allonlinenovel Chapter 306: An Encounter with a Strange Monk in a Dilapidated Temple
Chapter 306: An Encounter with a Strange Monk in a Dilapidated Temple
Pei Yan was not to be outdone and engaged in a fierce battle with the bandits.
Fang Xiaoxiao moved with agility and her swordsmanship was fierce, each strike carrying anger and determination. As she fought the bandits, she shouted, "Old man, please protect the people in the carriage!"
Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan worked together seamlessly, their moves fierce and swift. After a fierce battle, they finally managed to drive back the bandits. Seeing that things were going badly, the bandits scattered and fled into the forest.
Fang Xiaoxiao sheathed her sword, quickly walked to the carriage, and asked with concern, "Old man, are you and the people in the carriage alright?"
The old man put down his wooden stick, panting heavily, and said, "Thank you both for saving my young lady and my old life."
The woman in the car also leaned out, her face filled with the fear and gratitude of someone who had just escaped death: "Thank you so much for saving my life."
Fang Xiaoxiao smiled and said, "No need to be polite. It's only natural to help those in need."
Pei Yan helped tidy up the scene, and after everyone rested for a while, they prepared to set off again.
However, fate is unpredictable. Shortly after setting off, dark clouds suddenly gathered, and a strong wind arose. Immediately afterwards, large raindrops poured down, turning the road into a muddy mess in an instant.
Helpless, Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan had no choice but to lead the old man and woman to find shelter from the rain. Fortunately, they found a dilapidated temple not far away.
The group hurriedly ran into the dilapidated temple, their clothes already soaked through by the rain.
Fang Xiaoxiao said while wringing out the rainwater from the corner of her clothes.
"This rain couldn't have come at the worst possible time."
Pei Yan looked around the temple and said.
"Let's stay here and wait for the rain to stop before we leave."
In this dilapidated temple, Fang Xiaoxiao and Hua Ruyan sat facing each other. The damp ground and the pervasive humidity did not dampen their enthusiasm for conversation.
"Thank you so much for saving my life, young lady. If it weren't for your help, I don't know what would have happened to me."
Hua Ruyan's voice was soft and grateful, but the fear from her previous experience still lingered in her eyes.
Fang Xiaoxiao smiled and comforted her.
"Miss Hua, you're too kind. It's only natural to help those in need. By the way, where are you headed, Miss Hua?"
Hua Ruyan sighed softly.
"I was on my way to visit relatives, but I never expected to encounter such a disaster on the way."
As the two were talking, a gust of wind and rain swept a monk into the dilapidated temple.
The monk wore a patched robe and held a string of slightly worn prayer beads in his hand. His face seemed kind and benevolent, but a hint of cunning was faintly visible in the depths of his eyes.
“Amitabha, well said, esteemed benefactors, this humble monk greets you. This rain came suddenly, and this humble monk has no choice but to take temporary shelter in this temple.”
The monk put his hands together, bowed slightly, and said.
At first, no one paid much attention to his arrival, and they simply nodded politely.
Fang Xiaoxiao glanced at the monk again, her strange feeling growing stronger.
She recalled the bandit leader's burly figure and fierce eyes when she fought with him before. Looking closely at the monk in front of her, she noticed that although their clothes and appearances were different, their body shapes and outlines were somewhat similar.
In particular, the fierce aura that he inadvertently revealed made Fang Xiaoxiao more vigilant.
Meanwhile, the Flower Monk, believing his disguise to be flawless, was secretly plotting something.
"Hmph, these guys actually dared to ruin my plans. Once they let their guard down, I'll make them pay!"
Fang Xiaoxiao's vigilance grew stronger as she looked at the monk who had suddenly appeared, but she showed no sign of it on her face. Instead, she smiled and took out a piece of dried meat from her bag, handed it to the monk, and said...
"Master, you must be tired from your journey. Please take this dried meat and have it."
The monk's gaze lingered on the dried meat for a moment, and he subconsciously licked his lips, but then he put his hands together, shook his head, and said.
“Amitabha Buddha, monks eat vegetarian food. I appreciate the kind intentions of the female benefactor.”
Fang Xiaoxin snorted coldly to herself, thinking to herself.
“A true monk should remain unmoved by the temptation of food, but this monk’s subtle change in expression just now clearly showed that he was tempted.”
But she still said it.
"Master, it was my oversight. I hope you will forgive me."
At this moment, Pei Yan also noticed Fang Xiaoxiao's intention and moved closer without making a sound, standing behind Fang Xiaoxiao.
Hua Ruyan and the old man stood aside, somewhat bewildered, watching their interaction with nervousness.
Fang Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes and said again.
"Master, I see that you have a kind and benevolent face, and you must be a master of Buddhism. I have some questions in my mind. Could you please answer them for me?"
The monk tilted his head slightly and said solemnly.
"Please speak freely, female benefactor."
Fang Xiaoxiao stared into the monk's eyes and spoke slowly.
"Master, I have heard that killing is a grave sin. Is there any chance for those who have committed many evil deeds to be redeemed?"
The monk put his hands together, chanted a Buddhist prayer, and said...
"Amitabha Buddha, lay down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha on the spot. As long as you sincerely repent, you will have a chance for redemption."
Fang Xiaoxiao's lips curled up slightly as she sneered.
"What if they remain obstinate and continue to do evil?"
Upon being asked this question, a flicker of panic crossed the monk's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and replied.
"They will surely suffer retribution and fall into the Avici Hell."
Fang Xiaoxiao then reached into her bundle and took out a steaming meat bun. With a nonchalant expression on her face, she unhesitatingly scooped out the meat filling from the bun in front of everyone.
She casually tossed the tender minced meat into the burning fire nearby.
The fire immediately started sizzling, accompanied by a faint smell of burning.
Fang Xiaoxiao said nonchalantly.
"The meat in this meat bun isn't very tasty; it would be much better with dried meat."
Her sudden action immediately drew strong dissatisfaction from the Flower Monk.
The monk's seemingly kind face instantly darkened. He stared wide-eyed at Fang Xiaoxiao, his tone filled with anger and accusation.
“Amitabha! Female benefactor, your wanton waste of food is a grave sin! Know that everything in this world has its value and meaning. Your blatant squandering of resources will surely bring retribution!”
Hua Ruyan, standing to the side, also looked surprised. Her expression, which had initially shown some gratitude, was instantly replaced by dissatisfaction.
She frowned and said to Fang Xiaoxiao.
"Young lady, your behavior is indeed inappropriate. We should cherish every piece of food that is hard-earned, how can we waste it so carelessly?"
Fang Xiaoxiao glanced at the Flower Monk and Hua Ruyan, a slight, almost imperceptible sneer appearing on her lips, before speaking slowly and deliberately.
"Oh, you two can't stand it anymore? I'm just processing my own food, is that bothering you?"
The monk clasped his hands together and muttered incantations.
“Female benefactor, monks are compassionate, and seeing you waste food like this, I cannot stand idly by. This food is a gift from heaven and should be treated with reverence.”
Hua Ruyan then added.
"Girl, even if you don't like this minced meat, you shouldn't just throw it away like that. It's such a waste."
Fang Xiaoxiao crossed her arms, her gaze shifting back and forth between the Flower Monk and Hua Ruyan, a hint of provocation in her eyes.
"Hmph, I don't need you to teach me how to do things."