Chapter 105: Master Fahai: Benefactor Su, You Possess a Buddhist Destiny - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

Chapter 105: Master Fahai: Benefactor Su, You Possess a Buddhist Destiny "Sister, this is the thirtieth city by the river we've visited, and we still don't know if we'll find the lover from your dreams." In the city of Linjiang, Bai Suzhen and her sister Xiaoqing wandered the streets, with Xiaoqing grumbling along the way. To avoid unnecessary trouble, both of them wore veiled hats, the soft pastel veils obscuring their stunning features. Yet their graceful figures swaying like lotus blooms drew much attention. It was then that Xiaoqing noticed Linjiang Spring. After its renovation, Linjiang Spring appeared particularly elegant, with its flying eaves adorned with carvings of mysterious birds poised for flight. The large lantern displayed golden characters for luck, and the robust strokes forming the name "Linjiang Spring" invited exploration. Xiaoqing pointed ahead. "Sister, look, this tavern's name is quite interesting, Linjiang Spring." "Didn't that old Taoist say you'd find your future beloved in a river city?" "Who knows, maybe your sweetheart is in this tavern now." Hearing this, Bai Suzhen felt a stir within her. This city was called Linjiang City. This tavern was named Linjiang Spring. Everything seemed to align so perfectly. If she could truly find her beloved Su Lang here, it would be wonderful indeed. Lost in thought, Bai Suzhen found herself in a daze. The two women gazed inside. At that moment, a plump yet charming maiden was busy dusting the main hall with a feather duster. With their keen eyes, Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing instantly recognized that this maiden had just lost her purity last night, moving awkwardly as she walked. Suddenly, Xiaoqing caught a whiff of an alluring fragrance. "Sister, the wine in this tavern smells so good. Why don't we go in for a drink and rest before continuing our search?" After hearing Xiaoqing's suggestion, Bai Suzhen gently nodded. "Alright." With that, the two of them entered Linjiang Spring. Seeing the two women enter, the plump maiden hurried over. "Such bad timing! Our steward just had to leave for the manor, and there's no one to cook." This plump maiden was none other than Chunzhu. Enduring the injuries inflicted by Su Mo, she approached the two women. Hearing Chunzhu, Xiaoqing glanced at the wine jars on the counter. "No problem, we don't need food. Just serve us some wine." "Ah?" Chunzhu was momentarily stunned; this was her first encounter with customers who drank wine without food. But since it was the customer's request, she had to comply. Soon. Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing settled by a window, removing their veiled hats, observing the sparse flow of passersby. The view was starkly different from what they saw in other cities. Elsewhere, vendors and laborers were constantly bustling about. Yet here, it was not the case. The streets briefly saw a few pedestrians, becoming desolate again in a blink. It felt cold and deserted. Chunzhu brought over the wine utensils and, upon seeing the two women's exceptional beauty, was taken aback. These two sisters were truly beautiful, especially the one in white, resembling a celestial maiden. Seeing someone so perfect can indeed be startling. Trying to conceal her surprise, Chunzhu poured them each a cup of wine. "Enjoy, but not too much—the wine here is quite strong." Xiaoqing pointed out the window. "Miss, why is the city so empty during the day?" Chunzhu promptly replied. "It's all due to demons; no one dares venture out lately." "Demons?" Xiaoqing was surprised. In this age, which demon would dare to risk the world's wrath to harm humans indiscriminately? "Whoever that demon is, surely doesn't have a death wish?" Unable to hold back, Chunzhu added. "Dear Green-robed Sister, the demon has been rampant for quite a while now." "Many have fallen victim to its attacks." "Recently, three heroes from the martial world sought to rid us of this menace, but only one managed to escape; the other two were slain." Bai Suzhen inquired further. "How many have been harmed by this demon?" Noticing Bai Suzhen's curiosity, Chunzhu responded honestly. "I'm not entirely sure, but the government reported hundreds." "You both enjoy your drinks; I have other tasks to attend to." With that, Chunzhu promptly retreated to tidy up the backyard, feeling uneasy around the green-clad woman, who seemed somewhat dangerous. Thus, she didn’t linger. Having heard that the demon claimed hundreds, Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing were taken aback. They had never encountered a demon that slew hundreds without facing divine wrath, unless the demon had deep-seated origins. Bai Suzhen's gaze sharpened. "If so, this demon must be dealt with!" Xiaoqing immediately grasped her intent. "Sister, are you sure it's okay?" "If we provoke someone we shouldn't, it could spell trouble for us both." "Don't worry, it won't." Bai Suzhen was confident. "Moreover, the demon is still harming people, indicating its cultivation method involves humans, either consuming them or draining their essence." "Perhaps it's just a lesser demon yet to take form." Reassured, Xiaoqing conceded. "Alright, Sister, if that's the case, I'll join you in investigating." Just then, Bai Suzhen looked outside. She sensed a vast expanse of Buddha's light outside the city, indicating a revered monk was approaching. Bai Suzhen quickly channeled her power to perform the Yin-Yang Calculation. This method can predict events linked to known matters in the short term. Once the calculation was completed, Bai Suzhen was taken aback. "Fahai is here!" "He is only a few miles away from us." Xiaoqing was surprised. "Why would that old monk come?" "Could he be aware we're here!" "Should we leave now?" Bai Suzhen shook her head. "Unlikely. Though bestowed by the Buddha, his golden alms bowl can only reveal fragments of the future, fraught with limitations." "If he came, it's likely to address the demon here." "Leaving Linjiang City now is impractical. With his cultivation, he'd surely find us. Better to hide in the tavern's rafters." "I'll cast an array to conceal our demon aura so Fahai won't detect us." Understanding, Xiaoqing nodded. "Alright, Sister!" The two transformed into a green and a white serpent, flying up into the rafters. An invisible concealment array was cast upon them. On the table where they had been sipping wine, a piece of silver was left behind. Hearing the commotion, Chunzhu returned, puzzled by the two women’s disappearance and the untouched wine. "Left without drinking." "Such peculiar people." With this, Chunzhu began tidying the table and poured the untouched wine out the window. Watching the wasted wine, Xiaoqing couldn't help but feel regretful. She hadn’t even had a taste. … Meanwhile. Guided by monk Liaoming, Fahai arrived in Linjiang City. Observing the sparse streets, Fahai uttered a Buddhist chant. "Amitabha." "This demon has certainly caused great harm." "A vast Linjiang City, yet scarce of pedestrians." Liaoming monk echoed. "Indeed, Master Fahai, once that black bear demon is eliminated, Linjiang City should regain its former vibrancy." "Amitabha, you're right, Liaoming..." … At this time. Su Mo had just left the General's residence, quite content, with a lingering scent of Huang Qingwan clinging to his fingers. Huang Qingwan's ambiguous behavior ignited a fire in Su Mo's heart. Had it not been for the interruption by Guo Lin, he would likely have ended up in Huang Qingwan's bed... As expected, Guo Lin had already learned of her father's death seven years prior, weeping endlessly since then. Though pained by Guo Lin's grief, Su Mo was unsure how to comfort her, restrained by his status and preoccupied with Huang Qingwan's stance. In the end, he silently departed from the General's residence. … Upon reaching East Street, Su Mo encountered Fahai and Liaoming monk head-on. The moment Fahai laid eyes on Su Mo, he couldn't look away. Upon encountering Su Mo, Master Fahai sensed an overwhelming Buddhist affinity in him. Fahai thought that if Su Mo were to join him, and with proper guidance over a few lifetimes, Su Mo might even achieve the status of an Arhat. Liaoming recognized Su Mo as well and stepped forward to greet him. "Benefactor Su, we meet again." However, the moment Su Mo saw Fahai, his heart skipped a beat, so much so that he didn't notice Liaoming's greeting. Why was this old monk here? Ah, he must be here because of the demon troubles. But the demon has powerful connections; likely even Fahai won't be able to solve it. Seeing Su Mo in a daze, Liaoming repeated his greeting. "Benefactor Su?" Returning to his senses, Su Mo apologized. "Sorry, I was distracted for a moment." "Master Liaoming, who might this elder be?" Liaoming immediately introduced Fahai to Su Mo. "This is Master Fahai from Jinshan Temple, acclaimed for his exceptional skills in subduing demons." "I believe the black bear demon in the mountains will be dealt with swiftly." Feigning ignorance of Fahai, Su Mo respectfully greeted him. "Elder, if you can indeed eradicate that demon, it would be a deed of immense merit." Fahai nodded slightly, testingly inquiring further of Su Mo. "Benefactor Su, what is your view of Buddhism?" Immediately, Su Mo recited a classic Buddhist teaching from memory. "Buddha is the awakened one, someone who eradicates their inner turmoil through cultivation." Hearing Su Mo's reply, Fahai nodded approvingly. "Indeed, well said." "But one must also possess a compassionate heart to save all beings." "Making great vows and benefiting sentient beings is key." "Would you be interested in staying at Jinshan Temple for a while to discuss Buddhist teachings further?" Seeing the increasingly appreciative look in Fahai's eyes, Su Mo felt a chill run down his spine. This old monk. Could it be he wants to take me in as his disciple? In an earlier simulation with Bai Suzhen, this old monk took a liking to those with potential, wanting to make them his disciples. Ugh. Suddenly, Su Mo did not want to linger any longer. He quickly excused himself. "Apologies, Elder, I have matters to attend to and can't visit Jinshan Temple now." "I won't intrude on your demon-slaying duties any longer." With that, Su Mo returned toward his tavern. Watching Su Mo leave, Fahai glanced at Liaoming. "Does Benefactor Su work at this tavern?" Liaoming nodded. "Yes, Benefactor Su is the owner, and his culinary skills are exceptional." "Especially his vegetarian dishes; they are truly unparalleled." Fahai nodded once more. "Indeed, those proficient in cooking are often very intelligent." "I can tell Benefactor Su is quite talented." Liaoming didn't think much of it. "Master Fahai, should we visit Magistrate Wang now?" "Let us deal with the demon first." "Agreed!" … Inside the tavern. Seeing Su Mo return, Chunzhu approached, hooking her arm around his and pressing against him. "Brother Su, you're back." "What did the lady say?" Since their relationship took a significant turn last night, Chunzhu had begun to see Su Mo as her sole support. "The lady didn't say much, just mentioned some tavern matters." "She also suggested we don't open for business for the next few days." Su Mo said as he shut the tavern doors. The fire stirred by Huang Qingwan hadn't subsided, leaving him with no choice but to divert it toward Chunzhu. "Chunzhu, I've missed you!" With that, he embraced Chunzhu's voluptuous figure, leading her to the back courtyard, delighting in the softness that enveloped his fingers. Chunzhu moaned softly, blushing with a mix of anticipation and a hint of fear. It was all because Su Mo was too strong, and she could barely handle it... Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing witnessed everything unfold. Xiaoqing mused aloud. "This man's Yang energy is overwhelming; that young girl is in for some ordeal." However, Bai Suzhen was overcome with emotion. "Su… Su Lang!" Hearing Bai Suzhen's words, Xiaoqing was thunderstruck. "Sister, what did you say!?" (End of Chapter)