Publish Time: 2026-07-07 09:32:00
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«Chapter 547: Bonds of the Mortal World are Truly Remarkable
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The swift horse galloped away until it caught up with the group.
Tao Sheng rode to the front and said, “Officer Zhong, we must pick up the pace a bit today. Would you mind speeding up?”
The person addressed as Officer Zhong replied, “We’re already hurrying. If we go faster and the goods get damaged, we can’t bear the responsibility.”
Tao Sheng answered, “It’s fine. A little damage won’t matter. There’s always some loss each time we reach Shangjing.”
Officer Zhong paused, saying, “This…”
“If anything goes wrong, I, Tao, will take full blame!”
“May I ask why you’re in such a rush today, Officer Tao?”
“I need to seize the moment. I’m rushing back to meet a great benefactor.”
“What kind of honor is worth risking your life for?”
“Without that benefactor, there’d be no Jian tea bowl, no blue-and-white patterns, and no Tao Sheng as he is today.”
Officer Zhong’s expression grew serious. He tugged the reins and said, “Make sure you’ve thought it through, Officer Tao. If something truly happens, you must protect my brothers here!”
“I won’t break my promise.”
“Alright, then!”
“In that case, I’ll risk everything to help you catch the moment!”
“Thank you, Officer Zhong!”
“Drive!”
At his command, the team moved three-tenths faster than usual. The rumbling of wheels filled the air as they raced against time.
………
Chen Changsheng sat inside the Long Pavilion.
He held the glimmering Jian tea bowl, gazing at it. Only four words echoed in his mind: almost supernatural craftsmanship.
The shimmering ripples inside the bowl made one marvel. What level of skill could create such a breathtaking masterpiece?
This was far more astonishing than what Chen Changsheng had described in his previous life.
As his fingers brushed the surface, it felt as though he could sense the sweat and toil countless souls had poured into this vessel. The sensation was oddly profound.
Chen Changsheng murmured in awe, “Silver Dragon and Azure Breeze… Such craftsmanship is truly marvelously skillful.”
After a moment’s thought, this bowl was likely the finest of the batch made by Tao. Why else would Tao carry it close to his heart?
Carefully, Chen Changsheng tucked the bowl into his sleeve. A gift from a friend must be treasured.
He let out a soft breath. A warm breeze swept by, heavy with the scorching heat of the Huai Xu sun. It made the air stuffy and uncomfortable.
Cicadas buzzed loudly from the woods, their shrill calls mingling with the rustling trees. A coolness drifted from the dense forest, suddenly lifting the heavy feeling.
Chen Changsheng sat a while longer. Then, from the corner of his eye, a figure appeared.
The person wore tattered robes, with a shaved head revealing rows of monk’s scars. His skin was dark, and his cracked lips trembled. Carrying a wooden alms bowl, he trembled unsteadily as he walked.
Seeing him, Chen Changsheng knew the traveler he’d been waiting for had finally arrived.
Sensing eyes upon him, the elderly monk turned. His deep, murky yet clear eyes met those of the Green-Robed Gentleman.
The monk paused at the pavilion and stopped.
“Young Master, peace be upon you,” the monk greeted.
“Peace to you too, Master,” Chen Changsheng responded.
The monk said, “This humble monk is but an Ascetic. I dare not be called ‘Master’.”
“What I call you, I believe is fitting.”
“Your kindness touches me. I am Guixin. Pleasant meeting, Young Master.”
Chen Changsheng returned the gesture. “Chen Changsheng, just an idle wanderer. Pleasure meeting you, Master Guixin.”
The monk looked puzzled. “Were you waiting for me, Young Master Chen?”
“I was.”
Master Guixin nodded. Chen Changsheng then invited him to sit.
Settling down, the monk placed his wooden bowl on the table with a quiet sigh of relief.
Chen Changsheng asked, “Where does Master Guixin hail from?”
“From the bitter north.”
“What we once called the Northern Desert?”
“Long ago, yes, that was its name.”
Chen Changsheng nodded. “And your destination?”
“Da Xiang’s Shangjing.”
Surprised, Chen Changsheng said, “Master must’ve taken a wrong turn. We’re now in the southwest—you’ve wandered quite off path.”
“I spread the Buddhist Dharma along my journey. No place must be missed.”
“I see.”
Understanding dawned on Chen Changsheng. He then asked, “Are you traveling alone?”
“We began with four. Now, only I remain.”
“You carry heavy sorrows, Master.”
“Amitabha Buddha, bless them.”
The old monk clasped his hands and began to move the prayer beads through his fingers.
Chen Changsheng studied the monk carefully, then asked, “Is your journey, Master, meant to seek an audience with His Majesty?”
“Indeed.”
Master Guixin’s faded eyes seemed like the last flicker of a lamp about to be snuffed.
Chen Changsheng nodded gently. “Years ago, His Majesty named the Daoist Sect as the orthodoxy of Da Xiang. With the Daoists taking hold early, their roots now run deep. Your quest might end in vain.”
Master Guixin exhaled softly. “The world remains restless. People of true virtue are few. With other heresies rising amid the Daoist power, chaos stirs. Buddhism must seize its chance to stand firm.”
Chen Changsheng pondered this. “Since you see the pattern clearly, Master, your faith shall surely find its place.”
Why would Buddhism gain backing? The reasoning was plain.
Buddhism taught people to do good and seek inner peace. It offered refuge from the harm done by other cults. Its kind-hearted wisdom met the Emperor’s hope for the people—unlike the Daoist principle that “Dao Follows Nature”. More, Buddhism’s lessons of great love and kindness echoed Confucian ideals. Governing by Confucian rule was the empire’s course. Letting Buddhism grow served the ruler’s plan for order.
Master Guixin uttered a prayer and said, “All by the Buddha’s Child’s guidance.”
Hearing “Buddha’s Child”, Chen Changsheng paused. “Where might the Buddha’s Child be now?”
“In the bitter north. Shaped by trials, there he became the true Buddha.”
“Ah…”
Chen Changsheng sighed. “With this long road ahead, Master Guixin, you look weary. Reaching Shangjing seems unlikely. If you fail to meet His Majesty, your mission may remain unfulfilled.”
Master Guixin spoke quietly. “Even if I should fall halfway, another shall step into the Imperial Palace to stand before our ruler.”
“Your resolve moves me, Master.”
“You overpraise me.”
Chen Changsheng gazed toward the rolling hills. Through the trees, he spied a mountain spring.
“I carry no food, Master. Still, I might fetch you half a bowl of spring water. Hope you won’t scorn this small gift.”
“Deep gratitude.”
Chen Changsheng raised a hand, shaping his two fingers.
“Come!”
At his word, wisps of water rose from the distant slope. Droplet by droplet, the clear water flowed into the wooden bowl until it was half full.
Master Guixin’s eyes widened. “Amitabha Buddha…”
He lifted the bowl to his lips and drank his fill. As he set it down, he breathed a long sigh.
“You carry goodness in your heart, Young Master.”
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