Big Data Cultivation
/ Big Data Cultivation Chapter 886
Chapter 886: Chapter 886: The Gathering of Daoist Sects Chapter 886: Chapter 886: The Gathering of Daoist Sects Zhang Dongyuan's arrival made Guan Shanyue feel somewhat uncomfortable, considering the relationship between Magu Mountain and Qingcheng…
In fact, the Daoist Sects of Qingcheng had an extremely good relationship with Dragon Phoenix Mountain. Both sects shared a cause and effect relationship, and although Dragon Phoenix Mountain's relationship with Magu was just average, it was The Sky of the Nine Immortal Chambers and Danxia Heaven that were closely associated.
However, Guan Shanyue knew that Feng Jun had a conflict with Qingcheng, and hadn't invited anyone from Qingcheng this time; unexpectedly, they still showed up.
Zhang Dongyuan, however, was forthright and directly replied, “I was visiting friends on Siming Mountain when I heard that Danxia Heaven Secret Land would soon reappear. Had I not known, it would have been fine, but having heard, I had to come and offer my regards.”
This statement was faultless. Even though Danxia Heaven hadn't invited him, it was proper etiquette for him to come and convey his blessings.
But Feng Jun didn't want to let this matter slide just like that. Taiping Preview was indeed excellent, yet for him, the insights he could gain from it were very limited, the significance of the cultural relics being greater than their practical meaning.
The most critical matter was that Yang Yuxin had encountered a gunshot in Jin City. Although this probably had nothing to do with Qingcheng, he still couldn't let it go in his heart– if I just forgive you like this, what would she think?
So that evening, Feng Jun didn't interact much with Zhang Dongyuan and instead took Zhang Caixin and Tang Wenji out shopping.
The next morning, Feng Tianyang from Mount Taibai also arrived. But by noon, surprisingly, someone from Mount Putuo appeared.
Mount Putuo was not a Cave Heaven, much less a blessed land; it was a genuine Buddhist Sect.
The visitor was a Monk named Yue Yao, around forty, with a dignified appearance and still in good spirit.
Seeing him arrive, not only Feng Jun, but even Guan Shanyue was baffled, “Why has this man come?”
Yue Yao had been to Magu Mountain not just once or twice. In the past five years, he visited at least once every year.
Although the Daoist Sects and the Buddhist Sects were relatively harmonious these days, with Monks visiting Daoist Temples and Taoists visiting Buddhist temples being quite normal, his frequent visits had made the people of Danxia Heaven remember him.
But that didn't mean they could stop him, right?
Upon entering the Daoist Temple, Yue Yao noticed that many Daoist Masters were present, so he approached a Daoist Nun to inquire what was happening.
The Daoist Nun also vaguely heard that Director Guan was planning something significant. Taoists from these great Mountains and Peaks had come with high status to bear witness. However, the news was tightly sealed. She wasn't fully informed and naturally couldn't speak to outsiders.
Seeing her hesitate, Yue Yao simply went straight to Guan Shanyue. But before he could ask anything, he recognized someone, “Autumn Master from Zhongnan Mountain? What major event has alarmed your eminence?”
Autumn Master liked to roam around, having met many people, but he had no impression of this Monk and simply smiled, “I'm here to visit a friend.”
Yue Yao, noticing his indifference, turned his head and soon recognized another acquaintance, “Feng Zhizhang from Taibai Mountain?”
The incense of Taibai Mountain was flourishing, and Feng Tianyang had also seen many Monks, “You are… from Southern Shaolin, right?”
“This is Master Yue Yao from Putuo Mountain,” Guan Shanyue introduced, then asked, “Master, for what purpose have you come?”
“Wandering here,” Yue Yao replied with a smile, “I had no idea Director Guan had so many distinguished guests gathered here. I, too, would like to listen in and gain some knowledge.”
“I must apologize, but this is our Daoist Sects' internal discussion,” Feng Tianyang immediately and decisively refused, then looked apologetically at Guan Shanyue, “My apologies, Director Guan, I'm afraid my uninvited guest is becoming rather imposing.”
“No trouble,” Guan Shanyue shook her head and turned to Yue Yao, “As you have heard, Master, it really isn't convenient today to entertain.”
Yue Yao's eyes flickered, and he spoke cheerfully, “No matter, I can simply wander around on my own.”
Guan Shanyue shook her head, “Master, I must ask you to leave. Our Daoist discussions have many inconveniences.”
In her heart, she wasn't very fond of this Monk. Although he claimed to have no prejudice between Daoism and Buddhism, some said that this fellow used to enjoy visiting nunneries and apparently had stirred up some gossip, which led him to frequent Daoist temples.
It would have been fine if he only roamed within the Daoist Sects, but unfortunately, he particularly enjoyed visiting Magu Mountain.
Because Danxia Heaven was one of the rare branches within the Daoist Sects predominantly composed of Daoist Nuns, already prone to gossip due to the number of nuns, his frequent visits, though not reprehensible, still troubled Director Guan.
Seeing Guan Shanyue so evasive, Yue Yao accidentally caught sight of Tang Wenji, Zhang Caixin, and Feng Jun and with a quick spin of his eyes cheerfully said, “Director Guan, to speak frankly, I observed celestial phenomena last night and discerned that there should be a wondrous treasure appearing here, a divine object bestowed from the heavens!”
He had many contacts within the Daoist Sects, particularly skilled at remembering members of the opposite sex. Even when the Little Celestial Master from Maoshan was still young and inexperienced, he had taken note, so he surmised that there should be implications with Maoshan's participation.
Upon hearing this, Guan Shanyue glanced at him dismissively, “Master must be joking. Your Buddhist Sect surely forbids idle speech.”
Although Director Guan was not heavily into cultivation, she was very shrewd in dealing with people and did not show any reaction to these words.
However, Yue Yao was no pushover either. He smiled amiably and said, “I'm not spouting nonsense, but rather I came to visit your blessed land because I sensed the treasure. Now, with so many revered figures and laypeople from the Daoist Sects gathered here, I'm sure everyone has their own designs on the place, right?”
Zhongnan Mountain's Autumn Taoist sneered upon hearing this. “Are you going to next say, 'This treasure is predestined to be with our Buddhist Sect'? Wake up, this is Magu Mountain, not your Southern Shaolin!”
“I am a wandering monk from Mount Putuo,” Yue Yao replied with a smile, not seeming to take offense. “What 'predestined to be with us'? That would be robbery by force. We live in a society governed by law now, so of course the law of the land prevails…”
Just as everyone was thinking that this monk might not be so unreliable after all, they heard him continue, “Of course, should any treasure appear, whether it falls from the sky or grows from the ground, it should be considered the property of the state…”
Guan Shanyue's face fell, “We don't need you to teach us that… It's time for us to close our doors, so please leave.”
Yue Yao's expression remained amiably smiling. “Director Guan, the red lotus, white lotus roots, and green lotus leaves — the three teachings are originally one family. It's almost noon, and I would like to ask for a vegetarian meal.”
“Go register with the Religious Affairs Bureau then; you have your certificate of ordination, after all,” Guan Shanyue replied with no warmth in her voice. “You're about to report our Danxia Heaven for having a treasure, so go ahead and take care of it at the Religious Affairs Bureau. That would be killing two birds with one stone.”
She wasn't particularly worried about being reported. Danxia Heaven had its own inheritance, and that painting had its own history; it could not be so easily taken by anyone who wished.
But to say she wasn't worried at all would be a lie. The Huayang Celestial Part of Jintan in Maoshan is a fixed piece of land that cannot be moved or seized by force. But a painting is a different story–what if a leader wanted to borrow it for a look? Should she lend it or not?
Before fully understanding the secrets of this land, Guan Shanyue was reluctant to make it widely known. By inviting people to this ceremony, she sought to leverage Feng Jun's influence to reach a consensus within the Daoist community and authoritatively determine the ownership of the painting.
Director Guan believed that after she completely understood the secrets of this land, she might consider revealing it to the public in moderation. By then, her position would be established. If someone wanted to borrow the painting, she would have more means to refuse.
So deep down, she was very annoyed by what the monk had said. However, on the surface, she only showed a “moderate” annoyance–that was the appropriate reaction for her.
Yue Yao smiled, not taking it seriously, and instead approached Tang Wenji who was not far off. He greeted her with a smile and his hands clasped together, “Amitabha, I have seen Patron Tang.”
Little Celestial Master gave him a cool glance, “Since you know my surname is Tang, you should know that I have joined the Daoist Sect. Your form of address is not appropriate. Furthermore… I do not like you, so please keep your distance.”
Yue Yao looked surprised for a moment, “Since we are all outsiders, isn't your comment a bit disparaging to a fellow practitioner?”
Tang Wenji's hand touched her waist, looking at him coldly, “Are you leaving or not?”
Tucked at her waist was a Nine Section Whip.
Yue Yao, finding the encounter awkward, had no choice but to leave again. However, the attitude of the others made him all the more determined to see things through to the end.
Unfortunately, the Daoist temple was indeed closing its doors. Even if he wasn't there for a meal, simply staying on the premises was no longer an option.
But just before leaving, he caught sight of someone and his pupils couldn't help but shrink, “He's here too?”
That person also saw him but his gaze swept by, as if he hadn't noticed him at all.
Yue Yao descended the mountain. Feng Jun and Guan Shanyue stood together, silently watching the monk's departing figure.
Feng Jun, Zhang Caixin, and Tang Wenji, all with keen senses, had overheard what the man had said, which is why the Little Celestial Master had been so rude.
Guan Shanyue sighed and shook her head, finally allowing herself to release some emotion, “That guy is really annoying…”
Just then, a voice sounded from behind, “This Yue Yao, he's like a treasure-hunting rat…”
Everyone turned to see Zhang Dongyuan from Qingcheng standing behind them.
Zhang Dongyuan didn't care about Feng Jun's attitude but began to comment on Yue Yao, with whom he was quite familiar.
In his words, this man was someone who scouted out opportunities. He traveled all around the country, with an extremely keen eye for anything valuable, whether it be antiques or Magic Artifacts.
Of course, often he couldn't digest these finds on his own. So, he would contact nearby Buddhist forces, securing a benefit for himself in the process.
Such characters, outwardly monk but inwardly treasure hunters, have existed since ancient times. They don't engage in productive labor, instead living off alms wherever they go, and conducting business without any capital investment.
Moreover, seasoned treasure hunters who procure treasures for the Buddhist Sect can–at the very least–boost their influence. Thus, the longer they operate, the greater their reputation becomes, and the less they worry about sustenance and patronage.
Of course, there are similar individuals within the Daoist Sects as well, but generally fewer–since the Daoists do not practice soliciting alms and the Daoist Temples where they can register are not so numerous that one can find one just anywhere, making the cost of wandering prohibitively high.
Zhang Dongyuan had a deep impression of this individual, as it was him who nearly managed to take Qingcheng's treasure to Emei, causing quite a dispute between the two factions.
(Updated to here, calling for monthly tickets and support cards.)
Chapter end
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