Xu Qing found these cultivation techniques to be useless, unwilling to give them to ordinary people, and more afraid of giving them to the wrong people, causing trouble.
But Chen Liu'Er was different. The child's name was written in the 'Living Scriptures', and it could be said that he grew up under Xu Qing's care, like his own child.
Now, as the child has grown up and wants to become a monk, Xu Qing, as an elder, naturally wants to support him to some extent.
"Since you call me 'Teacher', I must teach you something. In terms of Buddhist scriptures and Zen principles, I am not as good as you, so I can only pass on to you some techniques for identifying demons and protecting yourself."
Chen Liu'Er was deeply moved. These cultivation techniques mostly aligned with Buddhist teachings. He did not believe this was something the teacher obtained by chance, but rather something the teacher had specifically sought out for him during his two decades of wandering!
"Teacher..."
Chen Liu'Er's eyes reddened, and his lips quivered. Even though he was never outmatched in debate or in discussing Zen mechanisms, he could not speak a single word at this moment.
"The road ahead is long and challenging, but you will reach your destination as long as you journey forward! The teacher believes that one day, you will reach the other side."
Xu Qing smiled slightly. It was just an ordinary smile, but in Chen Liu'Er's eyes, it carried the affection only elders would have.
That feeling was only present when facing Lady Bao Sheng, enshrined in the Bao Sheng Temple.
"This monk will remember!"
"This monk will definitely remember the teacher's words, cultivate the right path, and save all beings."
Here, as Chen Liu'Er bowed to Xu Qing and was about to leave, he was called back.
"Here are a few talismans for protection, as well as a Seven Treasure Cassock, which I obtained by chance while traveling in Quyang County. Take them with you. Additionally, you mustn't let your master know about the cultivation techniques I've given you. If you want to practice them, find a quiet place and don't let others find out."
"If anyone asks, do not mention my name. Simply let them believe you comprehended it yourself."
Chen Liu'Er nodded and said, "Don't worry, teacher. This monk will soon follow His Majesty to the Capital City to promote the Buddhist Teachings. My master cherishes tranquility and doesn't want to go to the Capital City. Even if I practice the wonderful techniques taught by the teacher, it won't cause any issues."
"If one day my master asks, this monk will remain silent, and will never betray the teacher's expectations."
Xu Qing frowned slightly; going to the Capital City with the Emperor?
When did Zhu Huai'an pull Chen Liu'Er aboard?
Xu Qing began to inquire.
That's when he found out that Zhu Huai'an met Chen Liu'Er at the head of Tanggu Bridge after casting lots.
At that time, the Emperor planned to establish a national religion to balance and eventually replace the Celestial Master's Mansion, and Chen Liu'Er's conversation and demeanor greatly suited Zhu Huai'an's intentions...
Xu Qing understood in his heart that Chen Liu'Er was born intelligent, naturally possessing Buddhist wisdom. Before becoming a monk, he had already studied the 'Nirvana Sutra', the Lotus Sutra, the Vimalakirti Sutra...
After becoming a monk, he followed the monk Xinyuan to various temples to debate Zen and Buddhist doctrines. Even with texts he had never studied, such as the 'Middle View', 'Hundred Treatises', 'Twelve Gate Treatises', he could understand them immediately...
Zhu Huai'an, an emperor who conquered the world, happened to meet Chen Liu'Er, who was unbeatable in debates at major temples, leading to mutual admiration between two talented individuals.
Before leaving, Chen Liu'Er asked Xu Qing whether the journey to the Capital City would be good or bad.
"For the past two days, my master has always told this monk that it is easy for those on the path of cultivation to enter the world but difficult to transcend it. Once I head to the Capital City, it will be hard to extricate myself. But this monk thinks that if I can pass on the Buddhist Teachings to the world with the Emperor's approval, what does it matter if I cannot extricate myself..."
Xu Qing answered indirectly, "When you met the Emperor at the head of Tanggu Bridge, was your master present?"
"Yes."
"Did the Emperor invite your master to the Capital City?"
Chen Liu'Er remained silent for a moment, then said, "When we met the Emperor, my master left this monk behind and disappeared."
"..."
Xu Qing clicked his tongue and said, "Don't listen to your master's nonsense. If he truly didn't want you to go to the Capital City, he should have stopped you outright, not snuck away on his own."
"..."
Chen Liu'Er thought of his master's past deeds and felt a deep gaze.
Apart from not being womanizer and not committing murder or arson, the monk Xinyuan violated almost all the precepts.
Yet, whenever Chen Liu'Er advised him, his master would always say, "This poor monk is of higher seniority than you now. If you keep managing this monk, beware that he might sell you for wine money one day!"
But even so, Chen Liu'Er still regarded the other as his master.
Perhaps this is what Buddhism calls a past life grudge...
...
On the other hand, no sooner had Xu Qing sent off Chen Liu'Er than another clean-shaven, beardless guest arrived at the shop.
Xu Qing recognized him; he was the chief eunuch beside Zhu Huai'an. His visit was not for trifling matters but because the current Emperor wished to perform rituals at the mouth of the Baishui River to commemorate his late father, who was later honored as Emperor Hongren Zhaodi.
"Your Majesty trusts you, sir. We must trouble you greatly concerning the ritual at Baijiangkou."
Xu Qing felt amused. He thought the eunuch had come for something significant, but it turned out he was here to bring him business!
"Please convey to His Majesty that I will certainly do my best to handle everything well."
"That is excellent."
Just as the chief eunuch was about to leave, Xu Qing hastily reminded him: "Eunuch Sun, have you forgotten something?"
"What?" Sun Mingli asked, puzzled.
"The deposit..."
"..."
Sun Mingli was left speechless.
The task assigned by His Majesty, you truly considered it a business transaction?
But there was no help for it, as His Majesty respected Xu Qing. Sun Mingli had no choice but to take out a stack of silver notes from his person as an advance.
"This household didn't bring much silver taels when stepping out, just these three thousand taels in silver notes as a deposit. If anything is left owing once the rituals are complete, this household will settle with you then."