Chapter 151
Chapter 151
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
Master Kongchan returned to Jinguang Temple and froze upon entering the main hall.
The three eminent monks from Mount Wutai who had entered the space beneath the Buddha statue several days earlier to suppress Ghost Buddha Faceless were already seated in the hall, chanting scripture and worshiping the Buddha.
“Namo Amitabha. By the Buddha’s protection, my three Senior Brothers have finally returned safely.”
“Did you encounter any danger? What is the Ghost Buddha’s condition now?”
The three white-haired monks stopped chanting and slowly opened their eyes.
“Namo Amitabha. Junior Brother does not know the hidden circumstances. Listen as we explain.”
After entering the space beneath the statue, the three accomplished monks had found nothing resembling the hellscape they expected.
On the contrary, there was only an enormous, thriving temple filled with incense smoke.
Countless ghosts crowded shoulder to shoulder inside, yet none radiated the slightest violence.
Peaceful, even smiling, they sat neatly and silently, listening to a little monk of five or six explain scripture.
The child looked carved from jade, but seated before the great Buddha, he possessed a solemn and dignified bearing.
He explained profound Buddhist doctrine in simple terms. The ghosts listened spellbound, and even the three old monks from Mount Wutai unknowingly sank into a trance.
They listened for three days and nights.
Only when the little monk stopped on the fourth day did they awaken.
He smiled at the ghosts.
“Namo Amitabha. Today’s teaching ends here. Benefactors who sincerely wish to take refuge in the Buddha may return in seven days.”
Thousands of ghosts rose and saluted together.
“Namo Amitabha. We thank Master for delivering and teaching us throughout these many centuries.”
Only after three kneels and nine bows did they reluctantly depart.
When the ghosts had dispersed, the little monk addressed the three old monks with a benevolent smile.
“Namo Amitabha. Worship and deliverance came first, so this humble monk has neglected three honored guests these past days.”
“What brings the eminent monks of Mount Wutai here?”
The three dared not be disrespectful and immediately prostrated themselves, showing no less reverence than they would before their own masters.
“Namo Amitabha. Our presumptuous visit disturbed Great Monk’s cultivation.”
“But… why is this place such a glorious Buddhist realm?”
“Has Great Monk seen Ghost Buddha Faceless?”
“Could he already have been suppressed by Great Monk’s supreme Dharma?”
At the name Ghost Buddha Faceless, the child fell into thought.
After a long while, confusion filled his face.
“Namo Amitabha. The name sounds familiar, but this poor monk cannot recall where he heard it.”
“Since awakening from confusion, this poor monk has remained here delivering the Benefactors.”
“The Ghost Buddha Faceless you mention has never appeared.”
The three old monks exchanged glances and reached the same conclusion.
With the divine soul of such a virtuous monk present, Ghost Buddha Faceless had likely been delivered without anyone realizing it.
They prostrated themselves again.
“Namo Amitabha. In that case, we will withdraw and disturb Great Monk’s teaching no further.”
After emerging from beneath the statue, the three remained in the main hall, meditating upon the Buddhist truths they had heard.
Master Kongchan had worshiped Buddha all his life and long possessed a heart still as water, yet their account shocked him.
“Namo Amitabha.”
“This poor monk has cultivated at Jinguang Temple for decades and never heard of such a thing.”
“Could the old legend be false? Or does it conceal another truth?”
Ignoring his shock, the three monks rose to say farewell.
“Since Junior Brother Kongchan has returned, we three will go back to Mount Wutai.”
“That Great Monk’s teachings were truly enlightening.”
“We must enter seclusion for several years to comprehend them.”