to dawn. Still haunted by the events that occurred last night, he slowly got dressed and opened the door. After confirming that there was nothing unusual outside, he gently pushed open his parents' bedroom door. Seeing his parents peacefully asleep in bed, Zhang Chen let out a sigh of relief, though he couldn't shake the feeling that his father's cold breath seemed even more pronounced than it had been when he fell asleep the night before
... ...
I arrived at the bridge at around 10:10. Because the streetlights on the bridge were broken, I did not notice the man in black when I first got on the bridge. It was only when I reached the middle that I saw someone standing by the side of the bridge, which startled me. I did not stop and just went home. Zhang Chen naturally would not mention his conversation with the man, nor would he talk about the man jumping into the river and his own act of jumping in to save him. It is not that he cannot speak of it, but if he did, the police would think he was joking, and he would miss the opportunity to gather information. The man jumping into the river and his own act of jumping in to save him. It is not that he cannot speak of it, but if he did, the police would think he was joking, and he would miss the opportunity to gather information.
Master, I still do not know your name
I kindly request your guidance, Master
"Young benefactor, you are truly extraordinary." A voice came from behind Zhang Chen, startling him. He quickly turned around to see that it was a white-bearded monk holding a bamboo broom.
The police did not take Zhang Chen's matter too seriously; after clarifying the situation, they turned to leave.
The preliminary determination is suicide, but the possibility of homicide cannot be ruled out. You, as a child, should not ask too many questions; hurry and go to school," the police officer replied helplessly after answering Zhang Chen's question, waving his hand to signal Zhang Chen to leave.
Zhang Chen felt a chill run down his spine due to his own thoughts. He quickly pressed the index and middle fingers of his left hand against the radial artery on his right wrist. After 10 seconds, Zhang Chen's complexion changed dramatically, as he realized that he could not feel the heartbeat at the pulse point of his right hand.
It seems that this place is quite extraordinary, but where have the monks gone? Could it be that they have descended the mountain for a gathering or gone to sing karaoke?
In the classroom on a clear morning, the sound of students reading aloud can already be heard, and I also wish to join the ranks of these top students to prove myself to my parents. However, every time I pick up a textbook, a very uncomfortable feeling arises; just seeing it makes me feel flustered, let alone reading it aloud.
Zhang Chen thought of the swollen baby, and his stomach unexpectedly growled again. He had no choice but to cover his stomach with one hand while opening the bathroom door with the other. The hellish scene from last night had vanished, replaced by the originally clean bathroom, yet the cold, piercing atmosphere still lingered. As Zhang Chen brushed his teeth, he kept glancing at the toilet, feeling as if something would crawl out.
Master, as I entered this grand hall, I felt as if someone was watching me, a sensation that was quite faint, appearing and disappearing intermittently, Zhang Chen replied honestly
Ah, I also want to go, but my father was hospitalized due to illness last night, and today my mother has to work the night shift, so I have to stay and keep watch.
If what was just said is true, then that little thing seems to be quite afraid of me, why is that? Zhang Chen replayed the entire process from when he left school until now in his mind
The Buddha gazed upon all, yet only the young benefactor felt the Buddha's gaze, which is why the old monk remarked that the young benefactor is indeed extraordinary. The old monk seemed to imply something deeper, but Zhang Chen did not pay it much heed.
Whatever, I am still alive anyway. If I die, so be it; at least I can become a ghost. What is there to be afraid of? Tomorrow afternoon, I just need to avoid Erwa and Tan Fei going to the internet café. I need to clarify this matter. I should sleep first; I have important business to attend to tomorrow. Zhang Chen cleared his mind in an instant and fell asleep after feeling overwhelmed.
"Little brother, could you please provide me with a detailed report on the specific circumstances of passing over this bridge last night?" After the police officer finished speaking, he took out a pen and a notepad from his chest pocket
If it were in the past, Zhang Chen would naturally have argued with these two brothers. However, at this moment, Zhang Chen clasped his hands together, resting his chin on them, and thought, "It is better not to tell them about what happened last night. Tan Fei definitely won't believe it, and even if Er Wa does believe it, he might not be able to help much. It would be unwise to drag them into this. I should handle it myself."
Master, I actually have a request, and I do not know if you can trust me.
He cautiously peeked out and saw that there was no one in the courtyard, which felt quite desolate. However, the ground was very clean, with not a single fallen leaf in sight, clearly indicating that someone had just finished cleaning. Zhang Chen gently pushed open the main gate and stepped into the courtyard, where a gust of wind blew past. Initially burdened with heavy emotions and hurrying over, he suddenly felt a sense of calm wash over him, and his entire being became much more comfortable.
"Brother Chen, what time did you play with Lu Ba until last night?" said Tan Fei, whose face was filled with flesh, with an evil grin.
Having thought it over, Zhang Chen was about to wash his face and rinse his mouth. After taking a couple of steps, he arrived at the bathroom door
... ...
After each temple is completed, numerous disciples of the Buddhist faith will gather in front of the statue in the Mahavira Hall to conduct ceremonies and chant scriptures, which is known as the consecration. Subsequently, a consciousness of the Buddha will be bestowed upon the statue. Only temples that have undergone this consecration can be considered true temples, the old monk said while gazing at the statue.
Can I solve it myself? But..." Master Zhang Chen was a bit anxious when the old monk was unwilling to help. Just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by the old monk.
Master, I noticed that there was no one in the Sanxue Temple, so I took the liberty to enter. I kindly ask you not to hold it against me, " Zhang Chen quickly stood up respectfully and said
At this moment, two figures flashed in front of Zhang Chen from the classroom door. On the right, Wang Banhua, who was engrossed in reading, shifted her chair slightly. Naturally, these two individuals were Erwa and Tan Fei.
Upon hearing this, the police officer's expression changed immediately. He quickly turned around and called Zhang Chen to come aside to speak with him in a low voice. Thus, the two of them walked one after the other to the streetlight by the roadside.
Uncle, I saw a man in a black trench coat standing motionless by the bridge when I returned home from evening study at 10 o'clock last night. I even thought he was a ghost. Did something happen to this person
The Sanxue Temple, as mentioned by Zhang Chen's mother, has existed long before the establishment of this county town. Many residents in the county town who are over fifty years old visit Sanxue Temple every year to burn incense and pray for peace in the new year. Zhang's mother also has great faith in Sanxue Temple and has sought no less than ten divinations for Zhang Chen over the years
What the master said, could it be that the Buddha is watching over me? Zhang Chen had experienced too much, and in an instant, he believed in the existence of the Buddha, while also turning to glance at the statue of the Buddha
The matter is as follows, ... ... '' Zhang Chen spoke candidly about the situation in his home bathroom, but did not mention the incident that occurred on the bridge
"Wait a moment, if everything that has happened in my family is true, then the man by the bridge will dig out my heart and place a black pearl in its place, is that really true?"
"What on earth, why does that little thing look so delicious?" Zhang Chen returned to the bedroom, covered his body and head with the blanket, and the first thought that surprisingly came to his mind was food
Zhang Chen took two steps, surveying the grand Hall of Great Heroic Treasures before him. As soon as he stepped inside this hall, he felt as if someone was watching him. He looked around but found nothing unusual. Not thinking too much about it, Zhang Chen approached the statue of the Buddha, knelt down on both knees, and bowed repeatedly.
Didi didi - didi didi
It seems that only my father in our family is affected by this matter, why are my mother and I fine? It appears that this needs to be resolved quickly. I remember that the man in black mentioned that I should go to the temple to take a look. Therefore, I will have to forgo going online this afternoon. I recall that my mother used to visit a temple called Sanxue Temple when she was fine, so I will go there after school this afternoon
As the class bell rang, Erwa and Tan Fei each patted Zhang Chen on the shoulder and ran out of the classroom as if they had gone mad. Zhang Chen, however, leisurely packed his backpack, behaving like a good student. He, who would normally be the first to rush out of the classroom, was now meticulously organizing his belongings, leaving Wang Banhua, who was nearby, dumbfounded as she occasionally glanced at Zhang Chen. Noticing the astonished look from Wang Banhua, Zhang Chen couldn't help but entertain a fleeting fantasy.
Then forget it, the brothers will call you again on the weekend. Both of them are well aware that Zhang and Chen's addiction to the internet is no less than theirs. Moreover, when it comes to contacting relatives, there is nothing that can be done.
What is wrong with me? Under these circumstances, I should theoretically be scared enough to wet my pants. Not only am I not afraid, but I am actually thinking about eating that thing. Moreover, why do I find something that is theoretically so disgusting to be appetizing?" Zhang Chen knocked on his own head forcefully, trying to stop thinking about food. At the same time, he slowly lifted the blanket, cautiously poking his head out to check the situation in his bedroom. After confirming that there was nothing unusual, he shrank back under the blanket.
Zhang Chen chose to walk across that bridge. If the man in black from last night were still by the bridge, he would try to inquire about his family's matters. Coming out of the restroom, he felt a wave of relief, but the feeling of hunger became even more intense. Riding his bike, he thought about the spicy intestines noodles at the school gate and sped off.
Uncle, may I ask what has happened here
"As long as one believes in its existence, then it exists; what nonsense is there to speak of?" said the old monk, stroking his beard.
"Well, is the man standing inside or outside the bridge railing?" the police officer continued to inquire
I think, um... it should be inside, yes, it's inside. Zhang Chen was momentarily taken aback by this question and hurriedly responded somewhat ambiguously.
Zhang Chen knew that these two would not easily let things go, so he could only shake his head and say
"Master, could you please help me remove the unclean things from my home?" Zhang Chen asked eagerly
"Play with your brother-in-law, I only got home at 10 o'clock yesterday, and you two ran off first." Zhang Chen was used to it and didn't bother to argue with this rogue fat man
"I am but a monk, with the Dharma name of Pu Hu." A voice came from within the main hall
"Drowned." The police did not wish to say much more, leaving with just these three words.
And let us hear it!
Zhang Chen stood frozen in place upon hearing this
"Chen Wazi, you also have times when you don't go online, you're deceiving your brother." Before Tan Fei could speak, Erwa was the first to say something.
I am but an ordinary person, unable to offer much assistance. Young benefactor, do you know why this temple is named Sanxue Temple? It is because there are three teachings in Buddhism, which refer to: the first teaching is to use precepts to stop evil and cultivate goodness; the second teaching is to use concentration to calm and clarify the mind; the third teaching is to use wisdom to dispel delusions and attain the path. I have said from the beginning that you are no ordinary person; if you understand what this old monk says, you will surely be able to turn misfortune into fortune. Moreover, what you have described is most likely a vengeful spirit formed from resentment. If you can trace its origin and sever the source of that resentment, you will be able to dispel it.
Zhang Chen rode his bicycle and soon arrived at the foot of the mountain where the temple was located. After a 5-minute journey up the mountain path, he saw the temple's main gate, on which were inscribed the three large characters "Sanxue Temple." It was likely quite late, as there was no one at the entrance, and the gate was only slightly ajar.
As "Gulu" was about to finish brushing his teeth and washing his face, a sound suddenly emanated from Zhang Chen's stomach
The temple belongs to all people in the world, and there is no blame or lack thereof. Does the young benefactor feel anything?