Chapter 57 - White Clothes and Barefoot, Lotus Growing Every Step
Chapter 57: White Clothes and Barefoot, Lotus Growing Every Step
Miaojue never expected that the request from the Taoist disciple before him was to borrow someone.
“Whom Taoist Gu would like to borrow?” Miaojue inquired.
Gu Liuyun smiled slightly and replied, “I want to borrow a disciple from your noble sect who has reached the alchemy realm.”
Upon hearing this, Miaojue asked curiously, “Does the poor monk know the reason for Fellow Gu’s request?”
Gu Liuyun didn’t hesitate to explain the situation regarding the White Emperor City. He believed that Miaojue, an elder of the Discipline Hall, could easily discern the truth.
After Gu Liuyun’s explanation, Miaojue had a moment of realization.
“So, Fellow Gu, you are on a mission to eliminate demons. This is indeed a noble cause. But there’s something I don’t quite understand. Please enlighten me,” Miaojue requested.
Gu Liuyun’s eyebrows raised, and he responded, “Master, feel free to ask.”
Miaojue nodded and inquired, “Since you came for the five hundred thousand spirit stones, this Buddhist bead is a valuable middle-grade magic artifact worth more than the five hundred thousand. You could easily profit from selling it. Why choose a different path?”
Gu Liuyun smiled and replied, “Master, you mentioned it earlier. Eliminating demons is a virtuous act, and besides, even though the magic artifact is valuable, gaining favor with the Buddhist sect and earning a little less in the process might be more beneficial.”
Miaojue appreciated Gu Liuyun’s response, and his face bore a smile.
[Ding! Due to your conversation, Miaojue’s favorability has increased by +50.]
“Amitabha,” Miaojue said, “Fellow Gu, you have a valid point. As a true disciple of the main hall of the Taoist Palace, it’s only natural for us to help each other. Please follow me. I will gather available alchemy realm disciples, and you can select the one you need.”
Gu Liuyun was delighted by Miaojue’s understanding. It seemed this Buddhist master also appreciated kind words. Of course, it was due to his high charm level and his identity as a true disciple of the main hall of the Taoist Palace that he could gain such favor.
The two continued into the Buddhist sect. As they entered the sect’s gate, the surroundings transformed into a vast temple complex stretching for several miles. It was a mesmerizing sight, with pathways crisscrossing and well-arranged buildings. In Nine Realms Buddhism, there was no gender distinction in the practice of Buddhism. Practitioners could keep their hair and continue with worldly life or shave their heads and become part of the Buddhist order.
As Gu Liuyun walked, he encountered numerous male and female disciples and monks who maintained their hair and observed them in their daily routines. He also noticed many players engaged in various tasks, including female players. Occasionally, Buddhist bells rang out, enveloping the surroundings with peaceful chanting, creating a magnificent atmosphere.
Gu Liuyun couldn’t help but admire the place and said, “This venerable Buddhist sect, with its thousands of years of heritage, is truly awe-inspiring and extraordinary.”
Miaojue chuckled and commented, “In the past, I had the chance to visit the main hall of the Taoist Palace, a place akin to the realm of immortals. It left me quite astonished.”
The two exchanged compliments as they walked deeper into the Buddhist sect. They encountered passing players who seemed to assume Gu Liuyun was a formidable native of some sect. Miaojue led Gu Liuyun to a Buddhist temple. He asked Gu Liuyun to wait for a moment and then addressed the temple directly.
“Disciples in the alchemy state, those without assigned tasks, those not in seclusion for cultivation, and those who haven’t violated the rules gather quickly!” The voice was not loud but resonated throughout the entire Buddhist temple.
Subsequently, Gu Liuyun heard the sound of approaching footsteps, and more than a dozen figures appeared. Some were monks, while others were practicing ascetics. They all assembled neatly in front of Miaojue.
“Greetings, Master!” Miaojue nodded slightly and then turned to Gu Liuyun. “These are my disciples, some more advanced, some less, all in the alchemy state. Taoist Gu, you can choose one.”
Gu Liuyun was surprised. Miaojue was not just an elder in the Discipline Hall but possibly held a prominent position with significant authority, as evidenced by the numerous alchemy state disciples.
It appeared he had encountered someone influential. Gu Liuyun quickly expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, Master Miaojue.”
Miaojue smiled and then addressed his disciples. “Taoist Gu is a core disciple of the Taoist Palace. He has come today seeking assistance from our disciples to combat an evil force. If someone is chosen and helps Taoist Gu complete the task successfully, they will receive a valuable middle-grade magical weapon.”
Upon hearing this, the disciples’ eyes sparkled with excitement. A middle-grade magical weapon was highly coveted, as it would significantly enhance their strength. They all turned their hopeful gazes towards Gu Liuyun, eager to be his chosen ally. Gu Liuyun found Miaojue’s approach wise, as this would motivate the selected disciple to give their best.
So, Gu Liuyun prepared to select one of the Buddhist disciples to be his temporary ally. However, just as he was about to make his choice, he heard the faint aroma of incense and the melodic chanting of distant monks. Turning around, he was astonished by the sight that greeted him.
A stunningly beautiful woman, dressed in white with bare feet, was gracefully floating towards them. Each step she took produced the delicate sound of a tiny silver bell on her ankle, creating ethereal lotus-like patterns in the air. It was a mesmerizing and enchanting sight. Her flowing black hair and billowing white attire made her appear celestial, untainted by worldly desires, or a noble and ethereal fairy dwelling in a moonlit palace. Her perfectly sculpted face showed no imperfections, and her aura exuded an unparalleled sense of serenity and purity.
This graceful woman descended slowly from the sky and addressed them with a voice as light and elegant as her appearance.
“Elder Miaojue, please show your respects to Lady Serenity.”