So it was the Kṣitigarbha Temple. Miao Yi had heard of this place the last time he was here. Even though the Buddha Realm kept a low profile and didn't interfere with worldly affairs, it seemed like they wanted to stick their nose into everything. Whenever they found a place, they would build a temple. It was normal, and no one would pay attention to it. However, he didn't know what the Seven Absolutes thought of him as. It wasn't like he had nothing better to do. Why would he provoke the Kṣitigarbha Temple? Was there a need to remind him about this? He then jokingly said: "Is there still a place in the Ghost City that your Pavilion of Faith and Justice can't guarantee?"
Qi Jue: "Just like the main government office, the Ghost City's main government office is directly under the Heavenly Court, while the Earth Treasury Temple is directly under the Pure Paradise Realm. The Pavilion of Faith and Justice won't easily disturb the main government office, so naturally, they won't easily disturb the Earth Treasury Temple either. If Niu Zong provokes the Earth Treasury Temple, the Heavenly Court and the Pure Paradise Realm will need to communicate directly. We, the Pavilion of Faith and Justice, generally won't interfere."
The Kṣitigarbha Temple is directly under the Western Paradise? This was Miao Yi's first time hearing about this. The last time he was here, no one went out of their way to introduce the Kṣitigarbha Temple to him. In addition, the Kṣitigarbha Temple kept a low profile, so he didn't pay much attention to it. He didn't expect it to be directly under the Western Paradise Realm. Miao Yi's eyes flickered. He seemed to have thought of something, and asked cautiously, "In other words, the Kṣitigarbha Temple has direct contact with the Western Paradise Realm?"
Qi Jue smiled and said, "This is not something for the Pavilion of Faith and Justice to worry about. Head Commander Niu can ask the elders in the Head Commander Manor when you get back. Forgive me for not sending you off."
"Oh! I'll come again another day. " Miao Yi cupped his fists in thanks, then turned to descend the stairs and boarded the ship. Standing at the bow of the ship, Yan Xiu signaled the boatman to leave.
Qi Jue sent him off with his gaze before he turned around and left.
In front of the window upstairs, Cao Man quietly watched as Miao Yi left on his ship. Suddenly, she smiled and said, "This person is quite interesting."
Cao Fengchi, who was watching from the side, was stunned, not knowing what he was referring to.
As soon as Miao Yi returned to the headquarters, he immediately went to look for the old man in charge of the headquarters and inquired about the situation with Ksitigarbha Temple.
The old man being questioned is called He Yiguan. He has been in the Ghost City for more than ten thousand years. To be thrown here and stay for so long, it can be seen that he doesn't have any relationship or background. However, he's a senior here, and he's familiar with all the big and small relationships in the Ghost City. He can also mix in some benefits. Moreover, no matter which Main Town it is, they can still use him. After enduring for many years to reach the position of the Great Commander, his days were quite comfortable. It didn't matter whether he could be transferred or not for the time being. He was afraid that leaving the Ghost City might not be much better. It was better to just stay here and be at ease.
He Yiguan was also familiar with the name of the new mayor. He knew that this person did not rely on his background to get to the position of mayor. Before he became the son-in-law of Kou Tianwang, he had already climbed to the position of mayor, which was much more powerful than the current mayor. He was a valiant general who had fought his way out. It was Miao Yi's first time here, so he couldn't quite figure out Miao Yi's temperament. In any case, he had heard that Miao Yi wasn't a kind person, and that his hands were stained with blood. Thus, he didn't dare to offend him. He would answer whatever Miao Yi asked, and would tell him everything he knew. He carefully observed Miao Yi's expression.
After asking around, Miao Yi confirmed that the Kṣitigarbha Temple was indeed in direct contact with the Realm of Pure Bliss. It wasn't like other temples that were under the control of the Abbot. The Ksitigarbha Temple was overseen by a Master, and it was directly under the jurisdiction of the Western Paradise.
The Dharma Master was almost equivalent to the rank of his head mayor. Other than the Lord Buddha, the ranking from top to bottom in the Buddha Realm was Buddha, Vajra, Bodhisattva, Arhat, Great Mage, Dharma Master, Grand Preceptor, Abbot, and below that were some monks. Buddha was equivalent to the Four Heavenly Kings of the Celestial Court, Vajra was compared to the Marshal of the Celestial Court, Bodhisattva was compared to the Marquis, Great Mage was compared to the Lieutenant, Dharma Master was compared to the Head Mayor, Grand Preceptor was compared to the Great Commander, Abbot was compared to the Deputy General, and below that were some monks.
If you had to rank them, this would be the situation. However, there was still a difference between the Buddha Realm and the Celestial Court. Although the Buddha Realm kept a low profile and didn't interfere with worldly affairs, they were deeply involved in the secular world. Mortals who valued the power of faith and were deeply involved in the secular world would have the title of Grand Preceptor. Therefore, the specific rank wouldn't be as strict as the Celestial Court. They emphasized on how many people there were under each rank. The boundaries of the titles were also vague. It was mainly determined by the secular world and one's location.
The situation at Dang Yin Mountain was also a little special. There were no mortals on such a huge planet, and mortals couldn't survive here. Naturally, there was no need for them to play too many tricks. It was also understandable why a Buddhist Master was assigned to oversee this place.
To put it bluntly, it was because of the unique situation of the phantom market. The Ksitigarbha Temple here was set up to keep an eye on the situation here. More importantly, it was also a place for those from the Buddha Realm to rest and stay. Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't accept outsiders, only disciples of the Buddha Realm. Therefore, they kept a very low profile.
Miao Yi slowly nodded his head after listening to He Yiguang's explanation. He pondered for a moment before asking, "Does this Buddhist Master often enter the Pure Paradise Realm?"
As far as he knew, it wasn't easy for ordinary people to enter the Pure Paradise Realm. The average Buddhist Master probably wouldn't have the opportunity to enter and leave the Pure Paradise Realm. Just like how it was unlikely that the headquarters would allow people to enter and leave the Celestial Court.
He Yiguang pondered for a moment before saying, "I'm not too sure about this. Although I have been here for quite a few years, I haven't had much contact with the Ksitigarbha Temple. They aren't too willing to interact with outsiders either. However, as far as I know, Buddhist Master Ji Kong was directly sent here by the Pure Paradise Realm. I believe he would have some contact with them?"
Miao Yi asked, "Then if I pay a visit, will the Ksitigarbha Temple allow me to enter?"
He Yiguang smiled apologetically. "Of course. After all, Milord is the headquarters appointed by the Celestial Court. How can they not receive you when it's your first time visiting?"
Miao Yi nodded. With his hands behind his back, he paced back and forth. After pondering for a while, he waved his hand and said, "Let's go! Lead the way. It's my first time here, so I do want to pay a visit to my neighbors. "
"Understood!" He Yiguang acknowledged the order, even though he didn't know why Miao Yi wanted to visit the Ksitigarbha Temple the moment he arrived.
"He's going to the Ksitigarbha Temple?"
After receiving Miao Yi's message from Yang Zhaoqing, Yun Zhiqiu was taken aback for a moment. Then, he fell into deep thought and roughly guessed Miao Yi's intentions. He sighed softly and nodded, indicating that he understood.
The Ksitigarbha Temple. Just like the Pavilion of Faith, it was surrounded by water on all sides, making it seem a little isolated. It stood tall in the water, connected from top to bottom. The crystal coin mine had carved out the temple's silhouette. A row of lanterns hung in front of the door, but it still gave off a sinister and oppressive feeling. To the left and right of the door, there were two statues of ferocious-looking fanged beasts.
The door was wide open, and two monks stood by the door with their palms clasped together.
He Yiguang quickly reached the door, but was stopped by the two monks. After exchanging a few words, they quickly returned to greet Miao Yi, who was walking over with Yan Xiu in tow. "Milord, they want to verify Milord's identity. Otherwise, they will not announce your arrival."
Miao Yi took out his appointment certificate and handed it over to He Yiguang. He Yiguang received it with both hands, then quickly handed it over to the monks guarding the door. One of the two monks remained to block the way, while the other went inside to report the situation. Miao Yi and the other two waited outside the door, observing the situation around them.
Not long after, the reporting monk came out with a chubby monk dressed in a greenish gray robe. The former quickly walked down the stairs and returned the certificate with both hands. At the same time, he introduced, "This is the abbot of our temple, Master Ji Kong."
"Oh!" Miao Yi immediately took a step forward. "I wouldn't dare to trouble Master Ji Kong to come out and welcome me."
Master Ji Kong had an amiable expression on his face. He quickly looked Miao Yi up and down, then clasped his hands together and said, "I have long heard of Milord's great name. I heard that Milord Niu has arrived today, so this humble monk was preparing to pay a visit after Milord has settled down. However, I was a step too late, and have caused Milord Niu to come personally.
My apologies, my apologies. "He wasn't just being polite. He had indeed long heard of Miao Yi's great name. Miao Yi was too good at stirring up trouble. It was hard not to hear about the commotion caused by him. He also wanted to pay Miao Yi a visit. Driven by his curiosity, he wanted to see what kind of person he was. At this moment, he was also surprised. This Niu Youde had just arrived. He probably didn't even understand the situation in the headquarters yet. Why did he come here?
Miao Yi smiled. "The Heavenly Court and the Western Paradise are one family. Since I've just arrived, I naturally have to get to know my neighbors first."
Ji Kong chuckled. He turned around and extended his hand in invitation, "Milord Niu, please come in and have some tea."
"Please!" Miao Yi extended his hand as well. The two of them entered side by side. Yan Xiu and He Yiguang also followed behind.
As they chatted and laughed along the way, they entered a guest room. When they were seated, a young monk came to serve them tea. Yan Xiu and He Yiguang stayed outside.
After they had their tea, the enthusiastic Ji Kong took the initiative to invite Miao Yi to visit the Kṣitigarbha Temple. He would personally accompany and explain things to Miao Yi. Most people wouldn't receive such treatment, not even if they were of a higher rank. Most importantly, Miao Yi's position was good. In addition, Ji Kong heard that Miao Yi would easily cause trouble whenever he was unhappy. That was why Ji Kong tried his best to accompany him. Hence, both parties seemed to be on good terms. It was clear that the Kṣitigarbha Temple wasn't willing to sour their relationship with the headquarters.
After walking around the Kṣitigarbha Temple, Miao Yi suddenly asked, "The Kṣitigarbha Temple is under the jurisdiction of the Western Paradise. Does Venerable One often visit the Western Paradise?"
Ji Kong didn't know why he was asking this. He smiled and said, "Every few years, I go back to listen to my master's teachings."
Miao Yi casually said, "I've long heard of the Western Paradise. Unfortunately, it's difficult to cross the path of cultivation, so I've never had the chance to see it. I wonder if I have the chance to go with Venerable One and see its true face?"
Ji Kong replied, "With Milord Commander's background, there's no need for me to introduce you to the Western Paradise. You can just ask the Heavenly King's Manor."
Miao Yi chuckled and said, "It seems Venerable One is a little reluctant!"
The rumors were true, and Miao Yi's words weren't polite at all. Ji Kong muttered to himself, a little afraid that Miao Yi would do something rash. Since he was thrown into this godforsaken place, his background naturally wasn't all that impressive. However, he didn't dare accompany Miao Yi in his crazy antics. He couldn't bear the responsibility of clashing with the Heavenly Court, so he shook his head and smiled bitterly. "Why would Commander say such a thing? If Commander is truly interested, I will naturally lead the way."
If it were any other commander, he wouldn't necessarily be so obedient. The people of the Western Paradise didn't need to be afraid of the people of the Heavenly Court. Moreover, Niu Youde's reputation was already so bad that it was rumored that he could do anything. On top of that, Niu Youde had a powerful background, so Ji Kong was indeed a little wary of him.
"Alright!" This was exactly what Miao Yi wanted to hear. "I will remember Venerable One's words. I will definitely come and disturb you another day."
After that, the topic of their conversation shifted to the phantom market. Miao Yi wasn't in a hurry to leave. Under Ji Kong's warm invitation, Miao Yi stayed for a vegetarian meal.
When it was time to officially leave, Miao Yi also sent out an invitation, "I will definitely invite Venerable One to my Commander's Manor in the future. When the time comes, Venerable One must not decline."
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
