Senior sister, stop working and go home for dinner.

Chapter 147 Incense Rises, Heroic Souls Resist Clouds and Hidden Temples

All eyes were on Chen Anran, waiting for his answer.

Chen Anran stood before the largest main god statue, his eyes revealing a complex and unfathomable meaning, as if he were reminiscing or sighing.

He turned around, faced the puzzled looks of the crowd, and slowly began to speak.

"These are not deities as they are known today, nor are they immortals or Buddhas worshipped by Buddhism or Taoism. Their names and deeds originate from an ancient era that has been sealed away, a period of... heroic souls that have long been lost in the long river of history."

He raised his hand and pointed to the statue of a deity with phoenix eyes, a face like a red date, and a long beard. "This is the 'Loyal and Righteous Divine Martial Emperor Guan Sheng,' also known as 'Loyal and Righteous Emperor Guan Sheng.'"

"Lord Guan Sheng?" Su Wan repeated softly, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. She was well-read and had an exceptional memory, yet she had never seen this name in any ancient texts.

Chen Anran nodded, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and continued, "He is not a fictional deity, but rather a legendary hero from ancient times. His name was Yu, courtesy name Yunchang, born at the end of a distant dynasty called 'Han.' He possessed unparalleled martial arts skills and was exceptionally righteous. Throughout his life, he remained loyal to his brother, keeping his promises. Even in perilous situations, he was unmoved by high office and wealth, traveling thousands of miles to find his brother, overcoming countless obstacles. His loyalty and righteousness shine as brightly as the sun and moon. Later generations admired his virtue, respected his courage, and revered his righteousness, bestowing upon him titles and honoring him as 'Emperor,' a symbol of loyalty, martial prowess, and integrity. He was also the Demon-Subduing Emperor, protecting the region."

He paused, giving everyone time to process the information, before introducing the other deities.

There is the "Medicine King" wielding a pestle, compassionately helping the world; there is Yue Fei, the King of Wuyue; there is the Emperor Wenchang...

Each statue carries a magnificent story and a heroic spirit. Loyalty, courage, righteousness, benevolence, wisdom, and trustworthiness—these core and brilliant qualities of Chinese civilization are perfectly embodied in these heroic spirits.

The side hall was completely silent, with only Chen Anran's calm and magnetic voice echoing through it.

Su Wan, Qi Lan, Zhao Mengmeng, Lin Xiaoman, and even Huiming listened intently. It was as if they could see those long-forgotten epics through these cold stone statues, and feel a powerful force that was completely different from the Buddhas, Taoists, immortals, and gods they knew, yet equally awe-inspiring and even closer to human nature.

Chen Anran did this not because he wanted to establish a new religion, but because when he traveled around, he sometimes felt that although the world was vast, he was like a rootless duckweed.

By enshrining these heroic souls of their hometown here, bowing three times at dawn and dusk, and burning incense morning and evening, he sees it as building a small spiritual homeland in a foreign land.

Seeing these heroic spirits of China is like seeing the mountains and rivers of that past life; it always brings a sense of peace and less of a feeling of drifting and unreality.

"Loyalty, righteousness, martial prowess, integrity, and protection of the world... such spirit truly deserves to be worshipped and revered." Su Wan spoke softly, breaking the silence in the hall, "An Ran, do you intend to use this as the guardian deity of my Cloud Hidden Sect?"

"They can be seen as protectors of the Dharma, or as role models of the ancients." Chen Anran nodded. "What they embody is a spirit, a kind of order. By gathering the power of incense and prayers, they may manifest miracles and protect the area. More importantly, their spirit can guide people's hearts toward goodness and help them distinguish right from wrong."

He looked at Huiming and said, "In Buddhism, there are Bodhisattvas with gentle brows and Vajras with fierce eyes, all for the sake of saving the world. The deities here also have their ways of protection and punishment, which may not contradict the light you are seeking."

Upon hearing this, Huiming trembled slightly. He looked at the statue of Guan Yu again, his eyes less confused and more thoughtful and enlightened. He clasped his hands together and bowed deeply: "The Master's guidance is invaluable. Righteousness endures, and can serve as a guiding light for both Buddhism and Taoism."

Qi Lan rubbed her still slightly sore arms, her amber eyes curiously examining the statues, especially the enormous main deity statue that had caused her so much suffering—a figure with a majestic face, dressed in imperial robes, holding a scroll, and with wise and benevolent eyes. "And which emperor is this?" she couldn't help but ask.

"This is the 'Emperor Wenchang,'" Chen Anran explained, "who is in charge of literary fortune, fame, and academic success. People who seek knowledge and wisdom often make offerings to him."

Zhao Mengmeng's eyes lit up, and she immediately put her hands together, bowed to the statue of Emperor Wenchang, and whispered, "May the Emperor bless me, so that I can memorize my lessons faster and my cultivation will go more smoothly..."

Lin Xiaoman was also attracted by the stories and spirit behind these statues. She walked to the statue of Yue Fei, who was holding a gun, and felt the awe-inspiring spirit of loyalty to the country and unyielding integrity. She felt a sense of resonance and respect inexplicably.

"Master, will we be able to worship these deities from now on?" Zhao Mengmeng asked after bowing to Wenchang Dijun.

"Yes." Chen Anran nodded. "Until the temple built by Chairman Zhao and his team is completed, it will be temporarily housed here. Once the temple is finished, it will be moved and the rituals for its worship will be established."

Su Wan interjected, "An Ran, you will be fully responsible for this matter. The sect and its members will cooperate."

"Yes."

After the statue was properly placed, Chen Anran began to set up a simple incense offering. He personally cleaned the side hall and set up an incense table.

Zhao Mengmeng, Lin Xiaoman, and even Huiming and Qi Lan watched curiously from the side. Su Wan stood at the palace gate, quietly watching Chen Anran's busy figure, her gaze deep, lost in thought.

Chen Anran took out a box of specially made incense sticks and distributed them to everyone.

"From today onward, offer two sticks of incense at dawn and dusk. Sincerity is all that matters; no elaborate formalities are required." Chen Anran lit three sticks of incense first, held them in both hands, stood before the statue of Guan Yu, bowed slightly, and inserted the incense into the incense burner. He did not kneel; his posture was more like engaging in a dialogue across time with a worthy sage.

Following his example, everyone took turns offering incense.

Zhao Mengmeng appeared exceptionally devout, her little face full of seriousness, and she muttered softly, "May Emperor Guan bless my master with peace and good fortune, and may the Yunyin Sect prosper more and more..."

Lin Xiaoman was more interested in the statue of Yue Fei, and her eyes were focused when she offered incense, as if she was feeling the indomitable spirit of the hero.

Huiming paused for a moment before each statue, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply. These heroic spirits, embodying qualities such as loyalty, courage, righteousness, and benevolence, were quite different from the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas he had worshipped in the past, but their spiritual core was subtly connected with the "Dharma" and "Light" he sought, which resonated with him.

Qi Lan's movements as she offered incense were swift and decisive, displaying her usual straightforwardness. She glanced a few more times at the Wenchang Emperor, who had caused her so much suffering, pursed her lips, and ultimately performed the proper bow.

The smoke from cigarettes curled slowly through the side hall, enveloping the solemn stone statues. Strangely, the smoke did not seem to dissipate immediately; instead, it seemed to be drawn by an invisible force, lingering around the statues, especially the two main statues of Guan Yu and Wenchang, as if being slowly absorbed by them.

After the statue was placed in its proper place, everyone dispersed.

Qi Lan rubbed her still sore arms, glared at Chen Anran, and said irritably, "Next time there's such a 'trivial matter,' remember to make the amount clear beforehand!" After saying that, without waiting for Chen Anran's response, she pulled down the brim of her hat, turned around and went down the mountain back to her "Meow Fairy Abode," her back view exuding a resentment of "being exhausted."

Chen Anran watched her retreating figure and couldn't help but chuckle.

Zhao Mengmeng excitedly pulled Lin Xiaoman along, discussing which statue was the most majestic and which looked the most intelligent, filled with even more anticipation for her future cultivation life.

Huiming silently returned to his room and continued his meditation and contemplation. What he had seen and heard today once again challenged his preconceived notions. The Cloud Hidden Sect, True Man Chen, and these unheard-of guardian spirits... everything seemed so different, yet it seemed to point to some grander and more profound "Dao".

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