Tianyue City, Red Forest Harbor.
The cool autumn wind of September carried the unique salty smell of the water. The bustling noise of the harbor was also carried by the wind.
Standing on the deck of the passenger ship, one could see the tall masts in front of the harbor from afar. Ships of all sizes were clustered together. Just looking at it gave one a particularly lively and prosperous feeling.
"Do you see the continuous red forest at the harbor? The red forest here is red all year round, so it's called Red Forest Harbor. It's also one of the top ten scenic spots in Tianyue City … "
Fang Wenxiu pointed at the red forest with a happy smile on her beautiful face. She had seen the scenery of the red forest many times, but she could not control her excitement to be able to introduce it to Master Wukong.
Following the direction of Fang Wenxiu's finger, Gao Zhengyang saw a stretch of red forest stretching forward. From the trunk to the leaves, it was a rich blood-red color. Under the bright autumn sun, it looked unusually gorgeous.
"It's beautiful …" Gao Zhengyang praised sincerely.
There were also red leaves in the mountains of Eastern Wilderness. The large patches of red leaves could stretch for thousands of miles, and it was extremely spectacular. However, the red forest here was one with the buildings and people. It added a natural beauty to the bustling place. It was a different feeling to look at.
The thin-faced young man pursed his lips and muttered, "Flowery monk."
The young man's voice was not loud, but it was not soft either. Fang Wenxiu was focused on pointing out the scenery, and she was standing next to Gao Zhengyang, so she did not hear it.
Gao Zhengyang heard it clearly. He knew that the young man said it on purpose. In the past two days, he had also learned the young man's name. It was Shi Lian. When he heard the young man's name, Gao Zhengyang almost laughed out loud.
Shi Lian was actually quite interesting. He liked to show off, but he was especially shy. He wanted to attract Fang Wenxiu's attention, but his methods were laughably clumsy. He did not know that in the eyes of girls, all his actions would only make them annoyed.
This was a peacock who was eager to show off its beautiful tail, but it always showed its butt and a * * hole first.
Gao Zhengyang turned his head and grinned at Shi Lian. He said, "Yes, I love to pick flowers."
His voice was so low that Shi Lian could hear it, but Fang Wenxiu couldn't.
Shi Lian, on the other hand, was agitated. He pointed at Gao Zhengyang and shouted, "You, you, you are really shameless."
Shi Lian's voice was very loud. Not only did Fang Wenxiu hear him, but most of the people on the deck also heard him.
Everyone looked at Shi Lian in surprise, not knowing what he wanted to do.
"What nonsense are you spouting!" Fang Wenxiu, who was at the side, was unhappy. Her face tightened as she questioned him.
Embarrassed, Shi Lian's thin face turned red and he hurriedly explained, "This is a flowery monk. He just admitted that he likes to pick flowers the most."
Gao Zhengyang smiled but did not say anything. His eyes were clear and his mind was clear. His White Moon Monk Robe was untainted by even a speck of dust. As he stood there, he naturally had an otherworldly aura.
Standing beside him, Shi Lian was like a firefly next to the bright moon. One was in the clouds while the other was on the ground. From appearance to bearing, he was completely crushed.
With his stupidly red face and stuttering face, no one would believe his words.
Looking at the beautiful Fang Wenxiu, everyone understood what was going on. This time, many people even looked at Shi Lian with a bit of sympathy in their eyes.
Most of the Buddhists of the East Continent did not forbid marriage. Shi Lian's appearance was obviously to compete for the girl next to him. Unfortunately, his opponent was too strong. He was doomed to fail.
Out of sympathy for the weak, everyone could understand Shi Lian's stupid slander.
"Don't blame Benefactor Shi." Gao Zhengyang gently persuaded, "This poor monk did say that just now."
Fang Wenxiu did not believe it. She was standing next to him, how could she not have heard it? On second thought, Gao Zhengyang should be afraid that Shi Lian would be embarrassed, so he spoke up for him.
Thinking about it this way, Fang Wenxiu admired Gao Zhengyang even more.
Most of the others also thought so, and they also admired Gao Zhengyang a little more. Even those who had some doubts about Gao Zhengyang had changed their minds.
"He was clearly in the right, and this monk also admitted it, but why does everyone look like he is in the wrong!"
Shi Lian was even angrier. He was not eloquent, let alone quick-witted. He was so angry that his head was dizzy, and he did not know what to say. It was just that his face became even redder, as if it was on fire.
Gao Zhengyang was even more amused. Compared to fighting masters, teasing ordinary people was also very interesting.
"Picking chrysanthemums under the eastern fence, leisurely seeing the southern mountain."
Gao Zhengyang softly recited a line from Tao Yuanming's poem before saying, "Picking flowers is an elegant thing, what's the harm in being a flower-picking monk."
Of course, there was no Tao Yuanming in this world, let alone this famous idyllic poem.
The two lines were simple and natural, fresh and meaningful, without a trace of carving, quite zen.
Everyone on the deck, even if they did not have much appreciation, could feel the mood of the poem.
For a moment, they were all speechless.
"Picking chrysanthemums under the eastern fence, leisurely seeing the southern mountain …" Fang Wenxiu whispered again, her big eyes shining even brighter.
The human race was founded on martial arts, and the most important thing was martial bravery. But after ten thousand years of development, there was also a deep accumulation of culture. It was just that compared to martial arts, the status of literature was always a level lower. The ancient poems in Gao Zhengyang's memory were enough to instantly kill everyone.
At this time, he casually took out a few lines. Sure enough, it attracted everyone's admiration and worship.
Shi Lian was also shocked. He hated Gao Zhengyang, but he still had a basic level of appreciation. Even if these two lines were not written by Gao Zhengyang, it was enough to show Gao Zhengyang's literary realm. It was indeed something he could not compare to.
But Shi Lian was still unconvinced. When Gao Zhengyang spoke just now, his expression was definitely lecherous and malicious.
Shi Lian also knew that no one would believe anything he said now.
Beside him, Fang Wenxiu could not help but ask, "Master, who wrote this poem?"
Gao Zhengyang put his palms together in front of his chest and said humbly, "It was made by This Penniless Monk for fun. I've made a fool of myself. "
Everyone was amazed when they heard this. Talented people would always be respected. Moreover, Gao Zhengyang's appearance was excellent, impeccable.
Everyone felt honored to be able to meet such an accomplished monk on such an ordinary passenger ship. When they returned home, they would deliberately brag again.
I don't write poems. I'm just a porter in the poetry world … Gao Zhengyang secretly teased in his heart. There was no psychological burden in copying poems. It only made him feel especially good.
A sailor standing by the side of the deck sized up Gao Zhengyang seriously. At the same time, he silently remembered the two lines of the poem and the Dharma name "Wukong."
People like them had a duty to gather all kinds of information. A special person like Gao Zhengyang would definitely be recorded in the file.
Gao Zhengyang's amazing feat immediately became the center of attention.
Many people came forward to ask Gao Zhengyang some questions about the Buddhist scriptures. Gao Zhengyang patiently answered them one by one.
Gao Zhengyang was not proficient in the Buddhist Dharma, but he had read too many chicken soup for the soul. Selling chicken soup while hanging Buddhist scriptures was definitely a good feeling.
Everyone had never heard of this before. All of them were convinced by what he said. They were just short of crying.
Someone immediately kowtowed to Gao Zhengyang and offered him money no matter what, asking Gao Zhengyang to accept it.
Gao Zhengyang did not refuse. Monks were begging for alms anyway. He only took some money to show that he had received everyone's kindness.
Everyone was even more amazed. He was really an accomplished monk.
Only when they disembarked from the Red Forest Port did everyone bid farewell to Gao Zhengyang and leave.
When everyone left, Fang Wenxiu also heaved a sigh of relief. She was very happy that everyone worshiped Gao Zhengyang. However, everyone surrounded Gao Zhengyang. She could not interject and felt a little disappointed.
"Master, aren't you going to Pegasus Temple in Qicheng? I'll send you there."
"Yes," Gao Zhengyang said. "However, you can just tell This Penniless Monk the way."
"Qicheng is still very far. Let's go by car."
Fang Wenxiu was very familiar with this place. She took Gao Zhengyang to a rail car.
The huge wooden car could seat more than a hundred people. However, it did not take long for the car to be filled with people.
The car looked a little like a bus. Even the interior seats were similar. Gao Zhengyang was really surprised that Tianyue City had such a thing. However, he felt relieved when he thought of the large ship that used rails to slide up the mountain.
With that kind of technical ability, it would be very easy to get a rail car.
Before the car started, Shi Lian suddenly rushed up. He squeezed to Gao Zhengyang's side and stood there without saying a word.
Fang Wenxiu, who was sitting inside, frowned. She felt even more disgust for Shi Lian. However, this rail car did not belong to anyone. One could get on it just by paying. She could not say anything more.
"This car is quite interesting?" Gao Zhengyang saw that the atmosphere was a little awkward and said to Fang Wenxiu.
"This is a Lugong car. It's said that a second-order demonic beast pulls the car …"
Fang Wenxiu said, "Most areas in Tianyue City have such cars. It's very convenient to ask. It's not expensive either. The outer city has a Sky Canal that goes around the entire city. It's the long river that we took the ship to enter. If you want to have fun, it's also very good to take a round on the Sky Canal … "
"Amazing …" Gao Zhengyang praised from the bottom of his heart.
Under these conditions, using simple means of transportation to connect the inside and outside of Tianyue City through rails and canals, allowing this majestic city of thousands of square kilometers to operate, it was truly a genius design.
"Our Tianyue City is the best in the world at smithing …"
Fang Wenxiu was extremely proud. She pointed outside the window and said, "Not far from Honglin Port is the Furnace District of the Nine Cities. It covers an area of a hundred square kilometers and is filled with smoke all year round …"
From the narrow window, one could vaguely see a layer of black smoke floating in that direction.
Actually, Gao Zhengyang had already seen it. Honglin Port was mostly stopped by cargo ships. Most of them were also carrying iron ingots.
"The best in the world at smithing …" Gao Zhengyang pondered. He just happened to have a few hundred kilograms of Black Cloud Gold. Using this opportunity, he might be able to find a reliable person to help him forge a set of armor.
With his body, he did not have much need for armor. However, it was always good to have an extra layer of protection. Armor made of Black Cloud Gold would not be much inferior to his titanium alloy.
Most importantly, wearing armor would be very cool. It would also be more compatible with the Dragon King's Halberd.
Alright, this was the most important reason why Gao Zhengyang needed armor.
"Lu Gong's car is quite fast. We'll reach Qicheng in another four hours …"
Fang Wenxiu did not stop talking. She told Gao Zhengyang many things about Tianyue City along the way.
At dusk, Gao Zhengyang and Fang Wenxiu finally arrived at Qicheng.
Under the gentle light of dusk, the green stone roads, green walls, green tiles, and most of the people here were dressed in green.
Most of the buildings here were made of huge green stones. All of them looked very simple and unadorned. However, compared to the Tielin Sect, the buildings here were more exquisite and orderly. It also had the charm of an ancient city.
"Walk two miles along the long road from here to the Golden Canal Bridge, turn on the bridge, and then go to the Zhao Family's garden. The Pegasus Temple is at the end of a long alley …"
Fang Wenxiu told Gao Zhengyang the way and said worriedly, "The road is a little complicated. Can you find it, Master?"
"Don't worry." Gao Zhengyang said, "I can ask if I can't find it."
Fang Wenxiu thought about it and agreed. It was getting dark, so it was not good to insist on sending Gao Zhengyang. "Goodbye, Master. I'll visit you when I have time."
Before leaving, Fang Wenxiu looked at Shi Lian worriedly but did not say anything in the end. She felt that Gao Zhengyang could handle this problem.
After all, compared to Gao Zhengyang, Shi Lian was too weak. He was not a threat at all.
"See you again if fate wills it." Gao Zhengyang nodded slightly and watched Fang Wenxiu leave.
After returning that day, he used the Heavenly Demon Secret Technique on Fang Wenxiu. It was the Heavenly Demon Secret Technique taken from the Blood Lotus Guard Commander.
Fang Wenxiu actually didn't know anything. Gao Zhengyang just gave her a simple hint and made her forget the fatty Xu Songlin. It would not hurt her.
"Miss Fang is gone. Do you still want to follow this poor monk?" Gao Zhengyang asked Shi Lian.
Shi Lian said coldly, "My home is near the Pegasus Temple. If I know the way, I can send you back."
"Well, thank you." Since someone was willing to lead the way, Gao Zhengyang naturally would not refuse.
Although Shi Lian did not seem to have good intentions, what could he do?
Gao Zhengyang even hoped that he could bring some surprises.
Shi Lian kept a straight face and did not speak. He kept his head down and walked quickly in front. After walking for a while, he couldn't hear the sound behind him at all. He thought that Gao Zhengyang had run away. He hurriedly looked back and found that Gao Zhengyang was behind him.
While he was relieved, Shi Lian was also a little flustered. This monk was much more powerful than he thought.
Tianyue City was really lively, especially after entering the Zhao Family's garden. The streets were full of people and hawkers on both sides of the street.
From needles and thread to sugar dumplings, there were all sorts of things to eat, use, and play.
Although most of the people here looked relaxed and had a leisurely aura of not worrying about food and clothing. This was a temperament that the people of the Tielin Sect definitely did not have.
Of course, there were also many poor people here. From time to time, beggars in ragged clothes could be seen kneeling on the ground and begging for food.
After passing through the lively streets, they turned two or three times and reached the depths of a long alley. Shi Lian, who was walking in front, stopped and said to Gao Zhengyang, "We're here."
Gao Zhengyang looked up and saw that the red paint on the two dilapidated wooden doors had almost fallen off, revealing the original color of the wood inside.
There was a horizontal plaque hanging on the wooden door with the words "Pegasus Temple" written on it. The invasion of time made the three big words look a little blurry.
The three bluestone steps in front of the door had been polished quite smooth. The short bluestone walls on both sides were also a little crooked. It was unknown how many years it had not been renovated.
From the outside, the Pegasus Temple looked quite bleak.
Fang Wenxiu had already revealed the situation of the Pegasus Temple, so Gao Zhengyang was not surprised.
No matter how dilapidated the temple was, the people inside must not be simple.
Until now, although no one had clearly said anything to Gao Zhengyang. He almost guessed the old monk's identity. Since the old monk let him come to learn Dharma, he must have his reasons.
Pushing the door open, Gao Zhengyang slowly walked in.
Facing him was a small courtyard, the bluestone floor, in the middle of which there was a black iron incense burner as tall as a person.
Facing the courtyard was the Hall of Great Strength. Although the sky was dark, Gao Zhengyang could still see the Buddha of the World enshrined inside.
The Buddha of the World was the founder of Buddhism, and also the highest enlightened person of Buddhism. Although the ten sects of Buddhism had different understandings of scripture, they all respected the Buddha of the World as the common master.
On both sides of the main hall, there were two small side halls. Gao Zhengyang did not know much about the Buddhist sects here. He could only tell that there were two Buddha statues but did not know who they were.
As Gao Zhengyang sized them up, a gray-clad monk walked out from the side door of the side hall. Just as the monk was about to speak, he saw Gao Zhengyang's appearance and closed his mouth.
The monk was stunned for a while before pressing his palms together and bowing. "This little monk is Yuan Zhen. Greetings, Venerable."
Yuan Zhen's large, black eyes sized up Gao Zhengyang. He felt that Gao Zhengyang was not much older than him. However, based on Gao Zhengyang's bearing, he seemed like an accomplished monk. Yuan Zhen wanted to address Xiao Chen as senior brother but did not dare to be rude. After hesitating for a while, he called out to the venerable.
Gao Zhengyang pressed his palms together and bowed. "Buddha is merciful. I dare not accept your praise. This humble monk is here to pay respects to Venerable Hui Ming. "
Yuan Zhen's large, black eyes turned, and he revealed a friendly smile. "So, you are here to see Master. Please come in."
Yuan Zhen led Gao Zhengyang through the side door and into a small courtyard at the side.
There were three main rooms and two side rooms in the courtyard. The doors and windows were old and shabby, looking extremely shabby. A few monk robes hung on a rope in the courtyard.
With one look, it was clear that this was where the monks stayed and rested.
After entering the main room, Yuan Zhen saw a skinny old monk sitting cross-legged on a prayer mat. The monk's eyes were half-closed, and he held red sandalwood prayer beads in his hand. His body swayed slightly, looking like he was asleep.
"Master! Master!" Yuan Zhen called out, but there was no response. He could not help raising his voice.
"Huh?" The old monk slowly opened his eyes and glared unhappily at Yuan Zhen. "What's with all the noise?!"
"Master, someone is here to look for you," Yuan Zhen said with a smile, not afraid of the old monk.
Only then did the old monk raise his turbid eyes and look at Gao Zhengyang. Feeling somewhat puzzled, he asked, "Why are you looking for this old monk?"
"This humble monk is Wukong. On Martial Uncle's orders, I came to look for Venerable to learn from him."
Gao Zhengyang pressed his palms together and bowed, clearly stating his purpose for coming. Although the other party looked inconspicuous, Gao Zhengyang did not dare to underestimate him.
"Wukong …"
Hui Ming narrowed his eyes and thought for a while before saying, "Oh, I remember now. Alright, since you're already here, why don't you stay here for a while? "
Hui Ming said to Yuan Zhen, "Go and help Wukong find a bed and settle him down."
"Yes, this disciple will go right away." Yuan Zhen was very interested in Gao Zhengyang, so he quickly ran to the wing.
Hui Ming beckoned to Gao Zhengyang and said, "Come over. This old monk has a few things to say to you."
When Gao Zhengyang came over, Hui Ming said unhurriedly, "The Dharma is not passed down easily. The Revered One of the World once said that the most important thing in the world is money. Do you understand? "
Gao Zhengyang was somewhat stunned. He had not expected Hui Ming to ask for money.
Hui Ming was bald and hairless. His eyebrows were sparse, and his chin was bald. Hui Ming was small and thin. He wore yellow monk robes that had been washed so many times that they had faded. He looked poor and did not look like someone who was greedy for money.
However, Hui Ming immediately smiled. "That is natural. Master, just tell me how much you need."
"Money is a mere worldly possession, but it can show your sincerity." Hui Ming thought for a while before adding, "One copper coin for one copper coin."
Shi Lian, who had secretly followed over, was flabbergasted when he heard this. This old monk is really direct!
Shi Lian originally wanted to come over and complain. However, Hui Ming's reaction made him understand that this old man was even more shameless.
Then, he revealed a friendly smile. "So, you are here to look for Master. Please come in."
Yuan Zhen led Gao Zhengyang through a side door and into a small courtyard at the side.
There were three main rooms and two wing rooms in this courtyard. The doors and windows were old and shabby, looking extremely shabby. A few monk robes hung on a rope in the courtyard.
With one look, it was clear that this was where the monks stayed and rested.
When Yuan Zhen entered the main room, he saw a skinny old monk sitting cross-legged on a prayer mat. The monk's eyes were half-closed, and he held red sandalwood prayer beads in his hand. His body swayed slightly, looking like he was asleep.
"Master! Master!" Yuan Zhen called out, but there was no response. He could not help but raise his voice.
"Alright." The old monk slowly opened his eyes and glared at Yuan Zhen unhappily. "What's with all the noise?!"
"Master, someone is here to look for you," Yuan Zhen said with a smile, not afraid of the old monk.
Only then did the old monk raise his turbid eyes and look at Gao Zhengyang. Feeling somewhat puzzled, he asked, "Why are you looking for this old monk?"
"This humble monk, Wukong, is here on Martial Uncle's orders to seek out Master to learn the Dharma."
Gao Zhengyang pressed his palms together and greeted with a serious expression, clearly stating his purpose for coming. Although the other party looked inconspicuous, Gao Zhengyang did not dare to underestimate him.
"Wukong …"
Hui Ming narrowed his eyes and thought for a while before saying, "Oh, I remember now. Alright, since you're already here, why don't you stay here for a while? "
Hui Ming said to Yuan Zhen, "Go and help Wukong find a bed and settle him down."
"Yes, this disciple will go right away." Yuan Zhen was very interested in Gao Zhengyang, so he quickly ran to the wing.
Hui Ming beckoned to Gao Zhengyang and said, "Come over here. This old monk has a few things to say to you."
When Gao Zhengyang came over, Hui Ming said unhurriedly, "The Dharma is not passed down easily. The Revered One of the World once said that the most important thing in the world is money. Do you understand? "
Gao Zhengyang was somewhat stunned. He had not expected Hui Ming to ask for money.
Hui Ming was bald and hairless. His eyebrows were sparse, and his chin was bald. Hui Ming was small and thin, wearing yellow monk robes that had been washed so many times that they had turned white. He looked poor and did not look like someone who was greedy for money.
However, Hui Ming immediately smiled. "That is natural. Master, just tell me how much you need."
"Money is a mere worldly possession, but it can show your sincerity." Hui Ming thought for a while before saying, "One copper coin for one copper coin."
Shi Lian, who had secretly followed over, was flabbergasted when he heard this. This old monk is really direct!
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