Senior sister, stop working and go home for dinner.

Chapter 144 The Statue of God is Approaching, the Temple Awaits Construction

Chen Anran laughed and said, "Whatever you want," before changing the subject. He glanced at the now-complete cat café and praised, "Fellow Daoist Qi, your 'Meow Immortal Abode' is well-decorated. I'm sure it will be packed with guests after it opens."

Qi Lan was no longer angry. She looked around her small shop, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. Her tone became lighter, "Thank you for your kind words, Fellow Daoist Chen."

Zhao Mengmeng excitedly went to the cat tree and petted it: "Sister Qi Lan, I'll definitely come to play often! I love kittens the most!"

"Welcome," Qi Lan replied briefly.

Lin Xiaoman then noticed Huiming, who had been quietly standing behind Chen Anran, and a hint of fear flashed in her eyes.

Huiming felt the gaze, put his hands together, and bowed slightly to her and Lin Xiaoman with a peaceful expression.

Upon seeing the two of them arrive, Chen Anran said to Qi Lan, "Then we won't disturb Fellow Daoist Qi's preparations for the opening any longer. We'll take our leave now."

"Okay, take care." Qi Lan nodded.

Chen Anran, along with Huiming, Lin Xiaoman, and Zhao Mengmeng, left "Miaoxianju".

…………

As Chen Anran and his companions walked along the mountain path back to their sect, Zhao Mengmeng skipped and hopped beside Chen Anran, her face beaming with undisguised joy, chattering about the changes and interesting events that had taken place down the mountain during this time.

Lin Xiaoman hid behind Zhao Mengmeng, occasionally glancing at Huiming, who was quietly following behind Chen Anran. It was Huiming who had led the martial monks to cause trouble for Lin Xiaoman, and she had even been injured by him. It would be a lie to say she wasn't afraid.

"Master, it seems like you haven't been gone very long, but so much has happened!" Zhao Mengmeng looked up at Chen Anran, her eyes sparkling, then turned to Huiming, "Is this your friend?"

Before Chen Anran could answer, Huiming clasped his hands together, bowed slightly, and said in a calm and respectful tone, "This humble monk, Huiming, is grateful that the True Man has not abandoned me and has allowed me to follow him and listen to his teachings."

His attitude was natural yet carried an unmistakable sincerity, leaving Zhao Mengmeng and Lin Xiaoman slightly speechless.

"Follow?" Lin Xiaoman couldn't help but repeat herself softly, her gaze towards Chen Anran filled with even more curiosity.

Huiming then said to Lin Xiaoman, "Benefactor Lin, there was a misunderstanding back then. I can only make amends in the future."

Since his master was exposed for committing numerous evils, Huiming no longer distinguishes between right and wrong in terms of the so-called "righteous and evil stance".

He himself is confused now. What is right and what is wrong? Huiming doesn't know. He only knows that Chen Anran in front of him is the Buddha, the light he is looking for.

Upon seeing this, Lin Xiaoman was surprised, but her fear of Huiming lessened somewhat.

Zhao Mengmeng glanced at Lin Xiaoman and then at Huiming, looking like she was watching a melon seed.

Chen Anran didn't seem to care, simply smiling faintly; after all, they were all "one of us" from now on. He then asked, "How has things been up on the mountain lately? Is Senior Sister alright?"

"Sect Leader Su is very good!" Zhao Mengmeng answered quickly, then, as if remembering something, added, "Oh, right, Master, my father happened to come today, and he should still be on the mountain talking with Sect Leader Su."

"Chairman Zhao came in person? Is it about the resort?" Chen Anran asked casually.

"Not entirely," Zhao Mengmeng shook her head, organizing her thoughts, "Dad also brought several uncles and elders who came with us before, those bosses who also admire the Cloud Hidden Sect. It seems... they have a new suggestion they want to discuss with Sect Leader Su."

She lowered her voice slightly, with a hint of excitement as if sharing a secret: "I overheard my dad mention it, it seems to be about... expanding the Cloud Hidden Sect!"

"Expansion?" Chen Anran raised an eyebrow without stopping.

"Yes!" Zhao Mengmeng nodded vigorously. "Dad and the others said that once the resort is fully completed, there will definitely be a lot of tourists. At that time, this 'fairyland' at the foot of the mountain might not be enough to see. Many people will definitely want to go up the mountain to see what a real blessed land of immortals looks like. They suggested that, without disturbing the core area of ​​the sect's quiet cultivation, we could appropriately expand the outer palaces, viewing platforms, and so on."

Lin Xiaoman glanced at Huiming again, and seeing that he was indeed not causing trouble for her, the "former little evil cultivator," she relaxed. Then she added to Chen Anran, "Chairman Zhao and the others said that this way, tourists can experience the true grandeur of the immortals, and it can also be an opportunity to promote the culture of immortals."

As Lin Xiaoman spoke, she felt a little strange. Unlike ordinary Taoist temples and Buddhist monasteries, the Yunyin Sect did not enshrine any statues of deities. She had been here for quite some time, yet she still did not know the origins of the Yunyin Sect.

Upon hearing this, Chen Anran paused, a meaningful smile slowly creeping onto his lips. "What a coincidence."

Zhao Mengmeng, Lin Xiaoman, and Huiming all looked at him with suspicion.

"In a few days, a batch of specially made statues will be delivered to the mountain. It would be wonderful if there could be a dedicated place to enshrine them."

It turns out that after Chen Anran and Huiming left Longhu Mountain, they did not return directly to Yunyin Sect, but instead went back to Guang City.

It turns out that after Chen Anran and Huiming left Longhu Mountain, they did not return directly to Yunyin Sect, but instead went back to Guang City.

When Wei Qingyi returned to the top-floor duplex in Biyunxuan, she was slightly surprised to see the two of them return. Chen Anran explained that he had forgotten to take care of some things and then did not explain further.

However, Wei Qingyi didn't ask any more questions, since she was also very busy during this period, having to go to school and work with the film crew at the same time.

Originally, he didn't need to return to Guangzhou, but after thinking about it, Chen Anran decided to come and personally oversee the carving and production of these statues.

Chen Anran not only personally came to Yunyin Stone Art to supervise the creation, but also drove away everyone as soon as the statues were completed, staying in the shop to evolve all of them.

At this time, the statues were already on their way back, and as always, Bin Dasheng and his apprentices were bringing them over.

"A specially made statue?" Lin Xiaoman's eyes widened as she quickly followed Chen Anran's steps. "Is it the same as those stone statues on Longhu Mountain?" After saying that, she looked at Huiming.

"Or perhaps it refers to the Buddha statues at Vajra Temple."

Chen Anran shook his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over Lin Xiaoman before turning towards the misty mountain gate. His tone carried an enigmatic quality: "Neither the Dao Ancestor nor the Buddha. You will know when the time comes."

His words piqued Zhao Mengmeng and Lin Xiaoman's curiosity even more, but seeing that Chen Anran did not intend to explain further, the two had no choice but to suppress their desire to ask more questions. However, they were filled with anticipation and speculation about the upcoming batch of "specially made statues".

Huiming remained standing quietly with his eyes lowered.

The group quickly returned to the Cloud Hidden Sect's mountain gate. Compared to the bustling activity at the foot of the mountain, the mountain retained its original tranquility and simplicity, shrouded in mist and filled with spiritual energy, as if it were a completely different world from the hustle and bustle below.

As soon as they stepped into the sect's territory, they saw Su Wan talking with Chairman Zhao and several distinguished-looking middle-aged men and women under an ancient pine tree in the front yard. Zhao Qiming was all smiles, pointing to a gentle slope in the distance and saying something, while the executives nodded frequently, their eyes eager.

Upon seeing Chen Anran return, a hint of gentleness flashed in Su Wan's eyes.

Zhao Qiming and the others' eyes lit up, and they quickly stepped forward to greet them.

"Master Chen, you're back!" Zhao Qiming warmly extended his hand. "We were just having a chat with Sect Leader Su about some preliminary thoughts on the future development plan of the sect."

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Zhao Qiming and the others, Chen Anran's gaze returned to her senior sister, Su Wan.

Su Wan maintained her aloof and moon-like demeanor, but when she looked at Chen Anran, her eyes softened slightly. "Anran, did your trip go smoothly?"

"Everything went smoothly, thank you for your concern, Senior Sister." Chen Anran nodded slightly, then looked at Zhao Qiming and the others, "I just heard Mengmeng mention that Chairman Zhao seems to have some ideas about expanding the sect?"

Zhao Qiming quickly replied with a smile, "Exactly! Immortal Master Chen, Sect Leader Su. We have inspected the progress of the resort area at the foot of the mountain and unanimously believe that if we can reveal a little of the immortal aura of the Yunyin Sect, it will surely attract more people with affinity for this path. We propose that, without touching the core area, we build a few more halls and viewing platforms around the sect. This will not only satisfy tourists' desire to explore the mysteries and seek immortality, but also promote the name of the Yunyin Sect."

A Mr. Wang, a manager standing nearby, added, "We are willing to fully fund this expansion, and we will find the best teams for design and construction to ensure that it blends seamlessly with the existing ancient style of the Yunyin Sect."

Chen Anran and Su Wan exchanged a glance, and Su Wan nodded slightly, indicating that he would make the decision.

"Chairman Zhao's suggestion is exactly what I wanted." Chen Anran's lips curled up slightly. "To be honest, a batch of specially made statues will be delivered to the sect in a few days. They are not traditional Buddhist or Taoist offerings, but have a deep connection with my Yunyin Sect. They need a clean and quiet hall to properly house them and receive the incense offerings and prayers."

"A specially made statue?" Upon hearing this, Zhao Qiming and the others were filled with curiosity, but dared not ask for more details. They simply assured him, "Master Chen, rest assured, we'll take care of the temple! We'll find a suitable location and quickly build a simple temple to house the statue before it arrives, and then gradually improve it later!"

They were thrilled. The "specially made statue" mentioned by the immortal master must be extraordinary! This was not only an investment, but also a rare opportunity to connect with the immortals!

After discussing the details for a while, Zhao Qiming and the others tactfully took their leave and couldn't wait to start planning the construction of the palace.

After everyone left, only Chen Anran, Su Wan, Huiming, Lin Xiaoman, and Zhao Mengmeng remained in the front yard.

Su Wan then looked at Huiming, her gaze calm and unwavering: "And who is this?"

Huiming stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply: "This humble monk is Huiming, a former disciple of the Vajra Temple. I am grateful to Master Chen for not abandoning me and for dispelling my delusions. I am willing to follow Master Chen, cleanse my heart and reform myself, and listen to the Great Way."

Su Wan's eyes flickered slightly, as if sensing something, and she said softly, "Jingang Temple... it seems you have let go of your attachments. Since An Ran has allowed you to follow, it is your destiny. Yunyin Sect embraces all rivers; I hope you will guard your true heart."

"I will follow Master Su's teachings," Huiming replied respectfully.

Before the two could think further, Su Wan looked at Lin Xiaoman and said, "Xiaoman, you should take Master Huiming to rest." After saying that, she looked at Zhao Mengmeng and said, "Mengmeng, go back to your room and change into my sect's robes. We'll hold the apprentice-acceptance ceremony tonight."

The two knew that Su Wan wanted to speak with Chen Anran alone, so they agreed. Lin Xiaoman led Huiming towards the disciples' quarters, while Zhao Mengmeng skipped happily towards her own room.

After the two left, Su Wan asked Chen Anran, "A statue? Anran, what is this...?"

Chen Anran smiled slightly and explained, "Senior Sister, this is a long story. But those statues are all extraordinary objects that will protect our sect in the future."

Upon hearing this, Su Wan did not delve into the matter. Although she did not know exactly what methods Chen Anran had used, she knew that this junior brother had extraordinary opportunities and that his actions had their own reasons.

"Since you have already considered this, then proceed according to your plan. You can also make decisions regarding matters of the sect."

"Thank you, Senior Sister. After the temple is completed and the statues are placed, we still need to establish rules to guide worshippers to sincerely worship and gather pure prayers. This matter concerns the future and should not be taken lightly."

"Okay," Su Wan replied, "You can preside over it then." She then changed the subject, looking at Chen Anran, "You take Huiming back to the Vajra Temple..."

"Shi Haisheng deserves his punishment and his reputation is ruined. The internal reorganization of Jingang Temple will take time, and he will not have time to deal with other matters in the short term," Chen Anran said calmly. "Huiming is not a bad person; he was just deceived by his master before. Since he sincerely repents, we will give him a chance. Whether he stays or leaves, whether he returns to Buddhism or seeks another path, will be his own choice in the future."

After saying that, Chen Anran looked around and asked Su Wan, "Why don't I see Xiao Ling'er?"

Upon hearing this, Su Wan stopped paying attention to Huiming. She smiled slightly and replied, "Xiao Ling'er sensed the energy yesterday and is about to break through to the Qi Refining stage, so I had her seclude herself in the training room to try to break through as soon as possible."

Upon hearing that Xiao Ling'er was about to break through, a hint of relief flashed in Chen Anran's eyes.

"With the eldest sister protecting us, there shouldn't be any problems."

The two chatted for a few more minutes about the sect's recent situation, Chen Anran's observations from his trip with Wei Qingyi, Zhang Tianshi's attitude after they went to Longhu Mountain, and the ambiguity surrounding the Feng family's affairs.

After listening, Su Wan pondered and said, "Since Master Zhang said so, he must have a deeper meaning. The Feng family has a profound foundation and intricate internal relationships. Xiao Lu is caught in the middle, and her fate is intertwined with his. If we rashly intervene, it may indeed backfire. Let's wait and see for now."

Chen Anran understood this, but she couldn't easily let go of her concern for her third senior sister. "I understand. I just... hope she's doing well."

The sun sets in the west. The evening school bell tolls melodiously, echoing through the valley.

Zhao Mengmeng had already changed into the Yunyin Sect's uniform, a light blue long dress with faint cloud patterns embroidered on the cuffs and hem, which made her appear more serene and spirited than before. She followed behind Su Wan and Chen Anran towards the sect's main hall, her little face full of excitement.

Lin Xiaoman and Huiming, who had been temporarily settled, also came to the outside of the hall to pay their respects. Looking at the simple yet profound halls of the Yunyin Sect, and feeling the pure and peaceful spiritual energy here that was far superior to that of the Vajra Temple, Huiming was deeply shocked.

He hadn't expected the Yunyin Sect's spiritual energy to be so abundant and so pure.

No wonder his master harbored evil thoughts; it must have been to seize the spiritual energy of this place.

Thinking of this, Huiming was filled with immense sorrow.