bookbashuk Chapter 26 On the Road
Chapter 26 On the Road
Chen Anran was startled.
"A mysterious flight?" He immediately thought of his experience at the old building in Lincheng.
It seems that the changes brought about by the resurgence of spiritual energy are far more extensive than imagined, and even the atmosphere at 10,000 meters above sea level is not immune.
Shi Haisheng took in Chen Anran's subtle changes in expression and said kindly, "Young friend, your cultivation is still in its early stages and your spiritual platform is just beginning to take shape. It is not advisable for you to venture into such a dangerous place. If you encounter any unexpected events in the air, your life may be in danger. Since you are going to Guangzhou to find your relatives, my Vajra Temple is located on the outskirts of Guangzhou. Our temple happens to have a private plane that is about to return. If you do not mind, you can take our plane with you. This will be both safe and save some time."
Private jet? Chen Anran was slightly taken aback, but then understood. Master Shi Haisheng was a highly accomplished monk, and his Vajra Temple must be very popular. It was quite reasonable for him to have a private vehicle for occasional needs.
Shi Haisheng's suggestion is undoubtedly a safer and faster option to reach Guangzhou.
"I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Master." Chen Anran stood up and bowed respectfully. "It is truly my fault for troubling you like this."
Chen Anran originally wanted to ask him and his group to go on that "mysterious flight" together and contribute to their exorcism mission. However, Chen Anran quickly realized that he was only a beginner in Qi cultivation, and if he went rashly, he might not only not be of any help, but would also be a hindrance to them.
"Hehe, meeting is fate. The Buddha is compassionate, and helping others is also a form of spiritual practice. Moreover, it is my great fortune to be able to form a connection with a successor of the Yunyin Sect." Shi Haisheng smiled warmly, then turned to Huiming and instructed, "Huiming, go and make the arrangements. Also, retrieve your young friend's luggage while you're at it."
"Yes, Master." Huiming replied respectfully and turned to go out to make contact.
Soon after, Chen Anran followed Huiming and boarded a medium-sized private jet through a special passage.
Upon boarding, the interior wasn't the lavish luxury I'd imagined, but rather imbued with a Zen-like tranquility. The space was spacious, the seats upholstered in comfortable, simple fabrics, and the cabin was decorated with refreshing greenery; a subtle sandalwood scent created a calming atmosphere. More than a private jet, it felt like a mobile sanctuary or meditation room.
As for Shi Haisheng, he was still inside the terminal, waiting for the "mysterious flight" to land.
The plane took off smoothly and passed through the clouds.
Chen Anran glanced at the rolling sea of clouds outside the window and the shrinking city lights below, then focused his mind and began to cultivate, not wasting this rare moment of peace.
Chen Anran held the spirit-gathering stone in his sleeve and tried again to guide the spiritual energy to circulate within his body. With Master Shi Haisheng's previous guidance, his process of sensing the energy seemed a little smoother this time. The wispy spiritual energy slowly gathered in his dantian, bringing a warm and reassuring feeling.
During the flight, the monk Huiming brought over some tea and snacks. Seeing Chen Anran meditating, he gently placed the tea down without disturbing her. After a while, Chen Anran finished a small cycle of Qi circulation, opened her eyes, and met Huiming's gentle gaze.
"Benefactor Chen is very diligent in his practice," Huiming praised.
"You flatter me, Master. I am just beginning to learn and dare not slack off," Chen Anran replied humbly, picking up his teacup and taking a sip. The tea was fragrant and refreshing.
"Does Benefactor Chen have any specific clues in his search for your senior sister? Guangzhou is a vast city with a large population, so finding someone is no easy task," Huiming asked with concern.
Chen Anran sighed, "I only know that my senior sister used to work as an extra in the film and television city, but she never said which film crew she was in or where she lived. For the past two months, I haven't been able to reach her by phone or reply to her messages."
Huiming examined the photos carefully and pondered, "There are several film and television bases around Guangzhou, the largest of which is 'Oriental Movie Metropolis.' My master has some good connections in various circles in Guangzhou. If you need, I can ask the temple to inquire whether there have been any unusual events or... whether there have been any traces of other practitioners in the vicinity of these film and television bases recently."
Chen Anran was grateful.
In Guangzhou, a city where no one knows the people or places, having a local expert to help you will undoubtedly make things much easier.
"Then I will thank Brother Huiming and Master Shi Haisheng in advance!"
"It's just a small favor; Buddha helps those with affinity." Huiming smiled with his palms together.
Chen Anran was quite curious about Vajra Temple, so he took the opportunity to ask, "Brother Huiming, what kind of temple is Vajra Temple? From what Master Shi Haisheng said, it seems to be quite large."
Huiming smiled with pride yet humility: "Amitabha. Vajra Temple is located on Luoxia Mountain in the western suburbs of Guangzhou. Although it dares not call itself a sacred temple, it has a history of over a thousand years and its incense is still quite prosperous. There are about a hundred monks in the temple. In addition to chanting scriptures and practicing meditation, they also pay attention to martial arts to strengthen their bodies. They combine farming and meditation and are self-sufficient. My master often taught us that cultivation is not bound by formalities. Carrying water and chopping wood are nothing but the wonderful path."
Chen Anran nodded, filled with longing, and then asked, "I just heard that Master Shi Haisheng and my fellow disciples came to deal with the 'mysterious flight.' Senior brother, your cultivation is profound, why didn't you go with them? Is there other important business?"
Upon hearing this, Huiming blushed slightly and clasped his hands together, saying, "Benefactor Chen, you flatter me. This humble monk is of dull aptitude. Although I have followed my master in cultivation since childhood, I am still only at the initial stage of Qi Refining, barely stabilizing my cultivation. That 'mysterious flight' harbors deep resentment and is no small matter. My master said that this journey is dangerous, and that having a disciple like me with such shallow cultivation accompany us would only add to our burden and be counterproductive. Therefore, he ordered me to stay behind and be responsible for the escort."
Chen Anran understood and comforted him, "Senior brother is too modest. The path of cultivation is long and the key is perseverance. Senior brother has a solid foundation and his future is limitless." He also secretly reminded himself that even disciples of a prestigious sect like Vajra Temple were stuck in the early stage of Qi Refining before the spiritual energy was restored, which shows how difficult cultivation is in the Dharma-ending Age.
When his master, Shi Haisheng, was mentioned, Huiming's eyes immediately filled with reverence, and his tone became enthusiastic: "My master's cultivation is profound, having reached the Foundation Establishment stage. His Buddhist teachings are boundless, and he is compassionate, often performing good deeds. He is highly respected in Guangzhou and even throughout the country. However..." He paused, a smile that contrasted slightly with his status as a monk appearing on his face, "...My master has one worldly wish, which is that he loves football very much."
"Football?" Chen Anran was somewhat surprised.
"Exactly," Huiming said with a smile, as if he had opened a floodgate of words. "Master has always loved watching football, but... alas, the performance of our national men's football team has been unsatisfactory for many years, often causing Master to sigh with regret. He once said with a smile that once the spiritual energy is fully restored, the environment of heaven and earth changes drastically, and human potential is further developed, it may be possible to break through the existing constraints. He plans to select disciples with talent and potential from within the temple, to temper their minds with Buddhist teachings from a young age, and to strengthen their bodies with spiritual power, to form a 'Vajra Temple Football Team,' not seeking fame or fortune, but only hoping to win glory for the country and fulfill his long-held dream of playing on the green field."