{"id":13145,"date":"2020-11-25T16:00:08","date_gmt":"2020-11-25T21:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/?p=13145"},"modified":"2020-12-29T09:49:31","modified_gmt":"2020-12-29T14:49:31","slug":"pttp028","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/pttp028\/","title":{"rendered":"Part-Time Taoist Priest 28"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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<< Chapter 27<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Project Page<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Chapter 29 >><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Willow Sprite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The next day, Xie Lingya and Shi Changxuan took the high-speed rail back to Niuyang. When they were waiting by the departure gate, a girl next to them, who was also waiting for the train, remarked, \u201cYour doll is really cute\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pokeweed, who was sitting on Shi Changxuan\u2019s shoulder, had life-like facial features and was wearing a set of overalls. Additionally, its owner was very handsome. When Shi Changxuan went out with Pokeweed on his shoulder, he always caught the attention of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The girl glanced away to the side and added, \u201cIs it popular now to use a doll as an accessory?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was it popular?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya followed her sight and saw a man of around 30 to 40 years of age queuing at the departure gate to the left. He was wearing a cap, which obscured his face, and a small wooden doll was pinned onto his cap. The humanoid doll seemed to be made from sturdier material than Pokeweed and the clothes it wore were coarser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beside Shi Changxuan\u2019s ear, Pokeweed said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWillow boy, willow boy
Born in the wild by the road
Summoned as a sprite
But acting as a partner to evil\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan\u2019s brows furrowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pokeweed continued to say,\u201cOmen of fuyin<\/em> in thy fate\u2026 Sign of huagai<\/em> in thy destiny\u2026 Ah!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After stammering a few times, Pokeweed gave up, disheartened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man suddenly turned his head. His cap was obscuring his face, but Xie Lingya felt that he was looking in their direction. According to common sense, at this distance, he shouldn\u2019t be able to hear their conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man glanced over for two seconds before turning away again as if looking their way was a coincidence. However, Xie Lingya\u2019s instinct told him it wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The line on the left started to move and the man entered the gate. Xie Lingya raised his head and saw that the train was headed for the Quedong provincial seat. It was in the opposite direction of their destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c…This person… gives me a bad feeling,\u201d Xie Lingya muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ticket checking had started at their gate too and everyone stood up to queue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan then said, \u201cThe doll hanging from his cap was a willow sprite.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previously, when they dug out Pokeweed, Shi Changxuan had briefly explained about this type of enchantment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Willow sprites and pokeweed sprites were both whispering sprites. The enchantment method was similar, but pokeweed sprites were natural wood spirits. Willow sprites, on the other hand, were carved from willow branches, and then the spirit of a dead person would be sealed into the carving. The spirit of children who died of unnatural causes were the most suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether pokeweed sprites or willow sprites, both were raised by cultivators. If they accumulated good karma, their spirits would have the chance to be enlightened or to reincarnate. On the other side, if they did bad things, then heavenly punishment awaited them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo wonder he seemed to know that we are talking about him\u2026\u201d Xie Lingya didn\u2019t expect to meet another person who had a whispering sprite. Just now, he\u2019d sensed something off with this person, and now he wondered if the willow sprite contained a spirit that bore very strong grievances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The person was long gone. Shi Changxuan said, troubled, \u201cPokeweed was divining him just now, but it changed its prediction a few times. It couldn\u2019t make any accurate readings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya was shocked. Pokeweed\u2019s predictions usually came true quickly, sometimes in a matter of minutes, sometimes a few days if it was slow. Destiny could change, so it would report the most likely outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under normal circumstances, a person\u2019s destiny would not keep changing in a short time. They quickly realized something was off, as it was with cases like Director Gao\u2019s, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such uncertainty in Pokeweed\u2019s prediction indicated that this person might be constantly causing trouble, therefore there were too many variables in his destiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut Pokeweed mentioned that his destiny contained huagai. <\/em>In addition, this person has a willow sprite, so he could be a cultivator,\u201d Shi Changxuan said. In astrology, huagai<\/em> was a scholarly star. A person with huagai<\/em> in their destiny was generally isolated, intelligent, and had an inclination for the mystical. They were often good at divination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan recited Pokeweed\u2019s prediction again: \u201cWillow boy, willow boy, Born in the wild by the road, Summoned as a sprite, But acting as a partner to evil. To be a partner of evil<\/em>\u2014this man probably didn\u2019t use the willow sprite to do any good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that was the case, it would be difficult for the willow sprite to reincarnate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya sighed. The train headed for the provincial capital had departed, carrying away that man and his willow sprite. It was but a chance encounter, and he could only feel sorry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pokeweed seeing the fate of its brethren, said softly, \u201c…Hugging you tightly!\u201d1<\/a><\/sup>A Chinese meme<\/span>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan, being a constant listener of Pokeweed\u2019s ramblings and constantly influenced by Xie Lingya, couldn\u2019t help but say, \u201cYou can\u2019t move.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pokeweed: Sob!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Xie Lingya got back to the temple, he received good news. He had previously posted a recruitment ad and now there were two Taoist priests who came over for an interview. This was also because Baoyang Temple had more devotees nowadays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two interviewees were both over thirty and had experience cultivating in other temples. Xie Lingya asked Shi Changxuan for help to test the priests\u2019 knowledge and found that both of them were well-learned, so they were both hired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the priests was called Hou Xuzhong and the other Liu Bohe. With the new additions to the temple, Zhang Daoting\u2019s burden could be lessened. Moreover, Hou Xuzhong could also interpret fortune sticks<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortune sticks were a type of divination tool. They were made of bamboo and each stick had a number inscribed. The fortune sticks were stored in a special bamboo cup or tube. To make a divination, one would shake the cylinder until a stick fell out, then look for the oracle that corresponds to the number on the fortune stick. Many temples had this divination tool. Usually, the service for interpreting the oracles cost 10 to 20 yuan, forming a part of a temple\u2019s income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for Liu Bohe, he was proficient in liturgy performance. It was said that he even participated in music class for Gaogong<\/em> in his previous temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only issue was that Baoyang Temple didn\u2019t have enough rooms. Xie Lingya could only reorganize the storage room and move some of the items to his own, and even to Zhang Daoting\u2019s, room. Then he partitioned the room into two bedrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hou Xuzhong and Liu Bohe had no complaints. In their previous temples, they had even stayed in bunk beds before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya reminded himself to quickly earn more money, otherwise, they wouldn\u2019t have enough rooms to recruit more priests. Baoyang Temple was just too small. If they had even more followers in the future, but their priests had to rent rooms elsewhere, how could they be \u201cresident priests\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xie Lingya also received an invitation from Ding Aima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shopping mall which Ding Aima helped construct when he was alive had finally finished renovating and was opened for business. Ding Aima enthusiastically invited the people and ghosts he knew to visit his \u201cnew home\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c……\u201d Xie Lingya ignored the weird feeling and decided to accept the invitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hai Guanchao asked Xie Lingya when he was heading out, \u201cDirector Xie, where are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya thought for a moment before replying, \u201cI\u2019m going to a shopping mall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hai Guanchao replied, \u201cThen buy some toilet paper from the supermarket\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh.\u201d After an awkward pause, Xie Lingya headed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTeacher Xie, you can get a coupon over there.\u201d Ding Aima welcomed Xie Lingya at the entrance of the mall. He directed Xie Lingya to the coupon counter and then introduced him to the shops and entertainment venues available on each level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ding Aima said, \u201cI normally like to stay in the cinema on the fifth floor and watch some movies. The movie tickets are so expensive. Too bad I can\u2019t watch in 3D. Or sometimes I lie down in the home department on the third floor. They have a super big bed. I\u2019ve never slept on such a big bed when I was alive\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026Xie Lingya felt sympathy hearing his words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then he saw Ding Aima go over to greet Qin Limin, who also came to visit. He reminded Ding Aima to be careful when floating around so as not to disturb the human shoppers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAima, which floor is the supermarket on?\u201d Xie Lingya asked, remembering Hai Guanchao\u2019s request for toilet paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBasement Level One,\u201d said a pretty young lady, who replied faster than Ding Aima. She even smiled at Xie Lingya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya was stunned for a moment. \u201cOh, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome.\u201d Seeing Xie Lingya\u2019s good looks, the lady felt their encounter must be fated, so she continued, \u201cAre you from the Northeast? Then we share a common hometown. My mom was from the Northeast too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, I am not,\u201d Xie Lingya replied, puzzled, then realization hit him. What Northeasterner, he was calling Ding Aima\u2019s name, not saying aiyoma<\/em>! he thought, miffed.2<\/a><\/sup>People from Northeast China speak Northeastern Mandarin, which is a very slight variant of the Standard Chinese but retains sporadic elements from native Tungusic languages, Korean and Russian, where there are enough differences to give the dialect its own distinctive characteristics.<\/span>\n\n\n\n

Ding Aima stood by the side, hesitant. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t be here, should I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, goodbye,\u201d Xie Lingya thanked the lady again and hurriedly headed for the supermarket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you searching for, Teacher Xie? I know everything, let me tell you.\u201d Ding Aima had prowled through the whole mall and was excitedly offering assistance, being even more helpful than a store assistant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For once, Xie Lingya enjoyed VIP service. Under Ding Aima\u2019s guidance, he bought the toilet paper with the best value for money and a few more items that were having massive discounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the checkout line, he met the lady \u201cfrom the same hometown\u201d again. She smiled at Xie Lingya. \u201cWhat a coincidence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYea,\u201d Xie Lingya smiled awkwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lady didn\u2019t feel any awkwardness at all. She continued to chat him up with a different topic this time. \u201cHey, did you know that when this mall was being constructed, it was haunted?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other people who were queuing perked up their ears in interest. A woman told her friend, \u201cI think I have heard of that too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya glanced at Ding Aima: \u201c…I had no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lady said, \u201cYou didn\u2019t know? Someone fell to their death during the construction and became a malevolent spirit. The workers and passersby were harassed by the ghost.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya glanced at Ding Aima again and said drily, \u201cWas it so scary here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ding Aima hung his head, embarrassed. \u201cThat\u2019s all in the past.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut don\u2019t be afraid. The ghost is gone now,\u201d the lady said mysteriously. \u201cYou know why?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya thought for a moment and replied, \u201cProbably\u2026 no.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lady pointed in a certain direction, \u201cIt is said that the ghost was exorcised by the nearby Baoyang Temple. They venerate Spirit Official Wang there. Do you know Spirit Official Wang? He is the Protection God of Taoism. How would he allow a ghost to be around him? So the ghost was exorcised!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lady added, \u201cI heard this from my colleague.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ding Aima sulked. \u201cNonsense. Qin Limin is even patrolling in front of the temple.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lady noticed Xie Lingya\u2019s speechless expression, and thought she failed to chat him up. She felt it was a pity but didn\u2019t spend more thought on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In actuality, even though Xie Lingya felt speechless, he was still in good spirits. The lady may have gotten some details wrong, but what she said also reflected another fact, which was that Baoyang Temple was getting more and more well-known among the residents of this city. Their reputation was good, consequently, the name of their venerable founder had also spread far and wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this aspect, all was well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Xie Lingya returned to the temple, hands full of shopping bags, Liu Bohe was giving Taoist lessons in the front yard to an old lady. \u201cIt is easier to prevent calamity than to salvage the situation after a calamity. It is like preventing illnesses. Therefore, one should always perform good deeds and accumulate blessings. If one waits until disaster strikes before\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old lady: \u201cClasping the Buddha\u2019s feet!\u201d3<\/a><\/sup>\u4e34\u65f6\u62b1\u4f5b\u811a – lit. to clasp the Buddha’s feet when danger arises (idiom); fig. to profess devotion only when in trouble (also, to do something hurriedly only at the last minute; to make a last-minute effort)<\/span>\n\n\n\n

Liu Bohe: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old lady: \u201cOh, oh, praying to the god!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liu Bohe: \u201c…Right. So a person should know what causes calamity and be more careful in one\u2019s actions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liu Bohe was older and more experienced than Zhang Daoting. He was good at explaining profound concepts in simple words. His appearance was mature, hence those who liked to judge a book by its cover were also more trusting in him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just selling talismans and interpreting fortune sticks was not good enough. Taoist teachings should be promoted to the worshippers to truly convert them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya watched the scene with contentment in his heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Meanwhile, over at Taihe Temple, Chen Sansheng was apologizing on the phone: \u201cI have not recovered, I\u2019m afraid I won\u2019t be able to accept this job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis\u2026 Can you accept another master from our temple? Master Zhu is also an excellent Gaogong<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright then, maybe there is someone who could fit your requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Liu Bohe was teaching lay disciples of the temple the Taoist classics. The aunties and grannies liked to listen to Liu Bohe explain Taoist scriptures, especially since he focused mainly on life lessons. As time passed, some temple followers suggested that he conduct a class to teach the classics formally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting had never enjoyed such an attitude; people would ask him some questions at most. He looked too young after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya handed a piece of yellow cloth to Liu Bohe before the class. The surface on which the religious books were placed should be covered with yellow or red cloth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, Xie Lingya took out a paper sign and stuck it on the wall. On the sign were the words \u201cLearning Classics, Gods Keep Away\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The characters were written with a firm and steady hand, obviously not by Xie Lingya. The yellowing sign was written by Wang Yuji when he was still alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many worshippers here only just started to learn about Taoism due to Baoyang Temple, so they asked, \u201cDaozhang<\/em>, what do these words mean?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liu Bohe explained, \u201cWhen reciting the classics, the Six Jia gods4<\/a><\/sup>protection gods<\/span> will come forth to offer support, hence one can cultivate oneself and redeem others. A person reciting the classics can benefit the grass, trees and other living things around themselves. But if the scriptures are recited wrongly, it could harm the living beings. Therefore, when we are learning and aren\u2019t familiar with the text, we need to keep away from the gods and learn privately.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a mistake was made while reciting the scriptures in public, corrections needed to be made immediately, otherwise, one wouldn\u2019t redeem others but cause harm instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, when Shi Changxuan and Xie Lingya performed rituals to purify dead spirits, if they recited the scriptures wrongly, the spirits who listened to the wrong text would not be released from their suffering. In this case, the person performing the ritual wasn\u2019t performing a good deed, but a sin instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya only learned the texts at the last minute whenever he needed to use them, so he had only learned some scriptures on redeeming and purifying dead spirits. He stood by the side and listened to Liu Bohe teaching Qingjing Jing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The full name of this classic was \u201cTaishang Laojun Explains Qingjing Jing\u201d. The entire text was just over 500 characters and was one of the most common scriptures recited by Taoist priests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya memorized the text after listening to Liu Bohe reciting it once. Liu Bohe still needed to explain the text, so Xie Lingya headed out. Everyone understood the scriptures differently and on their own terms. Xie Lingya felt some inspiration, so he didn\u2019t continue to listen to Liu Bohe to avoid confusing his train of thought. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya went to tidy up the rooms after leaving the class. When he took the trash out, he saw a luxury car stopping in front of the temple. A middle-aged man about 50 years old alighted, followed by Shi Changxuan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShi Daozhang,<\/em>\u201d Xie Lingya greeted casually. He observed the two of them curiously, wondering who the other man was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man raised his head and saw the plaque bearing the words \u201cBaoyang Temple\u201d. He looked surprised and exclaimed, \u201cBaoyang Temple? You are staying here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man smacked his forehead, \u201cThis is truly heaven\u2019s will!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201cWho is this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan replied, \u201cHe was introduced to me by Abbot Chen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Sansheng had not fully recovered. There were always people asking him to perform ceremonies, a few of whom he couldn\u2019t reject, for example, this gentleman. The man, after being convinced that Chen Sansheng really couldn\u2019t perform the task, asked that he recommend someone else instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Sansheng had originally recommended other priests from his temple, but the man rejected all of them. Chen Sansheng could only advise that he look for Shi Changxuan. Therefore, the man went to Quedong College and found Shi Changxuan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although Shi Changxuan had only said one simple sentence, Xie Lingya quickly made the connection. \u201cSo that\u2019s the case. Have you agreed?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He thought it was strange that Shi Changxuan brought the man to Baoyang Temple. They could have just made the arrangements themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Shi Changxuan could reply, the man reached out his hand and said excitedly, \u201cI am Tang Qi. This master, are you surnamed Xie?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya shook his hand. \u201cYou know me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi said, \u201cIn my initial inquiry, a friend of mine, you should know him, Gao Xianliang, Director Gao, recommended me Baoyang Temple. He said to look for a certain Teacher Xie here. I\u2019m ashamed to say, when I first checked out your temple, I thought it was too small. So I went to Abbot Chen in Taihe Temple instead. Abbot Chen was unwell and told me to ask if Shi Daozhang<\/em> would be willing to take up the job. Who knew that Shi Daozhang<\/em> is taking residence here. Things went full circle and I am back here again!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning of such a twist to his journey, Xie Lingya said politely, \u201cIt seems we have some fate between us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi said, \u201cIndeed. Actually, I bought a piece of land in the mountain area and wanted to invite a master to look at the feng shui and perform a ceremony because when we were flattening the ground, we found some bones. Shi Daozhang<\/em> said he needed to ask someone else before taking the job. Haha, he must have meant you, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan needed to ask someone? Xie Lingya looked at Shi Changxuan, confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan was silent for a moment before saying, \u201cMr. Tang wanted the job done urgently and needed a few dozen talismans\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instantly understanding, he gestured towards the temple. \u201cOk, let\u2019s speak inside.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tang Qi was a wealthy man. He had recently acquired a big piece of land in the mountains which came with hot springs. He planned to construct a holiday retreat there. They had just begun working and discovered some bones when digging in the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was a common occurrence to find bones in the wilderness. However, this reminded Tang Qi that he should be more careful when conducting business in the mountain area. He should hire someone to perform a ceremony and make more detailed plans for the feng shui. Compared to Director Gao, Tang Qi cared more about these mystical matters. He had bought the piece of land because he saw that the features of the mountain were good and now, he was obviously mindful of the building architecture as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi had always believed that Chen Sansheng had some real abilities, and had also heard of the Shi family from the provincial capital. When Director Gao recommended Baoyang Temple, he was displeased by its small size and secretly felt that they didn\u2019t have any real abilities. Now that he saw Shi Changxuan needing to consult Xie Lingya on the matter, he had a change of heart regarding Xie Lingya and Baoyang Temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am just impatient when it comes to business. Time is money after all. Why spend three days when we can solve the matter in one?\u201d Tang Qi said. \u201cIf possible, I would like to invite both of you to the site tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya knew little about feng shui, but Shi Changxuan was proficient in it. He would just help out with the ceremony and fully display his function as a human talisman printer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two parties came to an agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRight, there is something I hope you two won\u2019t mind,\u201d Tang Qi suddenly recalled something. He scratched his head and said, \u201cIn my plan for this tourist spot, other than the hot spring resort, there will be a Buddhist temple.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201c???\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi said innocently, \u201cI have an agreement with an eminent monk. When the construction is complete, he will be the abbot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was quite common to build Buddhist temples in scenic spots or tourist attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Xie Lingya had thought that Tang Qi was a follower of Taoist beliefs. He discovered now that Tang Qi probably believed in anything that worked. Either that or he believed in money, after all, it was indeed easier to operate Buddhist temples these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, to hire a Taoist priest to advise on the feng shui for the site of a Buddhist temple, this action was just unbelievable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does your eminent monk know about this?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan was much calmer on the other hand. He studied religions after all. He said to Xie Lingya, \u201cBuddhism does not consider feng shui and only believes in karma.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Buddhist classics, Gautama Buddha had clearly forbidden his disciples from performing divination, such as feng shui or choosing auspicious dates. If a Buddhist disciple performed these actions, they were either breaking the rules or scamming. These forbidden actions were known as \u2018Mithy\u0101tva<\/a>\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, when the boss Tang Qi wanted a consult on feng shui, he needed Taoist priests. The monks probably wouldn\u2019t have minded even if they found out since it was Tang Qi and not them who were considering the feng shui. Still, it felt weird saying it out loud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After some thought, Xie Lingya said,  \u201cAi<\/em>, if the monk doesn\u2019t mind, then why are we concerned!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Translator: <\/em>Velvet
TL checker:<\/em> Darkchocolatesan
Editor: <\/em>Miiya
Proofreader:<\/em> Taalia, Eques
QC:<\/em> Eques<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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